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Director Ivan Reitman Discusses 2009 Ghostbusters Game
We never got a proper Ghostbusters 3 film, and the closest we might ever get is the 2009 video game. It brought together the original cast, familiar locations, and iconic enemies like the librarian and the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man.
I recently had a chance to chat with director Ivan Reitman, who brought the first two films to life. Our conversation turned towards gaming, storytelling, and the value of the 2009 game in the larger Ghostbusters story.
While the 2009 Ghostbusters game had its problems, it offered up the chance to celebrate the original cast and concepts. Using a proton pack and ghost trap was a dream come true for many, but Reitman has mixed feelings on it.
“I was very thankful for it,” Reitman says. “It wasn’t as good as I had hoped, though. I know a lot of people like it a lot. I’m not a big gamer, so I’m the wrong guy to critique it. It just didn’t seem lively enough, but I thought it was good for the same reason I helped found Ghost Corps [production company]. I think it’s a great and worthwhile story to be able to continue.”
Reitman’s Ghost Corps, which he founded with Dan Aykroyd, is responsible for the upcoming Ghostbusters film releasing this month. Additional projects, including one that may star Channing Tatum and include Captain America: The Winter Soldier directors Anthony and Joe Russo.
Despite not being a big video gamer, Reitman does have an affection for gaming. In addition to playing poker, gin, chess, and Monopoly, the famed director has a soft spot for pinball.
“Pinball, and especially the new Ghostbusters pinball, is amazing,” he says. “There’s something physical, and I just got into it. I’m more a child of the '50s and '60s, where pinball hit a real sweet spot. People really loved the Space Jam game, which was one of the first really hot, new-style pinball games.”
You can read more from Reitman, including his perspective on virtual reality, in our coverage of the new Madam Tussauds Ghostbusters Experience.
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