Ghostbusters 3 has been "really happening" for the past six years, with its two most stalwart champions being the original film's writers, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. Yet, with Ramis' passing a few months ago, the project's future is again uncertain. Not that Ghostbusters 3 has ever been a sure thing.

First, there was the "Bill Murray factor" -  where he's out, he's in, he's out again - but that was resolved when he lost his share of the franchise rights, allowing Ghostbusters 3 to move forward without him. Then Ivan Reitman dropped out as director and Ghostbusters 3 was again in limbo. Phil Lord and Chris Miller (The Lego Movie) were the latest names listed as potential directors, but this too has since fallen through.

Sony hasn't given up on Ghostbusters 3, though, reiterating their commitment to the film and announcing plans to revise the script in the wake of Ramis' death. And just recently - tucked inside a recent report on the Ant-Man director shortlist - was this nugget: Sony is considering Zombieland director Ruben Fleischer for Ghostbusters 3.

Of the ongoing string of names who've been rumored as attached to Ghostbusters 3, Fleischer is one of the most promising. Whereas his recent feature films - 30 Minutes or Less and Gangster Squad - haven't seen huge success, his directorial debut, Zombieland, was a smash hit and partially responsible for the recent surge in zombie genre films and TV shows.

Bill Murray in Zombieland

Looking at that film's excellent blend of horror and comedy, it's easy to see why Fleischer would be an obvious choice to take over helming Ghostbusters 3. And Zombieland wasn't a film sold solely on its laughs (though there were many). Its zombie-killing action was top-notch and it featured more than few quiet moments where the cast had to reflect on the everyday horror and direness of their situation. Fleischer handled all of its many elements, and could likely perform the same juggling act for Ghostbusters 3.

Not to mention that Fleischer is clearly very familiar with Ghostbusters given that film's presence within Zombieland. Plus, he's had experience working with Bill Murray, were the actor ever to become a factor for Ghostbusters 3.

However, regardless of whether or not Fleischer is Sony's top pick for a Ghostbusters 3's director, The Wrap says the film isn't heading in to production anytime soon. And with Fleischer's inclusion on the Ant-Man director shortlist, he could be unavailable when Sony wants to begin. Then again - Adam McKay (Anchorman) seems the more likely candidate for that Marvel project at the moment. (Update: Never mind!)

What do you think of Ruben Fleischer as director for Ghostbusters 3? Should Sony even continue exploring the option of a third Ghostbusters, or just let it go? Sound off in the comments below!

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Ghostbusters 3 is expected to begin filming in 2015, but no official release date has been set.

Source: The Wrap