The trailer for “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” is both creepy and nostalgic

Yesterday, December 9th, Sony released the first full-length trailer for Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and we’re loving the film’s creepy vibes paired with the nostalgic throwbacks to the original ‘80s Ghostbusters films. (And, obviously, Paul Rudd. How can you not love Paul Rudd?)

The franchise’s upcoming installment is directed by Jason Reitman, whose father, Ivan Reitman, directed the first two OG Ghostbusters films. Following in those footsteps, Ghostbusters: Afterlife centers on the descendants of Egon Spengler, a member of the original Ghostbuster crew who was played by the late Harold Ramis. The family of his descendants moves into Spengler’s “creepy old farmhouse” located in a middle-of-nowhere town. And from there, paranormal hijinks, jump scares, and mysterious earthquakes ensue.

ghostbusters-afterlife-e1575994471660.png

But don’t expect the slapstick humor that ran through the original Ghostbusters movies and the 2016 remake starring Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, and Melissa McCarthy. Judging by the trailer, Ghostbusters: Afterlife leans more Stranger Things than it does goofy comedy. No surprise, then, that the film also stars Stranger Things’ Finn Wolfhard, noted endorser of ’80s throwbacks, alongside Rudd, Carrie Coon, and Mckenna Grace.

We’re gonna put our money on ghosts.

We really appreciate Afterlife’s references to the original Ghostbusters films. When Mckenna Grace’s Phoebe finds a strange contraption hidden under the floorboards of her grandfather’s house, Mr. Grooberson marvels over the “killer replica,” which will seemingly turn out to be a far-from-fake ghost trap.

Unfortunately, none of the cast from the all-female Ghostbusters revival will make appearances here, as Ghostbusters: Afterlife isn’t connected to the 2016 reboot. But in addition to Murray’s voiceover, present in the trailer, original Ghostbusters Dan Aykroyd and and Ernie Hudson will reprise their roles as Raymond Stantz and Winston Zeddemore. It doesn’t make up for the lack of female Ghostbusters entirely, but we’re excited to see these two legends on screen again.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife will premiere on July 10, 2020. Get your proton packs ready.

Filed Under