In 1984, “Ghostbusters” emerged as a cultural phenomenon, blending supernatural elements with uproarious comedy to create a cinematic experience cherished by audiences worldwide. More than three decades later, the franchise was reinvigorated with a 2016 reboot that, while controversial at its inception, has found a passionate defender in one of its original creators, Dan Aykroyd.
Dan Aykroyd, a celebrated figure in the realm of comedic film and an Academy Award nominee, has a deep-rooted connection with “Ghostbusters.” Not only did he co-write the original 1984 film alongside Harold Ramis, but he also starred as the enthusiastic Ray Stantz. This character, along with his ghost-catching crew, captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on 80s pop culture. Aykroyd's involvement with the franchise continued through its 1989 sequel and more recently in the sequels “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” (2021) and “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” (2023).
Despite the initial mixed reception to the 2016 reboot, which featured a leading cast of talented women including Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones, Aykroyd has recently voiced a strong and unwavering support for the film. In an interview with People, he praised the direction of Paul Feig and the performances of the leading ladies, highlighting the film's ability to captivate and entertain, suggesting it as a movie “that you want to watch again.”
Aykroyd's endorsement is not without personal stakes. He was initially set to be a producer on the 2016 film but expressed frustrations over not being more involved, particularly with budgetary discussions. Despite these challenges, he remains proud of the final product, stating, “I'm so proud to have been able to license that movie and have a hand and have a part in it, and I'm fully supportive of it.”
The film itself brought a fresh perspective to the Ghostbusters universe, incorporating new characters and narratives while maintaining the heart and humor that defined the original films. Aykroyd's cameo as a taxi driver, alongside appearances from other original cast members like Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and Annie Potts, bridged the gap between the old and the new, much to the delight of fans.
However, not all original cast members were as enthusiastic. Ernie Hudson, who played Winston Zeddemore in the original films, expressed reservations about the necessity of a reboot, suggesting a preference for a continuation over a restart. His remarks to The Independent underscored a sentiment felt by many fans: while the reboot was enjoyable, it diverged from expectations set by its predecessors.
Aykroyd's support for the 2016 “Ghostbusters” reboot represents more than just nostalgia for a franchise he helped create; it underscores a belief in the enduring power of the Ghostbusters legacy and its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. The reboot, through its female-led cast, not only honored the original's spirit of adventure and comedy but also expanded its appeal to a new generation, proving that the Ghostbusters universe has room to grow and delight, whether viewers are watching for the first, second, or third time.
