Dan Aykroyd Isn’t Going to Let Bill Murray Stop ‘Ghostbusters 3′ From Happening

Tim Grierson
·Editor
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We've already expressed our bafflement at the supposed excitement about a "Ghostbusters" sequel, but, alas, it appears to still be moving forward. If anything, it's gaining momentum. At least that seems to be the case after recent comments from Dan Aykroyd, who is talking as if the movie will start shooting in the spring. But what about Bill Murray, who still hasn't committed to being part of it? They're going on ahead anyway.

Aykroyd went on "The Dennis Miller Show" and, according to ComingSoon, said that he won't wait around for Murray because, really, nobody's bigger than the "Ghostbusters" franchise:

"Yes, we will be doing the movie and hopefully with Mr. Murray," he says, "That is our hope. We have an excellent script. What we have to remember is that 'Ghostbusters' is bigger than any one component, although Billy was absolutely the lead and contributive to it in a massive way, as was the director and Harold [Ramis], myself and Sigourney [Weaver]. The concept is much larger than any individual role and the promise of 'Ghostbusters 3' is that we get to hand the equipment and the franchise down to new blood."

So, yes, the sequel will focus on a new generation of paranormal exterminators, although Aykroyd and co-star Harold Ramis will be back as well. Not that they'll be doing a lot: "My character, Ray, is now blind in one eye and can't drive the cadillac," he said. "He's got a bad knee and can't carry the packs... Egon [the Ramis character] is too large to get into the harness." If Murray's character is suffering from a similar fate, you can sort of see why Murray isn't jazzed about the idea.

Still, it may be hard to believe Aykroyd when he says that "Ghostbusters 3" is definitely happening. Early this year, Deadline heard that Sony absolutely won't make the film without Murray, and, according to Screen Rant, Murray actually has to sign off on a sequel (even if he isn't in it). Not that we're holding our breath. We loved the first "Ghostbusters." We even liked the second one. But, not to contradict Aykroyd, we actually think that the strength of the movies wasn't the brand but the chemistry of its stars. Just handing the franchise over to a new gang doesn't guarantee similar results. Maybe that's why Murray seems leery about having himself associated with it?

Dan Aykroyd Drops Signficant Ghostbusters 3 Details [ComingSoon]