Sony’s Ghostbusters franchise is determined to persist, with new developments underway despite varying levels of success among its recent films. While Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) achieved critical acclaim and box office success, Ghostbusters (2016) and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) have struggled to resonate with audiences. Despite these setbacks, Gil Kenan, director of Frozen Empire, confirmed the franchise’s continuation.
The announcement aligns with Netflix’s plans to launch a new Ghostbusters animated series, set to be overseen by Afterlife’s director, Jason Reitman, alongside Kenan. This commitment to expand the Ghostbusters narrative demonstrates the creators’ dedication to the franchise’s future.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire introduced both new and legacy characters in a narrative centred around thwarting a villain’s destructive plans in New York City. Despite its potential, the film received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office, raising questions about the series’ direction.
Kenan recently shared insights with The Direct, expressing enthusiasm for more Ghostbusters tales on the big screen, though specifics about upcoming projects remain under wraps. His comments reflect a proactive approach to sustaining the franchise’s legacy while navigating the challenges posed by recent releases. “We definitely are continuing the conversation of telling big Ghostbuster stories on the big screen. Jason [Reitman]… we take the responsibility and the joy of being the keepers of the flame of Ghostbusters very seriously… we definitely are continuing the conversation of telling big Ghostbuster stories on the big screen. And stay tuned. There’ll be more. There’ll be more about that later.”
The financials reveal a cautious picture: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire grossed US$201 million worldwide on a US$100 million budget — arguably just breaking even when considering additional marketing and distribution costs. In contrast, Ghostbusters: Afterlife managed to gross US$204 million with a lower budget of US$75 million.
Given these dynamics, Sony might opt for a more modest budget for the next Ghostbusters instalment, possibly around US$75 million. This approach could allow for more focused storytelling and potentially reduce dependence on high-cost legacy cast members like Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd, whose involvement likely inflates production costs.
The focus might also shift towards newer characters introduced in recent films, moving away from the nostalgia-driven aspects that have dominated previous entries. This strategy could help refresh the franchise’s appeal and align it more closely with contemporary audience expectations.
Kenan’s update, confirming ongoing discussions about future Ghostbusters films, suggests that while challenges persist, the spirit of the franchise remains undeterred. Fans can look forward to more adventures that blend supernatural elements with the comedic flair that has characterised the Ghostbusters saga since its inception.