Dan Aykroyd says that the long-awaited Ghostbusters III may start shooting by the end of fall with all the original cast members returning, including Sigourney Weaver. This is great news for fans. The rest of the original squad: Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson are all in or it wouldn’t be happening. In the past it was Murray’s reluctance to do it that kept the project from happening. Not returning is director Ivan Reitman. Aykroyd confirms “he’s too busy”.  But a spokesperson for Sony, which will distribute the flick, says that Aykroyd may have jumped the gun a little. "We couldn't be more excited about the way the new Ghostbusters film is coming together, but at this point we are focused on a great screenplay," the spokesperson tells EW. "I can't comment on specific casting choices because we don't have a finished script. We love Dan's enthusiasm and his support, and while we are making progress, we are still just in development on this project." In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Aykroyd essentially confirmed what EW reported from the ShoWest convention in April -- that the franchise film is expected to feature a "new generation" of ghostbusters. The Office scribes Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg are writing the screenplay. 

 I am a huge fan of the office and to know this bit of information is incredibly exciting. I think Stupnitsky could write a script worthy of GB3.

 We’ll see. But whoever does write it  will have some big shoes to fill with winning over the fans. Especially this fan and the idea of a “new generation” plot.  I do not want to see anyone passed the torch. I say have them all get stuck in a time warp or another dimension. Instead it sounds like it could be more of  the “Extreme Ghostbusters” cartoon, which I hated. I consider myself a diehard Ghosbuters fan. [I have the Venkman tattoo to prove it.] So with the talk of a new generation, who might take over the coveted proton packs?

 There are leaks of the third movie having either Alyssa Malano or Eliza Dushku as part of the cast. The video game has Alyssa as voice talents so I can see how the thought might come across Dan’s mind. But Eliza Dushku- GROSS. She has some talent under her SH wings but I do not think she [or Milano]  have  the chops or talent to pair up with Bill Murry, Rick Morranis, and Harold Ramis. Yes, these girls are appealing to the eyes. Akyroyd says, “I think they're amazing, and I'm excited about the whole idea of getting this done.” Does he mean “getting this done” as in getting them in the movie or just getting this done as in simply making the movie at all? The Times' somewhat vague piece doesn’t say. Milano did address the hype on her Twitter feed "... this is the first I'm hearing of Ghostbusters  3 ." Dushku followed with another denial on her Twitter saying, "...it's nuthin' I know of."

So Akroyd wants them, but it must be more of a wish than something they're already pursuing. 

So the whole thing’s on the roll and maybe they’re looking for a couple of high-profile, youngish, new female Ghostbusters. If they do decide to cast some female busters I’m crossing my fingers they look a little deeper than looks and go for comedy ability. Anna Feris and Sarah Silverman are much better suited for over the top comedy. Hell even Kirsten Dunst  might win me over in the khaki jump suit.

Kirsten Dunst???  HALL 2 DA NO. *bleck*  Sorry, my opinion, not dissin' you.  Thanks for posting this info.  Thought I'd heard something about it a few months ago, but Sigourney Weaver was NOT going to appear in it no matter what, although I can't recall the supposed reason why.  Such are Hollywood movie rumors. 

Geez, you must be a diehard Ghostbusters fan to have a tattoo of Venkman.  Interesting. 

Personally, I enjoyed the movies and all but am surprised there were any talks to do a 3rd one.  However, it would be great to have another one, and I would actually like to see a new generation of Ghostbusters, even though I am older and was a teen when these movies hit the theatre so, so, many years ago.  Oy.

Naturally, I'd want everyone from the first 2 movies.  Is Annie Potts still around?  I wonder why Bill Murray has been reluctant to do another one unless it's been smart marketing on his part.  You know, build up the desire for an audience to want another one instead of watering the franchise down with a third one, although the movies are a bit on the light-hearted side of things.  Not complaining, just stating a fact. 

Alyssa Milano would be interesting....visually, as you say, but she has done some comedy, so I'd think that would be a good choice.  Dusku--yeah, I don't know about her, kinda funky, isn't she?  Reminds me of a 70's porn star with that hair and make-up of hers.  Never really saw anything with her, never watched Dollhouse, so I can't comment on her acting.  I take it she's not "all that' in the acting dept. 

I say, bring back the old cast as you say, but introducing some "young guns", heck, that's a good idea in my opinion.  Why not? 

I never realized there was even a fan base for Ghostbusters until I saw all the cos-play via some online friends on Myspace. 

Thanks again for sharing this bit of news, maybe something will come along after all.  Whoever appears, I am certain a lot of people will like it.  Why not, we need some light hearted entertainment for a change, something positive.