“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” to Unleash Chilling Thrills in Spectral Showdown

Get set for an icy invasion this Easter with “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.” Directed by the visionary Gil Kenan, this latest Ghostbusters flick promises bone-chilling thrills in a frosty New York City teeming with ghosts.

Step into the uncharted “post-Gozerian era,” unveiling a sinister chapter introducing a ghastly villain with glowing eyes and menacing horns. The discovery of an ancient artifact inadvertently unleashes a bon3e-chilling second Ice Age—the Death Chill—an perilous ice engulfing the world. The stage is set for an epic clash between good and evil, with cosmic proportions looming on the horizon.

For a quick catch-up, let’s recap the last several films:

Ghostbusters (1984): Three parapsychologists, Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, and Egon Spengler, start a ghost removal service in New York City. They become celebrities as they battle a Sumerian god of chaos, Gozer, bent on destroying the world. The movie expertly balances itself right between the horror genre and the comedy genre. The chemistry of the main three characters is undeniable, and when you throw in interesting side characters (such as Rick Moranis as Louis Tully), every scene is a delight to watch. The story is original, the effects are impressive, and the jokes are funny – in short, Ghostbusters is a timeless classic

“Ghostbusters II” (1989): Set five years after the events of the first film, the Ghostbusters have been plagued by lawsuits and court orders, leading to the bankruptcy of their once-lucrative business. When New York City is once again threatened by supernatural forces, the team comes out of retirement to save the day. They discover a river of ectoplasmic slime bubbling beneath the city and an ancient sorcerer, Vigo the Carpathian, attempting to return and conquer the world. The sequel features a more serious tone and the return of the original cast, as they work to quell the supernatural threat and save the city once again.

Ghostbusters (2016): The 2016 film presents a modern reboot of the original Ghostbusters, featuring four eccentric women who start a ghost-catching business in New York City after a paranormal encounter. As they face a powerful demon and its army of ghosts, the team must save the city from supernatural destruction. Despite its unique take on the franchise, this film is not considered part of the original Ghostbusters movie canon. The movie received mixed reviews and did not perform as well at the box office, leading to the decision to create a different sequel, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” which continues the story from the original 1984 and 1989 films.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021): Set 32 years after the events of Ghostbusters II, the movie follows a single mother and her children who move to an Oklahoma farm they inherited from her estranged father, Egon Spengler. As they settle in the town of Summerville, the family begins to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their family carries. They must save the town from a new supernatural threat, uncovering unexpected secrets and facing their own paranormal event. The film pays tribute to the original while introducing a new generation of characters and supernatural adventures.

With the new addition of “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” to the franchise, anticipation peaks as the original Ghostbusters return to their iconic New York City firehouse to team up with fresh new faces. Here is the current cast list:

Carrie Coon as Callie Spengler: Callie Spengler is the single mother of Trevor and Phoebe Spengler and the daughter of the late Egon Spengler, one of the original Ghostbusters. Callie barely knew her father and harbors animosity toward him, feeling abandoned when he moved to Oklahoma. The movie delves into her complex relationship with Egon and the legacy he left behind, including his many secrets, which are gradually revealed throughout the film.

Mckenna Grace as Phoebe Spengler: Phoebe Spengler is the granddaughter of Egon Spengler and shares his love of knowledge and science. Phoebe, a young girl, moves with her mother, Callie, and her brother, Trevor, to her late grandfather’s old farmhouse. She aspires to continue her grandfather’s legacy by defeating Gozer, the powerful supernatural entity, once and for all. Her unique personality and interests make her a relatable and inspiring character, especially for those who are neurodivergent.

Paul Rudd as Gary Grooberson: Gary Grooberson is Phoebe and Podcast’s middle-school science teacher and a seismologist investigating mysterious local earthquakes. He is initially perceived as a moronic middle school football coach by Phoebe, but it is later revealed that he is a knowledgeable and passionate scientist with expertise in seismology, world history, and culture. Despite being a scientist, he is a fan of the Ghostbusters and a believer in the paranormal. Grooberson also has a love for popular culture such as cinemas and comic books. He mentors Phoebe in science and the paranormal, and his character undergoes significant development throughout the film.

