Sony is reportedly working on an animated Ghostbusters movie

By Rick Marshall October 2, 2015

ghostsbusters animated movie the real ghostbusters — Image used with permission by copyright holder

One thing seems certain in the near future: If you’ve got a problem with ghosts, you’ll have a lot of options when it comes to ghost-busting teams.

Along with the two live-action Ghostbusters movies in various stages of development, Sony Pictures is reportedly working on adding an animated feature to the mix as well.

According to The Tracking Board, Sony has added yet another Ghostbusters-themed project to its upcoming slate, with Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II director Ivan Reitman co-producing an animated movie that — the studio hopes — will inject some youth into the franchise’s fanbase.

The outlet reports that the plot of the animated movie will likely be similar to that of the 1984 live-action movie, and follow a group of scientists forming a paranormal investigation team and using various gadgets to deal with an infestation of ghosts in New York City. The studio is reportedly searching for a screenwriter to handle the animated feature.

It’s worth noting that all of this news is entirely unconfirmed at this point, as the studio seems intent on keeping the focus on director Paul Fieg’s upcoming, live-action reboot of the Ghostbusters franchise that recently finished shooting. That film hits theaters July 15, 2016, and stars Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Melissa McCarthy, and Leslie Jones as the core team, with Chris Hemsworth playing the team’s secretary. Along with cameos from original franchise stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, and Ernie Hudson, the film will also feature Andy Garcia as the Mayor of New York City, and Neil Casey as the film’s unidentified villain.

Another live-action movie rumored to star Channing Tatum and penned by Iron Man 3 screenwriter Drew Pearce is also in development, but there’s no official word on the studio’s plans for that film.

The Ghostbusters franchise has previously had some success in the animated world, with The Real Ghostbusters series (pictured) running for seven season from 1986 to 1991, followed by a single, 40-episode season of Extreme Ghostbusters that aired in 1997.

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