OG Ghostbusters Star’s Refusal To Return Addressed By Ernie Hudson

Summary

• Ernie Hudson says Rick Moranis declined to return to the
  Ghostbusters
  franchise, despite being offered money.
• Ernie Hudson expressed disappointment and confusion over Moranis’ decision, but hopes the actor can change his mind someday.
• Since Moranis hasn’t acted in a movie since 2006, it seems unlikely he’ll step back onscreen to portray Louis again.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire star Ernie Hudson has opened up about why one star from the 1984 original refused to return for the newest movies in the growing franchise. The newest movie alongside its predecessor, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, features a new cast of characters within the Spengler family hunting down ghosts and learning of their legacy. However, they also feature the return of the original team, with guest appearances by almost everyone from the original film – except one star that hasn’t shown up in them.

Speaking with Screen Rant, Hudson – who portrays Winston in the franchise – explained why the cast of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire doesn’t include Rick Moranis as Louis Tully. Ahead of the movie’s digital and Blu-ray release on June 24, the star explained how Moranis was approached and offered money, but he ultimately decided not to return. Check out what Hudson had to say below:

Yeah, because Rick is such an important part of the success of all of this. I think everybody understands that and agrees with that. I don’t know why. I haven’t had a personal conversation. I talked to Ivan Reitman before he transitioned, who I know had spent a lot of time trying to convince Rick. I know that the other guys have talked to him, and I’m not sure why. He just said no.

I know they offered him more money than they offered me. And if I thought going to his house would make a difference, I’d be there. Because I’d love to see [him]. And not just in Ghostbusters, but I just think he’s an amazing talent. I would love to see him working, but obviously, it was a personal choice. [Maybe] if they did a country western album or something, but I don’t know. I’d love to see him back if there was any possible way, you know?

Could Rick Moranis Return In A Future Ghostbusters Movie?

Why Louis’ Return Is Not Looking Likely

Moranis’ Louis had an important role in the first two Ghostbusters movies. In the first, he is possessed by Vinz and has a hand in bringing Gozer back because of this. He makes a smaller appearance in the second installment, showing up as the team’s lawyer. His hilarious antics both while he’s human and when he’s been possessed are memorable parts of the original duology. His performance would fit right in with the humor of the latest films, perhaps even giving him more to work with in a continued storyline.

While a possible Ghostbusters 6 hasn’t been confirmed yet, Louis could easily fit back into the mold of the story for a modern-day adventure. However, Moranis hasn’t starred in a movie since 2006’s Brother Bear 2, his last appearance onscreen being in the 2020 documentary series Prop Culture. His decision not to return to the franchise appears to have been because he’s stepped away from acting overall, a decision no amount of money can change. This makes it extremely unlikely he’ll return to the franchise, despite the potential his character has.

Even so, much like how Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Easter eggs referenced back to the original duology, direct references to Louis are possible in the future, even if he doesn’t make a return. This could be in the form of definitively revealing what happened to him after his last appearance, to throwing in a few lines or moments that reference some of his most classic attributes. Although it’s possible Moranis will change his mind and come back one last time, it seems for now references to his character will be all that’s featured.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
is now available on VOD.

Other Original Ghostbusters Stars Might Also Not Return

Frozen Empire’s Reception Could Alter The Franchise’s Trajectory

Moranis reprising his role as Louis is looking unlikely, and he may not be the only actor from the original movies to not return in the franchise’s future. The Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire reviews were mixed at best, with critics taking issue with the film’s overly serious tone and its struggle to balance original stars like Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson with newcomers like Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace, and Finn Wolfhard. While the film’s cast may, on the surface, appear to be one of the movie’s great strengths, it’s also why the sequel doesn’t totally work.

Lackluster reviews is certainly a disappointing result, but the key factor that will influence the franchise’s future is Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire‘s poor box office performance. Made on an estimated budget of $100 million, the film has only made about $195.3 million worldwide, meaning it very likely that it hasn’t broken even. It’s possible that the film will eventually end up in the black due to VOD performance, physical media sales, and merchandise, but the box office is a clear signal that audience interest in the franchise has waned.

While
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
is only about $9 million away from reaching
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
‘s box office haul, the latter film only cost about $75 million to make.

The poor box office could result in a retooling of the franchise moving forward. It’s possible, for example, that a prospective Ghostbusters 6 serves as a soft reboot for the franchise, introducing new characters in a new setting. It’s also possible that the Spengler family saga continues, but at a lower budget level and with a smaller cast that doesn’t include actors like Murray, Aykroyd, or Hudson.

Does A Potential Ghostbusters 6 Still Need Original Franchise Characters?

It’s Unclear How The Franchise Should Continue

It’s now been 40 years since the first Ghostbusters movie, and there’s an argument to be made that characters like Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, and Winston Zeddemore have had their time. While beloved in the first two movies, younger audiences just don’t have the same relationship to these films or these characters that older audiences do, and engaging younger audiences is now crucial to achieving box office success. On the other hand, not including original franchise characters could turn off older audiences who grew up with the franchise.

The future of the Ghostbusters franchise, then, is in a tough spot. Banking on nostalgia is now no longer a viable tactic for the franchise’s future, and whatever comes next will probably need to be made at a lower budget level, which could mean a smaller cast and a more focused story. It remains to be seen what will come next after Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, but audiences probably shouldn’t bank on a return from Moranis.