Gil Kenan to direct Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel

"It's an absolute honour to pick up the proton pack and step behind the camera for the next chapter of the Spengler family saga," Kenan said
Gil Kenan
Gil Kenan

Filmmaker Gil Kenan will be directing the Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel.

Sources said that Jason Reitman, who directed the previous film, will move into the writer-producer role alongside co-scribe Kenan and Jason Blumenfeld. According to a report by Deadline, the Ghostbusters: Afterlife ensemble that includes Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon will be part of the sequel.

"It's an absolute honour to pick up the proton pack and step behind the camera for the next chapter of the Spengler family saga. I just wish I could go back to 1984 and tell the kid in the sixth row of the Mann Valley West that one day he was going to get to direct a Ghostbusters film," Kenan said. 

While not much is known about the sequel, sources say the plan is to return to New York City and the iconic firehouse made famous in the original Ghostbusters films. It is slated for a December 2023 release.

"A few years ago, my father handed me the keys to Ecto-1, and together we made Ghostbusters: Afterlife," said Reitman.

"Words will never express how grateful I am to have made a film with my father by my side. It's now time to hand those keys to my creative partner and fellow Ghostbuster Gil Kenan, a brilliant director who will keep the Spengler spirit alive. I can only hope to provide him with the same producorial care and support that my father showed me," Reitman added.

It's been a high priority for Sony to get a sequel in production after Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the latest sequel to the 1984 iconic film, became a hit with its November 2021 opening.

After the success of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Reitman and Kenan signed an overall producing deal with Sony Pictures and quickly began working on the script for the next film. Production now is being eyed for the top of 2023, with casting underway for some new roles to be added to the ensemble.

Kenana has directed films like Monster House, City of Ember and last year's A Boy Called Christmas. He earned Best Animated Feature Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for Monster House.

Related Stories

No stories found.
Cinema Express
www.cinemaexpress.com