When it was first announced that Hollywood would be producing an all-female Ghostbusters reboot, fans reacted the only way they know how: with cheers of joy and cries of hate. While a choice few complained about the concept of — gasp! — female Ghostbusters, others were more concerned about the role the original Ghostbusters would play in the reboot, if any. What about Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), Winston Zeddmore (Ernie Hudson), and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis)? Are the original Ghostbusters in the new movie? And, other than the original men, do any of the female characters from the original Ghostbusters make an appearance? There's still a long way to go until the new Ghostbusters' July 15 release date, but as that time approaches, fans have learned more and more about what tricks the new film might have up its sleeves, including potential cameos from original Ghostbusters.
One year ago, it seemed unlikely that any of the original Ghostbusters actors would be returning to the franchise. More than one dismissed the idea of an all-female reboot, and others, while supportive of the idea, didn't express any enthusiasm at the idea of reprising their roles in the iconic franchise. Ghostbusting, it seems, would be reserved only for a new generation. But, after Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones were announced as stars of the reboot, the original Ghostbusters began to change their tune, though, whether or not cast members are returning to their original roles remains to be seen. Here's where the original Ghostbusters ensemble stands on the reboot.
Harold Ramis
Unfortunately, original Ghostbusters star and co-writer Harold Ramis died in 2014. There's no doubt fans would have loved to see him reprise his role as the slightly awkward Egon Spengler, or whatever new role his funny heart desired. Still, perhaps he'll make an appearance through photos or a tribute by one of the cast members.
Ernie Hudson
Hudson said that he thought fans wouldn't want to see a group of female Ghostbusters without any men, telling the Telegraph , "But all-female, I think would be a bad idea. I don't think the fans want to see that." Yet he later changed his tune after the cast of the reboot was announced, and was spotted on the Ghostbusters set in September, supposedly filming a cameo.
Dan Aykroyd
Aykroyd was the first original Ghostbuster to sign on to appear in the reboot — fitting, considering Aykroyd co-wrote the original film. The comedian revealed the news on Twitter in July 2015, when he tweeted that he was on the Ghostbusters set, filming scenes opposite Wiig. "GB'S are adorable, hilarious and badass," Aykroyd wrote. Though he deleted the tweet soon after it was posted, his participation was later confirmed by his reps.
Bill Murray
Like Aykroyd and Hudson before him, Murray took some convincing before he agreed to return to his Ghostbusters roots. After rejecting all offers for a potential Ghostbusters 3, it seemed pretty clear that he had closed the door on any and all things Ghostbusters. However, after seeing the impressive and funny new cast and meeting with reboot director Paul Feig, Murray changed his mind. "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," Murray said in an interview with Vulture .
Sigourney Weaver
Weaver, who played Dana Barrett in the original Ghostbusters films, was confirmed to make a cameo appearance in the reboot in September. Feig himself tweeted the news, writing, "the awesome Sigourney Weaver is going to be in our movie!" Weaver, like Murray, Aykroyd, and Hudson, is rumored to be playing a completely new character in the reboot. No doubt Weaver's involvement is a huge get for the new Ghostbusters, as the woman credited with bringing female action heroes to the mainstream, it seems fitting that she would appear in an all-female reboot of a male-dominated film.
Annie Potts
Annie Potts, the actress who stole scenes as the Ghostbusters' receptionist Janine Melnitz in the original films, is also rumored to have filmed a cameo. Here's hoping she exchanges a few words with the new, male Ghostbusters receptionist, Chris Hemsworth.
Least you think I forgot one, Rick Moranis, who originated the character of Louis Tully, Dana Barrett's concerned neighbor, turned down the opportunity to appear in the reboot, choosing to focus on potential future projects instead.
More details on the original Ghostbusters castmates returning to the new reboot will likely be revealed as audiences get closer and closer to the release of the film. But for now, fans can take comfort in knowing that most of their original ghost-busting heroes will return triumphant this summer.
Images: Columbia Pictures; Giphy (7)
