Channing Tatum To Join ‘Ghostbusters 3’
In the newest “Battle of the Sexes,” Channing Tatum (Jupiter Ascending, Foxcatcher, G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra) is rumored to join the all-male reboot of the Ghostbusters movie franchise from Ivan Reitman and Dan Aykroyd, according to CNET. This is in direct response to the idea of an all-female movie from Bridesmaids director Paul Feig starring Kristin Wiig, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon, and Melissa McCarthy.
It’s official. I’m making a new Ghostbusters & writing it with @katiedippold & yes, it will star hilarious women. That’s who I’m gonna call.
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) October 8, 2014
Although Tatum’s involvement is not yet official, Channing’s real-life buddy Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy) is rumored to be joining him on the film as reported by The Independent. As reported by The Daily Beast, leaked documents from the Sony hack have indicated that Tatum and Pratt pitched the idea to Sony executives themselves. Channing described his idea for Ghostbusters 3.
“Let us show the world The DarkSide and let us fight it with all the glory and epicness of a HUGE BATMAN BEGINS MOVIE.”
The Daily Beast also reports subsequent emails from Columbia Pictures executive, Hannah Minghella, reveal the plan to expand it into a series of movies that could become a complete movie franchise. Devin Faraci of Badass Digest reports that the expansion of the Ghostbusters universe would be two separate, but complimentary, films, followed by two movies similar to The Avengers format with the likelihood of a prequel to finish it out. Channing Tatum will be looking to rebound from the dismal box office performance of his latest movie, Jupiter Ascending, which is experiencing somewhat of a rebound overseas, and in China particularly, according to Business Insider. Channing will also need to tap into his former comedic roles from his Jump Street movies to build upon the comedic premises of the original Ghostbusters movies.
Even though Tatum’s Ghostbusters 3 film will not be openly antagonistic of its all-female counterpart, the reality of the box office will determined the winner of this new “Battle of the Sexes.” Whether or not this massive expansion of the Ghostbusters universe actually occurs only if both movies are actually successful. The reaction on social media has been divided on gender lines as well. The line has been drawn now that there will be two movies.
The problem of gender-exclusive “Ghostbusters” movies http://t.co/knOqQivbdz pic.twitter.com/R6mGsegO3Y
— Paste Magazine (@PasteMagazine) March 12, 2015
Channing Tatum’s film will be in direct competition against the all-female Ghostbusters film and there will be only one survivor. Have your Stay Puft Marshmallows ready.
[Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images]
