Nice working with you, Dr Venkman

Right, I don’t usually do this, but I feel I should take some time out from my busy schedule . . . well my schedule, and write an open letter to Bill Murray.

First of all I want to make it clear that I write this as a film lover and a fan who’s been pushed too far. I love movies, and where most people cringe at the sight of a second instalment, I find it hard to hide my enthusiasm. Why would we not want to see the return of some beloved characters? Isn’t that what all fans want?

That’s why when I heard the latest confirmed rumour surrounding Ghostbusters 3, I was left feeling sort of jaded.

We knew Murray would be involved with the three-quel, but it wasn’t exactly clear to what extent. After Sigourney Weaver let slip that Venkman may appear as a ghost, most fans, myself included, sort of laughed it off - a simple joke to humour the hundreds of journalists who always ask her about her involvement in the franchise. Nothing more, nothing less, right?

However, on Monday 8th February 2010, the penny dropped and it was announced that Pete Venkman had died, or is going to die at least. Speaking to The Daily Mail no less, Murray put an end to the rumours surrounding his involvement, “I said to them, 'I'll do it if you kill me off in the first reel” stated the star, adding “So now they are going to have me as a ghost in the film."

Wait, what?

It seems like such a shame for fans and for the franchise itself to kill off such a classic character. So Venkman dies - the plucky, wise cracking, lovable face of the group dosen't walk off into the sunset or get the girl, he bites the dust and becomes an ectoplasmic afterthought? Really?

It’s taken a lot of time and effort to get this sequel fast-tracked and for it to go in this direction seems like such a waste.


All the original cast had signed on, Rick Moranis even said he’d come out of retirement for it, and fans had just about come to terms with the inevitable fact that younger-busters will be introduced. Murray was always the hold out, but fans endured holding on to the thought that one day they’ll see the foursome busting some ghosts one last time.


All that has been dashed away. So with nothing left to lose, I’ll stop biting my tongue and just say how a Ghostbusters 3 should go down. I’ll even provide a working title, ready for it?.

'Old Ghostbusters’ – simple as that. It’s a no brainer.

Imagine the humor that would come with the guys out of shape and out of touch, strapping on the equipment, grappling ghouls, saving the world one last time and covering New York in slime in the process.

The focus should be on the characters; after all they’re the reason fans will come back. Where have they been for the last 21 years? What’s new? The possibilities and potential story lines are endless – but alas, that’s not happening.

The silver lining? Our best bet? Venkeman gets killed off within the first 10 minutes (sigh. . .) but remains in the film in ghost form helping the guys out and hopefully not becoming an extended cameo ala Zombieland.

I realize that this ‘open letter’ quickly became a rant, but I feel it’s a point that needed to be raised, if only to vent my own frustration.

We’ve got a Ghostbusters 3, but at what cost?

That's just my opinion, thoughts?