Dan Aykroyd Talks ‘Ghostbusters 3’

In a recent interview with the LA Times, the legend of Blues, comedy and ‘busting ghosts’, Dan Aykroyd, updated the fans on the developments of a third Ghostbusters film, which has been on hold for quite some time, mostly due to Bill Murray’s prior reluctance to return to the franchise.

“I don’t put not making the third movie on Billy,” said Aykroyd in the interview. “We can’t do that. I’ve been very busy. Harold’s been busy, Ivan’s been busy. And a third script really didn’t coalesce properly. And Billy, you can’t blame an artist for not wanting to do the same thing again. He did two of them, for God’s sake.”

Aykroyd went on to defend Murray further and elaborate a bit more on when he feels the film may come together and start production. According to the actor:  “Although I’m the biggest cheerleader as the originator of the concept but I’ve never begrudged Billy not doing a third movie. I never said he held it up or that he refused. I’m sorry he never read my third draft because I thought it was pretty good but, look, now we’re at a point that there’s a story that he can accept and that’s going to work, and I think we’re going to be in production fairly soon. We could be in production by winter.”

It seems that Murray is now on board and the script is being written by the team of Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, two writers for NBC’s The Office. They also co-wrote the Harold Ramis-directed Year One, which is set to hit theaters June 19. Aykroyd says he wishes Ivan Reitman was available to return to the directors chair for the third film, but isn’t available. So, Harold Ramis, Aykroyd’s second choice, is being approached to pick up the slack.

Almost all of the original cast is set to return, including Sigourney Weaver, which is surprising since she turned down a role in this summer’s Ghostbusters video game. No word yet on Rick Moranis (who has retired from Hollywood) or Annie Potts but when Aykroyd was asked about potential new blood in the tan jumpsuits, he mentioned Alyssa Milano (who did a voice in the video game) and Eliza Dushku.

Interesting choices, but what do you think? Who would you like to see bust ghosts alongside the original cast? Sound off!