Annie Potts as Janine Melnitz: Janine Melnitz is known for her role as the Ghostbusters’ secretary and occasional ghostbuster herself. She is portrayed as sassy and overworked, often keeping up with her job despite being treated poorly by her co-workers. Janine is from Queens, New York, and is depicted as having a romantic attraction to Egon Spengler, one of the original Ghostbusters. Throughout the franchise, she maintains a crush on Egon, despite becoming involved with Louis Tully in Ghostbusters II. Janine’s character is known for her unique fashion sense and her dedication to her work, making her a memorable and beloved figure in the Ghostbusters universe.

Bill Murray as Peter Venkman: Peter Venkman is one of the original Ghostbusters. He holds Ph.D.s in both Psychology and Parapsychology, making him highly qualified in his field. Venkman is known for his sarcastic and cynical personality, often approaching situations with a laid-back and snippy demeanor. Despite his skepticism, he becomes a key member of the Ghostbusters team, using his street smarts and social abilities to complement the group’s academic expertise. Venkman is also characterized by his womanizing tendencies and his pursuit of romantic interests, particularly his affection for Dana Barrett.

Dan Aykroyd as Ray Stantz: Dr. Raymond Stantz, portrayed by Dan Aykroyd, is one of the main protagonists and original Ghostbusters. He is an expert on paranormal history and metallurgy, characterized by his almost childlike enthusiasm towards his work and his forthright acceptance of paranormal activity. Ray is often described as the heart of the Ghostbusters, being incredibly devoted to the company. He even goes as far as mortgaging his house to provide the startup capital for the Ghostbusters. Ray is always up for a good Ghostbusting session, no matter how strange or slimy it may get. He is known for his dedication to the pursuit of studying the paranormal and his unwavering commitment to the Ghostbusters team.

Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddemore: Winston Zeddemore is a fictional character and one of the main protagonists in the Ghostbusters franchise. Winston is the fourth member to join the Ghostbusters team when their services are in high demand. Although not a scientist, he has extensive training in electronic countermeasures and strategic air command. Winston is known for his practical and down-to-earth nature, bringing an every-man sensibility to the team. He is a pivotal and beloved character in the Ghostbusters franchise, known for his bravery and his contributions to the team’s spook-vanquishing adventures.

Finn Wolfhard as Trevor Spengler: Trevor Spengler is a character in the 2021 film “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” portrayed by Finn Wolfhard. He is the grandson of Egon Spengler, the son of Callie Spengler, and the older brother of Phoebe Spengler. Trevor, along with his sister, becomes involved in their grandfather’s legacy of ghostbusting after moving to their grandfather’s old farmhouse near Summerville. Throughout the film, he plays a key role in uncovering the family’s connection to the Ghostbusters and in facing the new supernatural threat that emerges in the town. Trevor’s character is depicted as resourceful, brave, and dedicated to continuing his grandfather’s work in battling the paranormal.

William Atherton as Walter Peck: Walter Peck is a character in the Ghostbusters franchise, serving as the secondary antagonist in the first film. He is an inspector for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is depicted as a bureaucratic and overbearing official who becomes a thorn in the side of the Ghostbusters. Peck’s confrontational and skeptical attitude towards the Ghostbusters leads to the shutdown of the Containment Unit, resulting in a city-wide paranormal disaster. His character is known for his infamous line, “I hate you, Venkman!” and his role as a hindrance to the Ghostbusters’ efforts in combating supernatural threats.

With Patton Oswalt and Kumail Nanjiani in undisclosed roles.

The film’s posters tantalize with glimpses of a frozen Big Apple, teasing the terrifying new adversary and promising a cinematic rollercoaster ride filled with spine-tingling suspense and heart-stopping action.

Save the date: March 29th, 2024, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” hits theaters with larger-than-life spectacles and hair-raising encounters. The battle between paranormal and normal will rage, offering an adventure that will haunt your senses long after the credits roll. The countdown to Easter weekend begins. Prepare for a journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat and send shivers down your spine.