Inside ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ And One Of Film’s Most Iconic IPs

The Ghostbusters are still fearless in the face of ghosts in the movie 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.'

Gil Kenan, the director and co-writer of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, expressed his excitement about the new film. He explained that they are incorporating elements that have not been seen in previous Ghostbusters movies. Kenan acknowledged that some of their creative choices may be considered risky since they are deviating from the typical Ghostbusters formula. However, he believes that taking these dramatic leaps is necessary to make the film fresh and exciting.

The movie director was fully aware of the gravity of the situation. He didn't want his name to be remembered in the movie industry as the person who ruined the cherished multimillion-dollar franchise. The most current film installment is expected to be the tipping point for the film series, pushing it over the billion-dollar milestone. Thus far, the entire movie series has brought in $943.7 million.

Kenan stated that the risks in the upcoming Ghostbusters movie are greater than any we've seen before. These risks include the irreversible loss of life, which could have potentially been catastrophic if not executed properly. Additionally, the film will explore the backstory and relationship of a ghost from the proton's perspective, which has never been done before. This unique approach could potentially change the entire concept of the Ghostbusters universe.

The spirits in the initial tales were basically pests that needed to be gotten rid of. This created a chance for us to explore new possibilities and push the boundaries of these movies. When we were penning this script, we were filled with enthusiasm. Our aim was to ensure that we captured the essence of what makes the Ghostbusters franchise fun and entertaining for viewers. This also led to a fresh take on the fundamental themes, which could potentially add depth to future plotlines.

The movie Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire has finally arrived in cinemas a couple of years after the successful release of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which brought the franchise back to its origins. This movie pleased both fans and critics, earning an impressive $204.3 million despite its $75 million budget. The script was co-written by Kenan and director Jason Reitman, the son of the late Ivan Reitman who directed Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II. Ivan Reitman gave Kenan the green light for the direction of the franchise before his unfortunate passing in 2022.

The director expressed that they felt an immense sense of validation. Jason Reitman transitioned to becoming a producer for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. The director recounted how Ivan reacted emotionally to some parts of the story, especially Melody, a ghost character. The director vividly remembers the happiness that shone in Ivan's eyes as he realized the direction they wanted to take that specific storyline. After this moment, the director and team felt assured in continuing with that narrative. The team worked hard to create and develop a unique ghost character that would bring a new dimension to the Ghostbusters' stories.

The Ghostbusters brand is a very famous and easily recognizable movie franchise. Kenan knows how to work with such things because he directed a film in this franchise before, as well as the 2015 remake of Poltergeist. He also directed an episode of the television show Scream. So, what makes working with the Ghostbusters franchise different from working with other movie franchises?

He expressed that the Ghostbusters franchise stands out due to several reasons. Firstly, the tone is crucial, and the films' success relies on capturing the balance between humor and horror. The concept overall is uncomplicated yet significant and was groundbreaking when first introduced to audiences. Ghostbusters certainly impacted not only culture but also the film industry itself, and few other stories have had a similar impact.

In contrast to other intellectual properties, which have undergone extensive modifications, adaptations, and reinterpretations over the years, this franchise has remained relatively consistent. Its genesis was a single film that spawned a few other films across four decades. While The Real Ghostbusters and Extreme Ghostbusters are significant additions to the franchise's canon, they are still built around a small set of characters and locations that have come to define the franchise's identity. This means that there is a great deal of untapped potential for expanding the stories within this world. However, it also means that it is important to be respectful of the franchise's foundations and to remain true to the films that came before when exploring new territory.

Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan were present at the screening of 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' held at AMC Lincoln Square Theater in New York City.

The Ghostbusters' legacy is admirably highlighted in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, functioning as a subtle nod for supporters and a clever guide for those new to the franchise through a news report sequence.

