Sony Hacking Scandal Reveals 'Ghostbusters' Reboot News

The recent Sony hacking scandal is certainly revealing lots of shocking Hollywood details and despite its seediness, we're getting info on some projects we've been wondering about. Namely, the Ghostbusters reboot.

Over at the Daily Beast, they reveal the (alleged) content of emails between Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment and original Ghostbusters director/producer, Ivan Reitman regarding casting considerations for the reboot.

Also, there's a more yucky-feeling email from David Steinberg, head of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s legal department, to Leah Weil, SPE’s general counsel. This particular one from October 31, 2013 reveals potential legal action against Bill Murray due to his reluctance to star in the female-centric film. Because of course he's totally obligated to be in that film, right? No.

Here is the content of the Bill Murray email:

30th Anniversary of 'Ghostbusters' Honored in an Infographic

The 30th Anniversary of "Ghostbusters" deserves much attention this weekend. The supernatural comedy, directed and produced by Ivan Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, was released on June 8, 1984. It was a phenomenon to say the least. I remember it very well and became an instant fan. Hell, I already loved the paranormal so when it was released, it made this nerdy teen feel slightly cool. Remember hearing about the 1-800 phone number you can call to get in touch with them? It was always busy. I was crushed.

Anyway, there are many interesting facts tied to the film and a new infographic developed by Mike Seiders, provides some neat tidbits. For example, did you know Aykroyd wrote the film with John Belushi, Eddie Murphy and John Candy in mind for the leads? Chevy Chase and Michael Keaton turned down the role of Peter. Good. Bill Murray owned that role and I had a big crush on him. Ivan Reitman also voiced the roles of Slimer pigging out and did the voice of Zuul when Dana was possessed. My favorite fun fact? Pee-Wee Herman was supposed to play Gozer. I know, right? Madness.

After the jump is the complete infographic and be sure to share any insider facts you may have about this classic. Thanks to the Huffington Post for this lead.

-Larissa Mrykalo

'Ghostbusters 3' To Film In 2015 -- Without Ivan Reitman

When Harold Ramis died a few weeks back, a lot of folks were understandably wonder whether a "Ghostbusters" sequel/reboot would continue. Well, Deadline is reporting it will indeed happen -- but it won't be directed by Ivan Reitman, who helmed the previous two installments.

Shortly after Ramis' death, Sony acknowledged that there had to be rewrites to respectfully acknowledge Egon's absence, but that the film would move forward. But Reitman tells Deadline that, following Ramis' funeral, he'd decided to step down from directing duties and help Sony head Amy Pascal find a suitable replacement, while remaining on board as a producer.

In Reitman's words:

"There has been all kinds of stuff, unofficially written about 'Ghostbusters' ... I’ve been reading things online for about four years, speculation on who’s writing, what they’re writing, who’s in it, who we will use, and who’s directing. We’d decided not to comment up till now, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, and it was never clear what Bill was going to do. A lot of things happened in the last few months, the most significant of which was the passing of Harold, who was a very good friend who was extraordinarily influential in my career. We did five movies together including both 'Ghostbusters'."

Reitman, as well as Ramis and Dan Aykroyd, has been a pretty sure bet as a returning director during the "GB3" saga -- which he confirms -- that's involved a couple scripts, and Bill Murray being in, then out, then ... who is keeping count? The director also confirms the script was to involve the original gang in a "very minor role" as they pass the torch to a new team.

As for when we might see the "Ghostbusters" reboot, set again in New York, Reitman says he and Sony already are working from a short list of directors and points to "the beginning of 2015" as the start of production.

-Aaron Sagers

'Ghostbusters III' Script to be Modified After the Death of Harold Ramis

Courtesy FanboyGaming.com

After losing Hollywood legend, Harold Ramis, many people assumed that the long rumored third installment of the "Ghostbusters" franchise would be sent into the containment chamber and forgotten. According to the Hollywood Reporter, however, Sony has revealed that the film will continue.

The script, which was penned by "The Office" writers Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg, will be undergoing minor rewrites, as Ramis was set to make a cameo appearance as Dr. Egon Spengler. Though the current plot hasn't been revealed, it has been eluded to that the original team of Venkman, Spengler and Stantz would be passing their Proton Packs onto a group of ghost-busting newbs.

Prior to Ramis' passing, the script wasn't far enough along to start filming in 2014. Ivan Reitman, who will be directing the sequel, is said to be meeting with Sony production executives in the near future to discuss how to proceed on the film, which is said to be in active production. Ramis passed away after a battling complications from a rare autoimmune disease on February 24, 2014.

-Nowal Massari

Latest 'Ghostbusters 3' news: Murray in? Aykroyd guarantees hit, parts 3,4?

Aykroyd, courtesy Sony Pictures

Interesting news day on the continuing Ghostbusters 3 saga but the end questions remain the same:

Will Bill Murray do it or won't he, and is this movie actually happening?

First up is an interview with Dan Aykroyd in Esquire. In addition to touching on his personal connection to the paranormal, Aykroyd confirms that he is still on the GB3 wagon and remains the big "cheerleader" of the project.

While the script isn't finalized, Aykroyd says, "I've worked on every draft in the last three years, as Ivan [Reitman] has, and now we have a story and a draft that everybody seems to agree would make the third movie. At this point, I think we're closer than we ever have been."