Bill Murray Turned Down Ghostbusters 3 Because of the Script

By Owain Paciuszko / June 11, 2012

Speaking to David Letterman on 7th June, Bill Murray confirmed what we've all suspected, that he turned down the third "Ghostbusters" film because he wasn't happy with the proposed screenplay. You can watch Murray reveal the comments below;Murray is constantly asked about the third film in the enduringly popular franchise that began in 1984, had one rather dodgy sequel, but truckloads of merchandise and multiple animated spin-offs and videogames. Whilst out promoting the wonderful "Moonrise Kingdom" in Cannes, Murray admits that journalists there were all asking him about the potential threequel.

"They just don't have a good script," Murray told Letterman, "It's hard. You know, even the second Ghostbusters wasn't as much fun for me as the first one. It's hard to make a sequel. That first one was so darn funny. It's hard for me."

Clearly Murray doesn't want to be seen as a spoil-sport for turning down the film, he's got the fan's - and his - best interests at heart. Though fans are undoubtedly keen to see a third "Ghostbusters" film, probably as much to make amends for the disappointing sequel more than anything, they'd be just as angry if Murray agreed to anything and made an even more sloppy third film. "I always drag my feet on it, but you know, we'll try again," Murray concluded, suggesting that screenwriters Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg of the US version of "The Office" and, more worryingly, "Year One", would be tackling a further re-write. The previous draft having been revised by Dan Aykroyd, the creator of the "Ghostbusters" concept, and, of course, Ray Stantz in the films. There have been many rumours regarding the plot of "Ghostbusters 3", with it being suggested that Murray's Peter Venkman may turn up as a ghost, which isn't such a terrible concept, as long as his role wasn't just a glorified cameo, but a substantial presence in the film. Primarily Aykroyd has stated that the third film would see the old Ghostbusters handing over the proton packs to a bunch of new recruits and, personally, I think that's a terrible idea for a film that will just bring about all the problems and complaints of "Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (Mutt) and the "Star Wars" prequels (young Anakin). We don't want to see our heroes side-lined by a hip new younger generation. Read on for part 2, How I would like to see "Ghostbusters" 3 made;