Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) was a critical and financial success, so it came as no real surprise when Sony Pictures announced earlier this year that a sequel was going into development, with its sights set for a 2023 release.
News of the fourth film came along with many other Ghostbusters-related announcements, such as an animated series and animated movie which are being produced by Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation.
A canonical limited edition comic book is in the works, which will bridge the gap between Ghostbusters: Afterlife and next year’s sequel, while the medium of video games has also seen a rise in paranormal activity.
Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed (2022) went on sale on October 18, while the upcoming Ghostbusters VR game recently got an official title and release window, which will be some time during 2023.
Clearly, someone has left the Ecto-Containment Unit open, which might explain ominous flashing light in Ghostbusters: Afterlife’s post-credits scene, which was undoubtedly designed as a teaser for a fourth movie.
Speaking of which, Ernie Hudson, who features heavily in that scene as his Ghostbusters character Winston Zeddemore, has now revealed some very interesting information about the Ghostbusters 4 script.
In an interview with Comicbook.com, Hudson, who has played Winston Zeddemore three times, or five if you include his appearances in Ghostbusters: The Video Game (2009) and Spirits Unleashed, said the following:
“I did read a version. I’m pretty sure they committed to doing another one. I’m very happy with it, but I also know this is early on. Jason has been incredible, and I really just love and appreciate him. I’m so thankful to be able to work with him. So, I’m excited about but… I haven’t and I never assume anything.”
The fact that the script is finished is great news, as Ghostbusters 4 just got one step closer to becoming a reality. Although with that said, Hudson does mention that another draft is being planned.
However, the best takeaway is that Hudson is, without a doubt, going to be reprising his role as Winston Zeddemore in the new movie! While he recently hinted that he’d be appearing, this is pretty concrete confirmation.
In what capacity his character will return remains to be seen, but Winston Zeddemore plays a significant role in that post-credits scene, and has since appeared in the video game Spirits Unleashed.
As such, it’s only reasonable to expect that he will have quite a bit to do in the new film, especially considering the fact that he is planning on - or if we’re going by the new game, has - restarting/restarted the Ghostbusters business…
As per the Sony Pictures website, here’s the synopsis for Ghostbusters: Afterlife:
From director Jason Reitman and producer Ivan Reitman, comes the next chapter in the original Ghostbusters universe. In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, when a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. The film is written by Jason Reitman & Gil Kenan.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife stars McKenna Grace, Logan Kim, Celeste O’Connor, Finn Wolfhard, Carrie Coon, Annie Potts, Sigourney Weaver, Paul Rudd, Olivia Wilde JK Simmons, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson.
Ghostbusters 4 will be released in theaters on December 20, 2023.
