10 Riskiest Upcoming Casting Choices (And Why They Will Work)

The Risk

Any attempt to recreate the ultimate ‘lightning in a bottle’ classic was always going to be problematic. You fiddle with a beloved 80s treasure at your peril, even to the point where its own direct sequel felt something of a damp squib. Ghostbusters, quite frankly, succeeded on the strength of its three leads combining at the very peak of their comedic careers, and re-casting the increasingly inevitable reboot was always going to stir controversy.

Then director Paul Feig came along with his all-female ensemble. Perhaps the only possible way this film could provoke even more dissenters, and Feig seemingly steered directly at it. Yes, the Internet is full of casual sexists, everybody.

The Reward

That is precisely the point. An identikit recasting veers too closely to the original. Forgetting for a second that a second, all-male Ghostbusters film is also in production, this Ghostbusters film needs to stand alone to succeed. To provide something wholly original whilst honouring the legacy that lay before it. Casting four females opens up a raft of new comedic possibilities that, at the very least, provides a worthy alternative to Murray and co. – a reason for this film to exist.

What we have now is a once potentially stale reboot, now with an interesting selling point, and most importantly of all, a talented cast. Melissa McCarthy’s recent over-exposure in lead roles may be grating, but as a supporting player in an ensemble she can be very, very funny. Likewise Kristen Wiig, and fellow Saturday Night Live bred Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon. Just as with those who ‘busted before them, the timing may well be perfect.

2016’s Ghostbusters has given itself the best possible chance of success, and much of that is down to the bravery to battle against the grain.