“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” directed by Gil Kenan and co-written by Kenan and Jason Reitman, is a 2024 American supernatural comedy, serving as the sequel to “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” (2021) and the fifth installment in the Ghostbusters franchise. The movie features a star-studded cast including Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Celeste O’Connor, Logan Kim, alongside returning veterans Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, and William Atherton. Newcomers Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, Emily Alyn Lind, and James Acaster also join the ensemble. Set three years after “Afterlife,” the seasoned Ghostbusters unite with their new recruits to protect New York City from a chilling deity intent on assembling a spectral army.
Amidst the success of “Afterlife,” Sony Pictures announced the sequel in April 2022, with Reitman initially set to direct. However, co-writer and executive producer Kenan assumed directorial duties from Reitman in December, with Reitman remaining involved as a co-writer and co-producer. The returning and new cast members were confirmed in December 2022 and March 2023, respectively, with principal photography spanning from March to June 2023. Dario Marianelli was enlisted to compose the score, succeeding Rob Simonsen. The film marks the first release in the Ghostbusters series following the passing of co-creator Ivan Reitman, with both Reitman and his son Jason receiving producer credits. It’s dedicated to Ivan Reitman’s memory and commemorates the 40th anniversary of the franchise’s inception. “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” premiered at the AMC 13 Theater at Lincoln Square, New York City, on March 14, 2024, followed by a US release on March 22 under Sony Pictures Releasing. While the film received mixed critical reviews, it garnered positive feedback from audiences and grossed over $198 million worldwide, securing its position as the eighth-highest-grossing film of 2024.
CHARACTERS
- Paul Rudd portrays Gary Grooberson.
- Carrie Coon takes on the role of Callie Spengler.
- Finn Wolfhard plays Trevor Spengler.
- Mckenna Grace embodies Phoebe Spengler.
- Kumail Nanjiani appears as Nadeem Razmaadi.
- Patton Oswalt portrays Dr. Hubert Wartzki.
- Celeste O’Connor is cast as Lucky Domingo.
- Logan Kim plays Podcast.
- Emily Alyn Lind appears as Melody.
- James Acaster takes on the role of Dr. Lars Pinfield.
- Bill Murray reprises his role as Dr. Peter Venkman.
- Dan Aykroyd returns as Dr. Raymond “Ray” Stantz.
- Ernie Hudson reprises his role as Winston Zeddemore.
- Annie Potts returns as Janine Melnitz.
- William Atherton reprises his role as Mayor Walter Peck.
STORYLINE
In the wake of the Summerville events three years ago, Callie Spengler, along with her partner Gary Grooberson, children Trevor and Phoebe, and friends Lucky Domingo and Podcast, relocate to New York City to assist Winston Zeddemore and Ray Stantz in resurrecting the Ghostbusters. Their efforts encounter resistance from Walter Peck, a persistent adversary of the Ghostbusters, who threatens to shut them down as mayor. To comply, Callie sidelines Phoebe due to her age, which deeply upsets her. Seeking solace, Phoebe finds herself drawn to a park where she meets Melody, a spectral chess prodigy who perished in a fire. Meanwhile, Ray and Podcast investigate cursed objects, obtaining a peculiar brass orb from Nadeem Razmaadi, who suspects it to be a trap. Upon testing, the orb triggers a psionic pulse, damaging the Ghostbusters’ ecto-containment unit. Winston enlists Dr. Lars Pinfield’s help, but their attempts to extract information from the orb prove futile. To unravel the mystery, they seek Nadeem’s insight, uncovering the orb’s dark history and its connection to Garraka, a malevolent entity imprisoned within.
Simultaneously, Ray, Phoebe, and Podcast consult Dr. Hubert Wartzki at the New York Public Library, learning about the orb’s origins and its role in imprisoning Garraka. However, Peck exploits Phoebe’s involvement in a ghostly encounter to shut down the Ghostbusters. Disheartened, Phoebe flees with Melody to Winston’s research center, where she learns of Melody’s secret allegiance with Garraka. In a desperate bid for freedom, Melody coerces Phoebe to aid in Garraka’s release, leading to chaos as the city freezes under Garraka’s power.
The Ghostbusters rally to defend against Garraka’s onslaught, bolstered by Nadeem’s newfound abilities and Phoebe’s ingenuity. With a strengthened proton pack and strategic collaboration, they manage to subdue Garraka and contain him once more. As the city thaws and peace is restored, Phoebe reconciles with Melody, who departs to the afterlife. The Ghostbusters emerge as heroes, with Peck compelled to reinstate Phoebe and support the team. United, they embark on a mission to recapture escaped spirits across New York City.
