So, needless to say, not everyone is happy about the new Ghostbusters movie(s) that are coming out. A lot of people are hating on the upcoming films just because they don't want a new Giostbusters cast. Other people are upset because it's an all female cast (for one of the movies). And others (like myself) aren't happy with the cast or director they've hired.
First off, let's look at the all female Ghostbusters movie. It's got Paul Feig (Bridesmaids, The Heat) at the helm. For the cast we got Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones.
Kristen Wiig is reliable when it comes to carrying a comedy, no problem there. And personally, I'm unfamiliar with Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones. Paul Feig is hit and miss as far as I'm concerned.
The problem I have here is with Melissa McCarthy. She's become a huge Hollywood success the last few years. I enjoyed her in Bridesmaids, and that's about it. And I know I'm not alone here. Her schtick has gotten old, and unless she can prove to have more to offer, she's go the way of Jack Black and Zach Galifianakis.
I'm more than open to all female Ghostbusters movie. But it would need a good cast and some talent behind the camera, just like any other movie. Who would you cast in a all female Ghostbusters?
Let's talk about what could have been, or at least what I would have liked to have seen happen. First off, yes, Gillian Anderson. She seems to have comedic side that hasn't been fully utilized in anything else. She could be the "Egon" of the new cast as well as guide a team of younger busters of ghosts. She also expressed interest in the female Ghostbusters movie once she got word of it.
Next up, Retta. She's hilarious, and has just come off 7 seasons of Parks and Rec. She's got sass, could definitely help carry a concept comedy.
Have you watched Broad City? No? Then you probably don't know Abbi Jacobson. And that's unfortunate for you. The show is a force to be reckoned with and so is she. Jacobson and her co-star, Ilana Glazer, are sure to only get bigger in the comedy community.
Chelsea Peretti regularly steals the show on FOX's Brooklyn Nine Nine. She also is a great stand up comedienne. She's popped up in a lot shows and is poised to hit the next level of entertainment.
Next, Aubrey Plaza. Like Retta, she's just come off of Parks and Recreation. Any film studio looking to make a hit comedy should want her in their corner.
And lastly, Cecily Strong. She's already cast in the movie, but not as a Ghostbuster. Which is a crime. She's currently killing it at Weekend Update on SNL, and needs to be rewarded for it.
Those are my suggestions for the female Ghostbuster movie. Let's move on to the male-centered installment. Already announced is that it will be directed by Joe and Anthony Russo (Captain America: The Winter Soldier). And it will be produced by Dan Aykroyd and Ivan Reitman (the original Ghostbusters director). And it's rumored to be starring Channing Tatum and Chris Pratt. I've already spoke on my thoughts on them for this project in a previous article, so I'm going to leave them alone here. Let's talk about who could fill out that cast....
Let's start with Donald Glover. He helped make Community a phenomal comedy show, even though he's moved on to focus on other projects. He's been rumored/campaigned for the Miles Morales/Spider-Man role, but that doesn't seem to be happening. Let's put him to use on this action/horror/concept comedy.
If you've seen Cabin in the Woods, you know Fran Kranz. He's had several roles in a lot of comedies, but as yet to "break out". He could have a lot to offer a project like this.
I'll rope John Cho and Kal Penn in together. Best known for the Harold and Kumar movies, they've both known a lot of success and failures. John Cho currently enjoys being Sulu in the new Star Trek movies, and Kal Penn is on the new Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad) show, Battle Creek. I'd like to see them both back in comedies, and Ghostbusters could show that, despite the hit and miss nature of the Harold & Kumar movies, they both have a lot to offer the comedy world.
And TJ Miller. He's in HBO's Silicon Valley, a show that is a true treasure. He's been in a number of other comedies, and could be a big hit in a movie like Ghostbusters.
Lastly, Paul Rudd. I'd watch him in anything. He'd be a smart choice if a studio wanted to hire some lesser known talent for the rest of the cast.
But most importantly, the talent behind the camera. Joe and Anthony Russo have a lot experience in comedy (Arrested Development, Community). But who'd be a good fit for the female Ghostbusters? Michael Schur (Parks and Rec), James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy), Tina Fey(30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt)? Who would you want?
Yes, I left off names like Seth Rogen and James Franco. I've enjoyed their movies, but let's see what other people can do.
The female Ghostbusters movie has gotten A LOT of hate, for various reasons. If people don't care for it because it's all female, that's unfortunate. If you have a valid concern, then let's have a debate. I won't defend the cast or crew of the Paul Feig Ghostbusters, but I do hope their movie wins me over.
Leave your thoughts and suggestions below, it's the Internet and you're entitled to your opinion!
-Lando McFly
