Netflix breathes new life into ‘Ghostbusters’ with animated series
A fresh take on a beloved franchise
Netflix has officially given the green light to a new animated ‘Ghostbusters’ series, initially announced in 2022. This exciting development brings a fresh wave of anticipation for fans of the iconic franchise. The series will be penned by Elliott Kalan, who will also serve as the showrunner and executive producer.
The creative minds behind the project
The series, which has been in the works since June 2022, promises to stay true to the tone of the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ films. Kalan, known for his work as the head writer on ‘The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,’ brings a wealth of experience and a unique comedic touch to the project. His previous accolades include seven consecutive Emmy nominations and four wins for best writing in a variety series. Kalan’s involvement signals a promising blend of humor and adventure for the new series.
A legacy of animated adventures
This upcoming series marks the third animated installment in the ‘Ghostbusters’ franchise. The original, ‘The Real Ghostbusters,’ aired from 1986 to 1991, captivating audiences with 140 episodes. It was followed by ‘Extreme Ghostbusters’ in 1997, which introduced a new team of characters while retaining the leadership of Egon Spengler. Both series left an indelible mark on fans, and the new series aims to build on this rich legacy.
The powerhouse production team
The series is a collaboration between Sony Pictures Animation and Ghost Corps, Inc., with Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan serving as executive producers. Reitman and Kenan have a deep connection to the franchise, having co-written the live-action films ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ and ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Their involvement ensures that the new series will maintain the spirit and continuity of the ‘Ghostbusters’ universe.
A look back at recent successes
‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife,’ which premiered in November 2021, was a critical and commercial success, grossing nearly $200 million worldwide. The film’s blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling resonated with both longtime fans and new audiences. ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,’ released in March 2024, continued this trend, earning over $200 million globally. These successes underscore the enduring appeal of the ‘Ghostbusters’ brand and set high expectations for the upcoming animated series.
Elliott Kalan’s diverse portfolio
Kalan’s impressive resume extends beyond ‘The Daily Show.’ He was the head writer for the Netflix revival of ‘Mystery Science Theater 3000,’ a cult favorite that showcased his knack for blending humor with genre storytelling. Additionally, Kalan co-hosts ‘The Flop House’ podcast and has written the comic book series ‘Spider-Man and the X-Men.’ His diverse background in comedy, television, and comics positions him as an ideal choice to helm the new ‘Ghostbusters’ series.
Anticipation builds for the new series
As production gears up, fans eagerly await more details about the plot and characters. The promise of a 3D animated series that aligns with the tone of recent films suggests a visually stunning and narratively engaging experience. With Netflix and Ghost Corps, Inc. at the helm, the series is poised to deliver a fresh yet familiar adventure for ‘Ghostbusters’ enthusiasts.
Explore more
For those looking to dive deeper into the ‘Ghostbusters’ universe, check out the trailers for the recent films:
Stay tuned for more updates on the new animated series, and get ready to join the ‘Ghostbusters’ on their next thrilling adventure!