According to Deadline, Ghostbusters: Afterlife writer Gil Kenan has officially been tapped to direct Sony Pictures’ forthcoming horror comedy sequel. Kenan is no stranger to the horror genre, as he previously directed Monster House, Poltergeist, and Scream.
He is also currently writing the untitled project with previous director Jason Reitman, who was initially attached to helm the sequel. The film is currently slated to arrive in theaters on December 20, 2023.
“A few years ago, my father handed me the keys to Ecto-1, and together we made Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” Reitman said in a statement. “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.”
In addition, the next chapter in the Spengler family story will also feature the return of the main cast, including Carrie Coon, Paul Rudd, and Mckenna Grace, who was actually the first cast member to confirm her return. Production is expected to begin early next year.
It was previously confirmed that the Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel will officially be heading back to New York City — the franchise’s original setting. It is also expected to take place in the firehouse headquarters that was prominently featured in the first two Ghostbusters films as well as in Paul Feig’s reboot.
The 2021 film earned a worldwide gross of more than $200 million at the box office. It starred Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, and Paul Rudd. It also featured the return of franchise stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and Annie Potts.
