In a recent podcast, Jason Reitman revealed how his father Ivan Reitman's reluctance to revisit old stories may have influenced the long hiatus of the Ghostbusters franchise. Ivan directed the original 1984 film and its 1989 sequel but preferred focusing on new narratives rather than sequels. Despite this, Ivan returned as a producer for later projects in the series. Jason shared insights into his father's unique approach to filmmaking, highlighting moments that showcased Ivan's disinterest in continuity.
Ivan's preference for fresh storytelling significantly impacted the development of Ghostbusters over the decades. His lack of enthusiasm for sequels led to long gaps between films. Even when he did return as a producer, Ivan maintained his stance on creating new stories. This philosophy extended to minor details, such as the logo on the Ghostbusters car in the 1989 sequel, which Ivan admitted was likely a mistake.
The Reluctance to Return: Ivan Reitman's Approach to Storytelling
Jason Reitman, during an interview on Neal Brennan’s podcast, shed light on his father's unconventional take on sequels. Ivan, who directed the iconic 1984 Ghostbusters and its follow-up in 1989, had a distinct view on continuing franchises. He often wondered why audiences wanted to revisit old stories when there were so many new tales to tell. This mindset shaped Ivan's career choices, leading him to explore diverse genres like comedy and drama instead of focusing on sequels.
According to Jason, Ivan's approach to storytelling was rooted in innovation and novelty. After the success of Ghostbusters, Ivan ventured into other projects, including Twins and Kindergarten Cop, showcasing his desire to tell fresh stories. This preference for new narratives meant that the Ghostbusters franchise did not receive the immediate attention it might have under different circumstances. Jason explained that his father's reluctance to revisit familiar ground was a significant factor in the franchise's prolonged dormancy. Ivan's focus on originality made him less inclined to produce direct continuations of previous works, even when they were highly successful.
A New Chapter: Ivan's Return to Ghostbusters
Despite his initial aversion to sequels, Ivan Reitman eventually returned to the Ghostbusters universe as a producer for newer entries. Jason noted that while Ivan contributed to Paul Feig's 2016 reboot and his own 2021 legacy sequel, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, he still emphasized the importance of introducing new elements. Ivan provided feedback on the inclusion of classic elements from the 1984 film, questioning their necessity. For instance, when terror dogs appeared in Afterlife, Ivan expressed confusion about revisiting Gozer, advocating for a completely new narrative.
Jason highlighted an interesting anecdote from the 1989 sequel to illustrate his father's indifference to continuity. The Ghostbusters car in Ghostbusters II featured the sequel's logo, a detail that Ivan later admitted was probably a mistake. This oversight underscored Ivan's broader attitude towards sequels—his primary interest lay in crafting unique stories rather than maintaining strict continuity. Jason contrasted this with the meticulous interconnectedness of franchises like Marvel, noting that Ivan's approach was entirely opposite. Ivan simply wanted to tell compelling, standalone stories, regardless of whether they fit into a larger franchise. This philosophy has left a lasting impression on the Ghostbusters legacy, shaping its evolution over the years.