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Dan Aykroyd Reflects on Ghostbusters Franchise and New Audible Project

In a recent interview, Dan Aykroyd shared his thoughts on the enduring legacy of the Ghostbusters franchise while promoting his latest Audible Original, Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude. Aykroyd, who co-wrote the original Ghostbusters script in 1984 and portrayed the lovable character Ray Stantz, emphasized the importance of films that resonate with audiences long after their initial release.

“These are movies that you want to watch again, you want to see them again,” Aykroyd remarked. “I think it’s special to create enduring content that people are eager to revisit time and again.”

His appreciation extends to the 2016 all-female reboot of Ghostbusters. Despite the film facing backlash and criticism, particularly concerning its casting decisions, Aykroyd expressed his support for the project and the talent involved. He noted that many of the stars, including Leslie Jones, faced undue pressure and negativity during the film’s release.

“I liked the film that [director] Paul Feig made with these incredibly talented women,” Aykroyd stated. “I was frustrated at the time because I was supposed to be involved as a producer, and I didn’t fulfill my role in managing the budget, which may have spiraled beyond expectations,” he continued, acknowledging the financial challenges that often accompany such productions.

Despite his initial concerns, Aykroyd praised the film’s execution, particularly the character of the villain, and lauded the performances of lead actresses Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Melissa McCarthy, and Kristen Wiig. “I’m proud to have contributed to that movie and fully support it. It fits well within the franchise’s legacy,” he affirmed.

Ernie Hudson, another original cast member, also discussed the reboot, expressing admiration for the filmmakers and the stars while questioning the necessity of a reboot. “I’m a fan of Paul Feig, and I have no negative feelings toward him. However, I wonder why a reboot was necessary when a new story could have been told instead,” he remarked in an interview with The Independent.

Hudson added that while he enjoyed the film, it didn’t quite meet the expectations of long-time fans who were deeply invested in the original story and characters. “Fans had their hopes set high, and I think it was disappointing for some,” he noted.

The original cast, which includes Aykroyd, Hudson, and Bill Murray, has maintained a connection to the Ghostbusters universe over the years, participating in both Ghostbusters II in 1989 and the recent installments, Ghostbusters: Afterlife and the upcoming Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. The absence of Harold Ramis, who passed away in 2014, is felt among the group, but the legacy continues to thrive.

Aykroyd reflected on his ongoing involvement in the franchises, stating, “I currently manage two active projects, Blues Brothers and Ghostbusters. I thought retirement was on the horizon five years ago, but it hasn’t quite turned out that way. Nevertheless, I’m thankful for the opportunity to keep contributing.”

Source
people.com