Exclusively revealed to Variety by insider sources, Netflix has given the green light to an animated "Ghostbusters" series, initially teased in 2022. This announcement marks a significant milestone, as it brings to life a project that has been simmering in development since June of last year.
Elaborating further, Variety has learned that the talented Elliott Kalan has signed on as both writer and executive producer, injecting his unique creative vision into the mix. The 3D animated series promises to harmonize seamlessly with the recent "Ghostbusters" film franchise, though specific plot details remain shrouded in mystery for now.
Hailing from Sony Pictures Animation, this endeavor boasts an impressive pedigree, with Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan of Ghost Corps, Inc. at the helm as executive producers. These two veterans, who collaborated on both "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" and "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" (with Reitman directing the former and Kenan the latter), ensure a strong continuity with the Ghostbusters legacy.
The production of this series will be a joint effort between Netflix and Ghost Corps, Inc., nestled within Sony's prestigious Columbia Pictures studios. Despite repeated attempts, representatives from both Netflix and Sony have yet to officially comment on this exciting development.
Kalan, renowned for his days as head writer of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," where he was part of a team that garnered seven consecutive Emmy nods and four wins for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series, brings a wealth of experience to the table. His subsequent stint as head writer for Netflix's "Mystery Science Theater 3000" revival, co-hosting the popular "The Flop House" podcast, and authoring the comic book series "Spider-Man and the X-Men" further solidify his status as a multi-faceted creative force.
Kalan is represented by Verve, Artists First, and Schreck Rose, who are undoubtedly thrilled to see their client embark on this thrilling new adventure in the world of Ghostbusters.
Embarking on a fresh chapter in its storied legacy, this marks the third animated series under the iconic "Ghostbusters" franchise. Paving the way was "The Real Ghostbusters," a monumental run spanning 140 episodes, gracing primarily ABC's screens and syndication outlets from 1986 to 1991. It seamlessly continued the thrilling escapades of the beloved characters from the seminal film, captivating audiences with each new adventure.
Following suit, "Extreme Ghostbusters" blazed its own trail with 40 action-packed episodes in syndication, introducing a predominantly fresh cast of heroes under the guiding hand of Egon Spengler. This iteration boldly ventured into uncharted territories, expanding the Ghostbusters universe further.
Fast-forwarding to 2021, "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" stormed onto the silver screen in November, garnering critical acclaim and soaring past the $200 million mark globally against a modest budget of $75 million. This triumphant return of the franchise reignited fans' passions and solidified its enduring appeal.
Meanwhile, March 2024 saw the dazzling debut of "Frozen Empire," another cinematic marvel that surpassed $200 million worldwide despite a $100 million budget. While unrelated to the Ghostbusters saga, its success serves as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of blockbuster entertainment.
