In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ghostbusters 3 producer Ivan Reitman reiterated how Harold Ramis' death brought him to his decision to step down as the film's director, and went on to clarify Bill Murray's stance on starring in the third film. Intimate details followed about a heart-to-heart Reitman had with Murray a few years back.
Reitman told EW about a lengthy dinner with Murray at the Toronto Film Festival a couple of years ago, where they talked about what Murray was looking for in his career.
Thus, Etan Cohen took over scriptwriting duties for a script that focused less on Venkman and more on an ensemble with new characters. The interview went on to reveal that a new director (or directors in the case of rumored LEGO MOVIE helmers Lord & Miller) has still yet to be locked in.
A little history: Murray spoke to Howard Stern in 2011 about not having read the script, but owing Ivan a phone call. Three weeks after that, no script had been read. Then Murray took on his last leading role, as FDR. Summer came, fall passed and there was no word from Bill.
Since Reitman talked about the TIFF chat as a "couple of years ago" and not last year (2013), and since Bill Murray ceased leading-man roles as of 2011, their chat either happened around the time of the Toronto Film Festivals of September 18th, 2011 or September 16th, 2012.
In early 2012, Aykroyd said "Murray will not do the movie" as it stood. Through the spring there were many times where Bill was asked about the film and he was non-committal about it but not 100% against it if there was a good script. Here, here, here and here. In June, Reitman said Murray was waffling on wanting to and not wanting to do a GB3. Then in July a new screenwriter was brought on board to reimagine the story with less (or no?) Venkman.
Later that summer, Aykroyd was still fairly sure that Murray would not do the third film, even with a new script. By summer's end even Dan was confused about where everything stood with the Murricane. It has basically remained that way ever since. He's a continual "possibly", pending a great script.
It's not like every script Murray has signed to has been a classic over the past 3 years. Monuments Men was a dud, Hyde Park was too. Murray is protective of Ghostbusters and not interested in a leading role. It sounds like great measures have been taken to perfect Cohen's script over the last two years, while adhering to Murray's wishes. With all we've heard, a Ghostbusters 3 cameo with the current script in place still seems like a likely scenario.
Thanks to Davide and Andreas for the tips.
“There were a lot of stories about how he read the script and it wasn’t up to his standards. I think he may have read 15 to 20 pages. [The dinner] started at about 10:30 and ended at 4 a.m. We closed down the restaurant. And he just said, ‘Look, I’m not interested in doing these movies anymore. I like doing these small parts. I don’t want to feel the weight and the burden of all that.’ And I understood it. And it came from a good place in his heart.”
Thus, Etan Cohen took over scriptwriting duties for a script that focused less on Venkman and more on an ensemble with new characters. The interview went on to reveal that a new director (or directors in the case of rumored LEGO MOVIE helmers Lord & Miller) has still yet to be locked in.
A little history: Murray spoke to Howard Stern in 2011 about not having read the script, but owing Ivan a phone call. Three weeks after that, no script had been read. Then Murray took on his last leading role, as FDR. Summer came, fall passed and there was no word from Bill.
Since Reitman talked about the TIFF chat as a "couple of years ago" and not last year (2013), and since Bill Murray ceased leading-man roles as of 2011, their chat either happened around the time of the Toronto Film Festivals of September 18th, 2011 or September 16th, 2012.
In early 2012, Aykroyd said "Murray will not do the movie" as it stood. Through the spring there were many times where Bill was asked about the film and he was non-committal about it but not 100% against it if there was a good script. Here, here, here and here. In June, Reitman said Murray was waffling on wanting to and not wanting to do a GB3. Then in July a new screenwriter was brought on board to reimagine the story with less (or no?) Venkman.
Later that summer, Aykroyd was still fairly sure that Murray would not do the third film, even with a new script. By summer's end even Dan was confused about where everything stood with the Murricane. It has basically remained that way ever since. He's a continual "possibly", pending a great script.
It's not like every script Murray has signed to has been a classic over the past 3 years. Monuments Men was a dud, Hyde Park was too. Murray is protective of Ghostbusters and not interested in a leading role. It sounds like great measures have been taken to perfect Cohen's script over the last two years, while adhering to Murray's wishes. With all we've heard, a Ghostbusters 3 cameo with the current script in place still seems like a likely scenario.
Thanks to Davide and Andreas for the tips.
"St. Vincent De Van Nuys" (October 2014) is probably Bills next leading role.
ReplyDeleteI really hate when sequels lose cast members or are reduced to giving us the cop out cameo. Hinting at previous better movies and nothing much else.
ReplyDeleteBut if Murray turns up for the finale in a surprise appearance, donning classic proton pack (and aided by the spirit of "Egon Spengler" no less), to "save the day" the movie shall be forgiven (albeit moderately). Basically so it's more than just the "now you see em, now you don't" cameo I often dread.
I don't care as long as i get me some more ghostbusters. I miss ghostbusters stuff so much.. sure i got all the stuff that's been done... but.. eventually you just want new stuff.
ReplyDelete