Dan Aykroyd is confirmed to appear in Ghostbusters 2020. Following the box office disappointment of Paul Feig's generally well-received Ghostbusters reboot, the paranormal comedy franchise is returning with a direct sequel to the original Ghostbusters I & II. Ghostbusters 2020 marks a passing of the torch behind the scenes, with writer-director Jason Reitman taking over from his father, Ivan Reitman, who helmed the first two films in the series. It also sees a number of Ghostbusters veterans reprising their iconic roles in a story that similarly introduces a new generation of ghost-catchers.

Previously, Sigourney Weaver indicated that most of the Ghostbusters 1984 cast (herself included) will be returning for Ghostbusters 2020, save of course for the late Harold Ramis and the retired Rick Moranis. More recently, Ernie Hudson announced his return as Winston Zeddemore in Ghostbusters 2020 with a video from the movie's set (where he's currently shooting his scenes). Now, another key member of the original ghost-bustin' squad is officially set for the new sequel.

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During an interview with Joe Rogan Experience, Aykroyd formally confirmed his return as Dr. Raymond "Ray" Stantz in Ghostbusters 2020. He added that he's "hoping" Bill Murray will likewise reprise his role from Ghostbusters I & II in the movie.

Ghostbusters 2020 trailer

In addition to playing the Ghostbusters' co-founder, Aykroyd wrote the first two films with Ramis (who costarred as Dr. Egon Spengler), and has been tirelessly campaigning for a third entry in the original Ghostbusters continuity to happen over the last thirty years. It was actually Aykroyd who spilled the beans about Ghostbusters 2020 a couple months before it was announced, making his return in the sequel all the more of a no-brainer. As mentioned, though, Ghostbusters 2020 will focus less on the returning Ghostbusters and more on a younger generation of characters, including those played by Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon, along with kid actors like Finn Wolfhard (IT, Stranger Things) and Mckenna Grace (Captain Marvel, Annabelle Comes Home). For that reason, Aykroyd is only expected to have a supporting role in the film.

As for Murray - the actor was infamously uninterested in reprising his role as Ray and Egon's wise-cracking partner in crime, Peter Venkman, for years due to his disappointment with how Ghostbusters II turned out. Nevertheless, the actor briefly showed up in the Ghostbusters reboot, before his character was quickly killed off in an apparent nod to the older Ghostbusters 3 script where Venkman died and came back as a ghost. Murray has since said he's open to appearing in Ghostbusters 2020, claiming his real beef had been with Sony's former executives and not his Ghostbusters costars. So who knows, the actor may yet don his proton pack again for Ghostbusters 2020 (or better yet, play a ghost after all).

NEXT: Everything We Know About Ghostbusters 2020

Source: Joe Rogan Experience

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