Kenan disclosed that although there were no formal discussions, he had a clear plan on how to accomplish the task. He conversed with his editors about the strategy for creating it. Both parties gathered footage and pieced it together, ultimately resulting in a final product. This endeavor was a heartfelt expression of appreciation for the impact of Ghostbusters on them as avid movie enthusiasts. Kenan shared his early memories of the Ghostbusters ad for cereal and the music video featuring Ray Parker Jr promenading down Times Square.

The film created a connection between being a fan of Ghostbusters and being a storyteller in Ghostbusters. This connection made me feel like I was balancing both roles while making the film. It also helped me decide how far to go in certain directions by using my childhood memory of watching the original Ghostbusters as a reference point. It was like having a helpful tool to make sure the tone of the film was just right.

Additional members from the initial movie's cast will be making an appearance in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, which was mainly shot in London, despite the story being set in New York. One of these known and distinctive faces is William Atherton, who played the uncongenial politician Mayor Walter Peck. As a passionate admirer of the Ghostbusters franchise, was he apprehensive about bringing back such a renowned character?

To begin with, Kenan spoke highly of William, whom he described as the most charming man he had met in a while. Being an actor and a person, he exuded warmth and kindness, making him a joy to be around. Kenan shared that he had several conversations with William, starting from when he reached out to him with the idea of casting him in the new chapter of their project. They continued talking to prepare for William's arrival in the UK to film his part. Kenan admitted that these conversations made him question whether William still had the ruthlessness he needed for the role, as he feared he may have been living too comfortably for too long.

The mood was friendly and upbeat as he arrived on the set. I demonstrated the preliminary positioning for the initial scene. During the initial run-through, he gave a cold stare and a sly smile that reminded me of a professional hitman. He embodied the personality of Walter Peck in the most authentic way possible. He didn't hold back in his delivery, which sent chills down my spine. It was a breathtaking experience, and in that instance, I was confident that he would be the perfect fit for the character.

William Atherton was present at the premiere of 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' in New York City, which took place at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater.

The director and co-writer aimed to incorporate classic movie-making techniques and camera tricks from the original release of the film in 1984 into their adaptation of the story. They made use of various methods, such as mattes, which involve merging multiple images into a single picture, as well as replicating specific sound qualities. This helped to maintain the original feel of the film while also giving it a fresh spin.

Kenan explained that pulling back the curtain and becoming more involved in the storytelling process gives a tactile sense that adds to the experience of watching Ghostbusters. This charm is reminiscent of growing up during a time when movie technology was maturing and evolving, becoming more advanced with every passing year. The art of creating images for movies has been around since Georges Méliès' time, but it reached full maturity in the 1980s and has grown significantly in the digital age. The tenets of properly creating movie magic were perfected around the time the first Ghostbusters film was released. The audience's experience is just as crucial as the puppet's performance, and the ability to create an authentic Ghostbusters experience is essential to the movie's success.

Using original instrumentation, like the ondes Martenot as a voice, gives these film scores a genuine musical identity. Additionally, the Yamaha DX7, a synthesizer that quickly became outdated after its inclusion in the first Ghostbusters soundtrack in 1984, has been brought back for a more authentic sound. Peter Bernstein, Elmer Bernstein's son, who conducted the original score, plays those same notes on the aged synthesizer. This has been fundamental in my approach to capturing the essence of Ghostbusters, and I don't mean that as a joke.

However, were there moments when the filmmaker attempted to maintain a high level of authenticity but encountered difficulty in advancing?

Kenan shared a few things that presented challenges during the production of the movie. Initially, he attempted to use rods to control the movements of a possessed pizza, but it proved to be too difficult to execute with the speed and precision necessary for the scene. Another key element that required modification was the trash bag that was taken over by the ghosts in the library sequence. While a model was created to allow for a puppeteer to move around inside the bag, the logistics of navigating through various levels of stairs made this impractical. Despite these obstacles, Kenan found the experience to be inspiring, as it served as a valuable benchmark for the animation team to strive for in their digital reworking of the scene. Ultimately, the end result looked amazing and Kenan was very pleased with the outcome.