According to Daniel RPK, Sony is developing a live-action Ghostbusters film titled Ghostbusters: Nightmare on 34th Street.
It is reported that the film will be written by Josh Miller, the screenwriter of Sonic the Hedgehog. No further details have been released yet, but the project has raised some questions: Is this a reboot, or could it be something else entirely, such as a full-blown Christmas-themed horror movie?
Although we currently know nothing about this film, making it potentially a reboot, it is more likely that the movie will be set during or themed around the holidays. Reportedly, the title Nightmare on 34th Street is a parody of the classic holiday film Miracle on 34th Street.
Released in 1947, Miracle on 34th Street is an absolute holiday classic that holds significant meaning for many people. The film tells the story of a man named Kris Kringle, who replaces a drunken Santa Claus in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The movie was remade in 1994 and has been adapted into other media formats over the years.
By bringing the Ghostbusters to New York—after all, 34th Street is indeed an address—the franchise is likely moving towards creating a true holiday horror film. As mentioned earlier, the original Ghostbusters was largely set during the holiday season, particularly around New Year's Eve. While this did create a certain "eerie Christmas in New York" atmosphere, it differs from a pure Christmas ghost story. The reception of the first Ghostbusters wasn't ideal either, so this return might give the franchise a chance to excel in the holiday thriller genre.
The Ghostbusters franchise continues to expand
It remains unclear where a film like Ghostbusters: Nightmare on 34th Street would fit within the franchise's timeline, though it seems more likely to belong to the modern storyline. We also know that another Ghostbusters movie is in development. Reportedly, Netflix is working on an animated film, but we currently know very little about it. Most importantly, one of the best films of the 80s continues to spawn new stories—and we are definitely looking forward to seeing a ghost-filled Christmas movie.