OG Ghostbusters Star’s Refusal To Return Addressed By Ernie Hudson

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Star Ernie Hudson has explained why a star of the 1984 original refused to return for the latest films in the growing franchise. The most recent film alongside its predecessor, Ghostbusters: The Afterlife, introduces a new group of characters within the Spengler family tracking down ghosts and discovering their heritage. However, they also feature the return of the original crew, with appearances from almost every guest from the original film – except for one star who didn’t appear in it.

Talk with Rant screenHudson – who plays Winston in the franchise – explained why the casting of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire does not include Rick Moranis as Louis Tully. Ahead of the film‘s June 24 digital and Blu-ray release, the star opened up about how Moranis was approached and offered money, but ultimately decided not to return.. Check out what Hudson had to say below:

Yeah, because Rick plays a very important role in the success of all of this. I think everyone understands this and agrees with it. I do not know why. I didn’t have a personal conversation. I spoke to Ivan Reitman before his transition, who I know had spent a lot of time trying to convince Rick. I know the other guys talked to him, and I don’t know why. He just said no.

I know they offered him more money than they offered me. And if I thought going to him would make a difference, I’d be there. Because I would like to see [him]. And not just in Ghostbusters, but I just think he’s an incredible talent. I would love to see him work, but obviously it was a personal choice. [Maybe] if they did a country western album or something, but I don’t know. I would love to see him again if there was any way possible, you know?

Could Rick Moranis return in a future Ghostbusters movie?

Why Louis’ return doesn’t seem likely

Louis de Moranis played an important role in the first two ghost hunters movies. In the first, he is possessed by Vinz and helps bring back Gozer because of it. He makes a smaller appearance in the second installment, introducing himself as the team’s lawyer. His hilarious antics, both when human and when possessed, are memorable parts of the original duology. His performance would fit in perfectly with the humor of the later films, perhaps even giving him more material to work with in a continuing storyline.

Although a possible Ghostbusters 6 hasn’t been confirmed yet, Louis could easily fit the story mold for a modern-day adventure. However, Moranis hasn’t acted in a film since 2006 Brother Bear 2, his last on-screen appearance being in the 2020 documentary series Accessory Culture. His decision not to return to the franchise appears to be because he has stepped away from the big picture action, a decision that no amount of money can change. This makes his return to the franchise extremely unlikely, despite his character’s potential.

Even so, a bit like how Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Easter eggs referenced to the original duology, direct references to Louis are possible in the future, even if he doesn’t make a comeback. This could take the form of definitively revealing what happened to him after his last appearance, or adding a few lines or moments referencing some of his more classic attributes. While it’s possible that Moranis will change his mind and return one last time, it appears that for now only references to his character will be featured.

Other Original Ghostbusters Stars May Also Not Return

Frozen Empire’s reception could alter the franchise’s trajectory

Moranis reprising his role as Louis seems unlikely, and he may not be the only actor from the original films not returning in the future of the franchise. THE Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Reviews were mixed at best, with critics taking issue with the film‘s overly serious tone and its struggle to balance original stars like Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson with newcomers like Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace, and Finn Wolfhard. While the film‘s casting may, at first glance, seem like one of the film‘s great strengths, it’s also the reason why the sequel doesn’t entirely work.

The mediocre reviews are certainly a disappointing result, but the key factor that will influence the future of the franchise is Ghostbusters: Frozen EmpirePoor box office performance. Made on an estimated budget of $100 million, the film only grossed around $195.3 million worldwide, meaning it’s very likely that it didn’t make the cut. profitability. It’s possible the film could end up in the black due to VOD performance, physical media sales and merchandise, but the box office is a clear signal that audience interest in the franchise has waned .

The poor box office could lead to a reorganization of the franchise in the future. It is possible, for example, that a prospect Ghostbusters 6 serves as a soft reboot for the franchise, introducing new characters in a new setting. It’s also possible that the Spengler family saga will continue, but on a lower budget and with a smaller cast that doesn’t include actors like Murray, Aykroyd or Hudson.

Does a potential Ghostbusters 6 still need original franchise characters?

It is unclear how the franchise should continue

It’s now been 40 years since the first ghost hunters film, and there’s an argument to be made that characters like Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, and Winston Zeddemore had their time. Although beloved in the first two films, younger audiences simply don’t have the same relationship with these films or characters as older audiences, and engaging younger audiences is now crucial to box office success.. On the other hand, not including the franchise’s original characters could turn off older audiences who grew up with the franchise.

The future of ghost hunters the franchise is therefore in a difficult situation. Banking on nostalgia is no longer a viable tactic for the future of the franchise, and anything that follows will likely have to be made on a lower budget level, which could mean a smaller cast and a more focused story. It remains to be seen what will follow next Ghostbusters: Frozen Empirebut the public probably shouldn’t count on a Moranis return.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire continues the story of a new generation of ghostbusters consisting of Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Podcast (Logan Kim), who received help from the original team in the previous film. Paul Rudd returns as Gary Grooberson and franchise co-creator Ivan Reitman return to write and produce.

Director

Gil Kenan

Release date

March 22, 2024

Studio(s)

Columbia Pictures, Bron Creative, Ghost Corps, Right of Way Films

Distributor(s)

Sony Pictures release

Writers

Jason Reitman, Gil Kenan

Duration

115 minutes

Develop