Bill Murray Opens Up About Ghostbusters Reboot Cameo
Bill Murray’s reluctance to return to the ‘Ghostbusters’ franchise has long been cited as the key reason a third film in the original series was never made - leading ultimately to director Paul Feig’s decision to reboot the series completely.
As such, it was perhaps a little surprising to learn that Murray had agreed to shoot a cameo role in Feig’s film alongside new Ghostbusters Melissa McCarthy, Kristin Wiig, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon.
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Speaking to Vulture, Murray has shed some light on why he chose to make an appearance in the new ‘Ghostbusters.’
“You know, they were incredibly nice to ask me, and I really enjoyed being there. They have such a jolly group, and they are going to have great success with this project. I didn’t want to overshadow [them] or anything, and I feel really good about it.”
Asked about his long-rumoured disinterest in reprising his celebrated role of Peter Venkman, Murray confirms, “that’s true, I wasn’t [interested in returning],” but it seems his admiration for the director and cast of the reboot brought him around (though it should be noted Murray is not said to be portraying Venkman in the new film).
“I like those girls a lot. I mean, I really do. They are tough to say no to. And Paul is a real nice fellow.
“I thought about it for a very long time. Like, many, many months. No, that’s not right. I was seriously thinking about this for years, really … It kept eating at me, and I really respect those girls.
“And then I started to feel like if I didn’t do this movie, maybe somebody would write a bad review or something, thinking there was some sort of disapproval [on my part].”
Murray’s seal of approval may be just what the new ‘Ghostbusters’ needs, given the chorus of disapproval it has garnered online among those unhappy about the series being rebooted in the first place, and those grumbling about the gender-swapped cast.
Murray’s fellow former Ghostbuster Dan Aykroyd is also expected to cameo.
The new ‘Ghostbusters’ arrives July 2016, while Murray will next be seen in ‘Rock the Kasbah.’
Picture Credit: Sony, WENN
