Now We’re Getting an All-Male Ghostbusters Film… Again

Let’s say this twinkie represents the normal amount of craziness surrounding the “Ghostbusters” franchise.  According to today’s news, it’d be an absurdly large twinkie. Because that’s what this latest news is. Absurd.

Remember a few months back when we got word that the next Ghostbusters film would have an all-female cast? Well, now the pendulum is swinging back in the other direction.  According to Deadline Sony is putting together an all-male Ghostbuster film. Yes, that’s right, this beloved franchise has been turned into a “His & Her” towel set.

Apparently Sony’s new plan for the “Ghostbusters” property is to turn it into a cinematic universe a la the Marvel films.  Today they announced the formation of Ghostcorps, a production company whose sole purpose is to seek out “branding opportunities” for the classic film series.  If it’s any small comfort Ivan Reitman and Dan Aykroyd will be heading up this new division.  Here’s how Reitman described the mission objective of Ghostcorps:

We want to expand the Ghostbusters universe in ways that will include different films, TV shows, merchandise, all things that are part of modern filmed entertainment,

As part of this new initiative they’ve announced that they’ll be putting together an all-male “Ghostbusters” film possibly starring Channing Tatum.  Right now it looks like Joe and Anthony Russo (“Captain America: Winter Soldier”) could direct the film while Drew Pearce (“Iron Man 3”) handles the script.  Channing Tatum is currently attached to produce, but it looks like they’re hoping to get him to star as one of the Ghostbusters.

Keep in mind, the Paul Feig directed all-female “Ghostbusters” film is still on track for release in 2016.  They’re hoping that this film could be ready for release in 2017. Could we be in for an annual “Ghostbusters” franchise?  It’s hard to imagine that we’re going from years of false starts to suddenly having back-to-back “Ghostbusters” sequels, but it looks like that could very well be a possibility.

Honestly, I’m not bothered by the Ghostcorps aspect of this. “Ghostbusters” was always a heavily marketed property.  Growing up I had the movies, cartoon series, toys, and clothing lines all shoved down my throat.  It’s nothing new.  I just hope that the films are actually of quality and not a desperate cash grab.  Every studio has been trying to create their own cinematic universe after Marvel and Disney successfully annualized the superhero genre. Universal is gearing up to create a monster universe with their classic monster films and now Sony is looking to do the same with “Ghostbusters.”  I’d love for these new films to come out and be great, but it’s hard to root for them when the reek of “monkey see-monkey do.”

What do you think?  Are you excited about a new “Ghostbusters” franchise? Let us know below.

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