We've been hearing about a possible Ghostbusters 3 for years now and it seems like the rumors keep heating up more and more as time goes on. The only thing solid that seems to never change with the rumors is that it will focus on a new team that will be trained at least in part by the old Ghostbusters originals. Some other elements that seem to pop up quite often are that Bill Murray wouldn't want to do more than a cameo at best and that the film could largely focus on Oscar, Dana's son from Ghostbusters II.
With that being said, back in October when things were heating up, I decided to take it upon myself to write up a little plot outline of what I would personally do for the film. You can find that plot idea in its entirety on my newest website, Fanboys Anonymous. After writing out the ideas that I had had in my mind for a while, I've decided that I should go ahead and give a little fan cast for those that are interested in who I could see playing these characters.
Oscar Barrett
CHARACTER RUNDOWN: The son of both Dana Barrett and Peter Venkman. He's very much like his father in that he's charming, but an asshole. Despite being such a pain in the ass, he's got a lot of heart and although he originally is disinterested in becoming a Ghostbuster (primarily out of his feelings about his father) he's persuaded by Ray Stantz to join the team, becoming the leader of it.
FAN CAST IDEAS: As for all of the four characters listed here, I figured I'd go with 3 options a piece (since it's Ghostbusters III after all). Three potential people I could see playing Oscar Barrett are Michael Angarano, Emile Hirsch, and Anton Yelchin. The character would have to be in his 20s and all of these guys can pull that off. I can see all of them looking like they could possibly be the offspring of a combination of Sigourney Weaver and Bill Murray (though some are a bit of a stretch more than others, but c'mon, we've had weirder casting in films before). There needs to be that edge that Peter Venkman has as well as that softness of Dana. Anton Yelchin in particular would be my top choice as I think he would really make something special out of that type of a part, wherein he could be that jerk that you can't help but root for.
Walter Peck's Daughter
CHARACTER RUNDOWN: Walter Peck will have had a daughter over this time period who resents her father and as a result of lashing out, is a bit of a Goth in so many words. She studies the occult and because of both this and her spitfire attitude, is very much the most capable of the bunch to become a Ghostbuster. She also is an antagonist to Oscar as well as his love interest. Nothing could upset Walter Peck more than his daughter growing up to be in line both career-wise and love-wise with a guy like Peter Venkman's son, right?
FAN CAST IDEAS: For Walter Peck's daughter, you need someone funny but also someone that can portray the rebellious nature of the character. I would say Emma Stone would be my favorite of this bunch and I don't think I necessarily have to run down her acting skills, but for those that could possibly be unaware, I suggest watching Easy A, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Zombieland to get a true idea of her talent. Kaya Scodelario and Anna Kendrick are distant other picks to me in comparison but are still two people that I could theoretically see having quite a fun time in such a role.
Egon's Student
CHARACTER RUNDOWN: Egon takes upon an apprentice who is very much the same as he is. IE, this is the nerd of the bunch who is more interested in the scientific aspects of being a Ghostbuster as opposed to the fame or the money or anything of that sort.
FAN CAST IDEAS: Whereas Winston was the "token non-white" so to speak of the original team, that role would be switched up for this one. Instead of having that guy be the most uneducated of the bunch, now the position is the smartest on the new team (save for Egon but he's in the mentor role anyway). Still, that doesn't mean the character wouldn't be comedic and fun to play. The trick is to get someone who can play the straight man and be funny in how rigid they are. There's a bit of a different spectrum here with these three actors. Someone like Dev Patel is more serious in his work and this could give him a chance to have a bit more levity. Kunal Nayyar of the Big Bang Theory is obviously well versed in comedy, but this role is different than his position on the show. As Rajesh Koothrappali, he's oftentimes the one saying the dim-witted comment and playing things a bit oblivious, but for a role such a this, he can take things more seriously. Then, as a wildcard, Aziz Ansari is there because of his extensive comedic acting background. It's never a bad idea to go full on comedian in a film that at its core is supposed to be a lighthearted movie.
The Inept Fool
CHARACTER RUNDOWN: This guy is the least useful of the bunch as far as the physical act of capturing ghosts goes, but he offers a lot of comedic relief and his most important function is being the heart of the team. He's very much responsible for keeping the team together and setting the right mood so things don't get too tense amongst such contradictory personalities.
FAN CAST IDEAS: This is the hardest of all for people to think of. Originally, I had in mind a sort of bumbling idiot fat person, but then that started feeling a bit too stereotypical and played out. Still, I figured I'd toss Jonah Hill's name in the hat for good measure. More so, I think I'd go for someone like a Jesse Eisenberg, who at one point was someone I was considering for the Oscar Barrett role but figured he wouldn't be charming enough for it. Instead, the awkwardness that he pulls off so easily is a trait that could work well for this character. He could very well be that type of a person that is seemingly useless but you keep him around anyway. Paul Dano's performance in Looper caught my eye as another person who pulled off the helpless comedic relief type of character. I'd like to see more from him and he'd definitely be a potential option.
Keeping it simple, I know, but that's kind of the point. I'd like to get your ideas on if you'd like to see these types of characters in Ghostbusters III and if you have any other suggestions of people that could play them.
Also, for anyone interested, if you'd like to write articles for Fanboys Anonymous itself, let me know via the contact page there. I'm looking for more staff members and the community here is perfect for such spots.
Until next time, everyone.