Jason Reitman Says “Ghostbusters ”Movies Stopped in the ’80s Because Director Dad Ivan Reitman ‘Never Understood Sequels’

Jason Reitman, the director, expressed that his father, Ivan Reitman, did not quite grasp the concept of sequels. In a recent episode of Neal Brennan’s Blocks podcast, Jason, aged 47, shed light on his father’s perspective, stating that Ivan struggled to understand why people were drawn to revisiting past works. Ivan Reitman, widely known for directing the iconic Ghostbusters in 1984 and its sequel, Ghostbusters II in 1989, preferred to focus on crafting fresh narratives, as evident in his films like Twins (1988), Kindergarten Cop (1990), and Dave (1993).

Despite his inclination towards original storytelling, Ivan Reitman returned to the Ghostbusters universe as a producer for Paul Feig’s 2016 all-female reboot and Jason’s 2021 sequel, Ghostbusters: Afterlife. However, Jason revealed that his father had reservations regarding incorporating elements from the original 1984 film into Afterlife. Ivan questioned the need to revisit familiar aspects like the terror dogs and Gozer, preferring a departure into uncharted territory with a new storyline. This creative stance may have played a role in the intermittent presence of the Ghostbusters franchise over the decades, with projects like Twins diverting Ivan’s attention away from sequels.

Jason highlighted an intriguing detail from Ghostbusters II to exemplify his father’s perspective on sequels. He noted the Ghostbusters car bearing the logo from the sequel, a choice that perplexed Jason. This seemingly trivial detail sparked a discussion between father and son, leading to the realisation that Ivan may have overlooked such nuances in his approach to sequels. While franchises like Marvel meticulously weave interconnecting stories across various platforms, Ivan’s focus remained steadfast on crafting standalone narratives that diverged from the sequel-heavy trend.

This divergence in approach between father and son may offer insights into why the Ghostbusters franchise did not maintain a consistent presence in the industry over the years. Ivan’s preference for standalone stories, as seen in his diverse filmography beyond Ghostbusters, contrasted with the sequel-driven model that defines many successful franchises in the entertainment industry. Jason’s reflections on his father’s attitude towards sequels provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges and creative choices that shape the evolution of beloved film franchises.

While Ivan Reitman’s legacy in the film industry remains indisputable, his distinct approach to storytelling, particularly regarding sequels, offers a unique perspective on the trajectory of iconic franchises like Ghostbusters. Jason’s candid revelations about his father’s creative ethos shed light on the complexities inherent in crafting sequels and navigating the expectations of dedicated fan bases. As the Ghostbusters saga continues to captivate audiences with new iterations and adaptations, the dynamic between tradition and innovation, as exemplified by Ivan and Jason Reitman, underscores the enduring legacy of a beloved cinematic universe.