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'Men in Black 3' & 'Tropic Thunder' Writer Tapped for 'Ghostbusters 3'

by Ethan Anderton
July 10, 2012
Source: Variety

Don't worry. We're still vehemently opposed to all the non-updates about the long gestating Ghostbusters 3, and my rant about the long road to the big screen creating too much hype and eventual disappointment still stands. But today marks the first real development on the sequel in a long time. This time it's not just Bill Murray saying he won't do the movie or Dan Aykroyd still saying they're trying to get the script perfect. Instead, Variety reports Columbia Pictures is hiring Etan Cohen, who just helped the studio snag a hit with Men in Black 3, has just been hired to write the new supernatural action comedy sequel now. More below!

This development comes after "The Office" writers Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg wrote a script back in 2008, but apparently that didn't push the right buttons to get off the ground. It's not clear if Cohen is doing an extensive rewrite or maybe starting from scratch, but it's hard to find a better tentpole action comedy writer today. Cohen previously wrote Tropic Thunder, which I consider to be one of the best comedies in the past ten years, and also Men in Black 3, a film that kept the heart of the franchise alive while still mixing things up a bit (despite some glaring plot holes, it really hit a sweet spot for me).

Now it's just a matter of whether or not Cohen can craft something that is respectful of the original film, keeps Bill Murray, Dan Ayrkroyd and Harold Ramis happy, and appeals to the next generation of Ghostbusters fans. Cohen also has his own directorial debut in the works in the form of Boy Scouts vs. Zombies, but that's likely slowly developing, giving him plenty of time to get Ghostbusters 3 written. Honestly, if there's a guy who can write a solid script for the sequel, I think Cohen is the man for the job. But only time will tell if Ghostbusters 3 will stay stuck in development hell. Thoughts?

Filed under Development, Movie News

From around the web:

http://www.facebook.com/bmamola Brad Mamola

This movie is never going to happen. Ramis, Murray, and Arkyrod all need to write it... together. Doesn't mean there has to be physical stuff for the guys to do. Just be honest with their age, physical ability, and make that a part of it all.
DaveLister_JMC

Wake me if they ever actually start shooting this thing.
Manuel

I'm a die hard fan of Ghostbusters. I don't want to see how they ruin this. Please, never film GB III.
- Zanpher
  
  Great assumptions!!! Let's see how they pan out ...
happy camper

The "Ghostsbusters" will actually be ghosts.
http://madeofhells.tumblr.com/ Triangle Dimes

Just leave it alone, fuckers.
Cody W

NO HOLLYWOOD NO BAD!
- LosZombies
  
  *sprays Hollywood in the nose with spray bottle*
LosZombies

If Bill Murray doesnt wanna do it then for fuck's sake DONT! Its a freakin SIGN!
Voice of Reason

Just...stop it. Everyone. Just....make it stop. Please.
Aye-yo

Why does Winston get overly ignored???
- max
  
  He's seen shit that'll turn you white.
max

Harold Ramis looks like someone's bearded grandmother.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1523381468 Jon Chamberlain

Same responses all the time, It makes me sick. GB III will be a success and now that Bill Murray has dropped out altogether it finally looks like it will see the light of day. DIe Hard fans that don't want this to happen aren't die hard fans. I am an absolute Ghostbusters zealot and I know the real talent is the IP's creator, Dan Aykroyd, Who last time I checked was still on board. If you have any doubts play the 2009 Ghostbusters Video Game. It was average as far as the gameplay goes but the story was amazing. Why? It was written by Dan Aykroyd. Essentially Dan Aykroyd is GhostBusters as long as he is in, I am in!