Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix are teaming up to create an animated film set in the Ghostbusters universe. This project, currently in its early stages, joins an animated series already in development. Kris Pearn, known for his work on “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2” and “The Willoughbys,” has been selected to direct.
Expanding the Franchise
Since its inception in 1984, the Ghostbusters franchise has ventured across various mediums, predominantly through live-action films. However, following the lukewarm reception of “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” released this year, moving towards animated projects could offer a fresh avenue for diversification and revitalization of this beloved series. Both the upcoming film and animated series clearly aim to reposition the brand by targeting a broader audience and leveraging streaming platforms to reach new viewers.
A Fresh Artistic Direction
Details about the plot remain under wraps. However, the goal appears to be adopting a novel approach distinct from the franchise’s recent outputs, drawing inspiration from the successes of other animated franchises, particularly the Spider-Verse films.
Animation could free the Ghostbusters franchise from the constraints of its traditional characters and plots while staying true to its original world. This strategy would also allow for creative flexibility to explore new stories or unique perspectives without being tied directly to the original actors or intertwined narratives of past productions.
Key Figures in the Project
Kris Pearn, set to direct the film, brings a wealth of experience in animated projects, having previously collaborated with both Sony and Netflix. His expertise will be crucial in shaping this project within a culturally well-established universe. The project also benefits from the oversight of Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan, key figures from Ghost Corps, the company that oversees all projects related to the franchise.
What are your thoughts on the latest Ghostbusters productions? Or are you still too fond of the original films to engage with the new releases? Personally, I have a strong attachment to the original movie, which I believe will always stand as the franchise’s best film.