Jason Reitman, ‘Afterlife’ director and son of original ‘Ghostbusters’ director Ivan Reitman, has passed the torch to co-writer Kenan while still retaining his roles as producer and co-writer alongside Jason Blumenfeld.
The torch has been passed, again. The directorial reins for Sony Pictures’ 2021 film Ghostbusters: Afterlife were first handed down from the late Ivan Reitman to his son Jason Reitman. Now, the Afterlife sequel will be directed by co-writer Gil Kenan, Deadline exclusively reports. Reitman will still retain his roles as producer and co-writer alongside Kenan and Jason Blumenfeld.
“It’s an absolute honor to pick up the proton pack and step behind the camera for the next chapter of the Spengler family saga,” said Kenan. “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.”
The Afterlife cast, including Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, McKenna Grace, and Finn Wolfhard are set to reprise their roles in the sci-fi adventure romp. While the plot is still very much under wraps, rumor has it the gang will return to the New York City firehouse of the original films.
“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 the same producorial care and support that my father showed me.”
Production for the upcoming sequel is set to begin early 2023 for a targeted December 2023 release. No word yet if MPC Film will again be utilized for the spooky VFX.
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