Since announcing an all-female cast reboot, Paul Feig‘s Ghostbusters movie has been on everyone’s radar. The director has “leaked” several photos from the set, giving fans their first glimpses of the team in uniform and their upgraded gadgets. But still, one never really knows what to expect when a classic franchise is given a makeover. Today some light was cast on the shadows with the release of the first, full-length trailer.
Beginning with an ultra-slow piano rendition of the original theme song, the video announces “30 years ago four scientists saved New York; this summer a new team will answer the call.” Enter the paranormal investigators played by Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon and Kristen Wiig, who is vomited on by a glowing, floating apparition. Jillian Holtzmann (McKinnon) is the engineer, Erin Gilbert (Wiig) is an expert in quantum physics, Abby Yates (McCarthy) is the team leader, and Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones) volunteers to handle the non-science stuff.
The theme song kicks in with a montage of awesome-looking special effects ghosts flying over the city, or striding through it as is the case for the striped-pants spirit that can see over a tall building. Though apparently their greatest opponent won’t be a supernatural one as Wiig narrates, “Someone is creating a device that amplifies paranormal activity and we might be the only ones who can stop it.” To achieve their goal, they are equipped with some super tricked-out gear that also lets them physically knock out their spectral opponents. In addition, amongst all the laser effects and dazzling ghouls there’s a little Exorcist action as Abby is possessed by a green presence.
Cramming as much as possible into two-and-a-half minutes gives the impression Feig and Katie Dippold’s script may be trying too hard; but hopefully that’s just a trailer effect. On the other hand, the newly formed crew exhibits the same self-assured resolve mixed with seemingly unintentional humour as their predecessors. And staying true to their roots, they revive the original logo and licence plate for Ecto-1. Unfortunately none of the anticipated cameos by the original cast are included, though Slimer does make an appearance evidently fleeing from the new ‘busters. Similarly Chris Hemsworth is only visible for two seconds and doesn’t appear to be performing secretarial duties; curiously, he may actually be wearing a Ghostbuster’s uniform.
There’s one thing for sure: They ain’t afraid of no ghost! And it doesn’t look like fans need to be afraid of this reboot, which will hit theatres July 15, 2016.
