Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel taps Gil Kenan to direct

The Ghostbusters franchise was successfully revived with last year’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife, so it came as no surprise when a sequel was soon announced. Deadline reported that the Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel is gearing up for pre-production and that they have tapped Gil Kenan to direct the movie.

Gil Kenan co-wrote the screenplay for Ghostbusters: Afterlife alongside director Jason Reitman, but Reitman will be stepping down for the sequel. “It’s an absolute honor to pick up the proton pack and step behind the camera for the next chapter of the Spengler family saga,” Gil Kenan said in a statement. “I just wish I could go back to 1984 and tell the kid in the sixth row of the Mann Valley West that one day he was going to get to direct a Ghostbusters film.” Kenan and Reitman will once again script the sequel, which is said to be taking the franchise back to New York City. Deadline also states that the ensemble cast, including Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon, will return for the sequel.

In his own statement, Jason Reitman said: “A few years ago, my father handed me the keys to Ecto-1 and together we made Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Words will never express how grateful I am to have made a film with my father by my side. It’s now time to hand those keys to my creative partner and fellow Ghostbuster Gil Kenan, a brilliant director who will keep the Spengler spirit alive. I can only hope to provide him the same producorial care and support that my father showed me.” Ghostbusters: Afterlife served as a direct sequel to the original films as it followed a single mom and her two kids as they arrive in a small town and begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. You can check out a review from our own Chris Bumbray right here.

What are you hoping to see from the Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel?