Looking to expand its Ghostbusters cinematic universe, Sony Animation has announced that plans for an animated feature are in the works.
With anticipation high for the upcoming female reboot, it makes perfect sense that Sony would take advantage of the opportunity to extend the franchise further. The Paul Feig (Bridesmaids) directed distaff version stars Melissa McCarthy (Spy) and Kristen Wiig (The Martian) and features appearances by many of the original players from the beloved 1984 classic. It’s set to hit theaters July 15, 2016.
Also in development under the studio’s Ghost Corps banner is another live-action Ghostbusters with a mainly male cast. Channing Tatum (Magic Mike XXL) is rumored to star, with Joe and Anthony Russo (Captain America: The Winter Soldier) to produce and direct. Ivan Reitman and Dan Akyroyd from the 1984 original are heading up Ghost Corps, and are charged with stretching the reach of the franchise with prequels, sequels, standalones, spin-offs and perhaps TV projects.
No writers have been attached to the animated version as of yet, but it is expected that Reitman will be among the producers.
The feature would not be the first animated Ghostbusters. A popular cartoon series, The Real Ghostbusters aired on ABC from 1986 to 1991.