The Ghostbusters franchise began in 1984 and saw a revival with the legacy sequels Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024). Ernie Hudson, who reprised his role as Winston Zeddemore in all four sequels, recently shared his thoughts on Harold Ramis’ legacy. Speaking to The Direct, he said,
Harold, for me, was always the glue that sort of held things together, because when you’re working on a show with such dynamic personalities that don’t always come together. But Harold was a guy that everyone respected enough to put aside their own stuff and get the job done. So, he was always a go-to guy when things were a little nuts.
Hudson also reflected on the long gap after Ghostbusters II (1989) and his belief that a third movie in the original timeline would never happen. “I didn’t think we’d ever do another Ghostbusters. I kind of figured that was never going to happen. And then [director] Jason Reitman, Ivan Reitman’s son, they pulled it together,” he recalled. When he first heard about the third film, Hudson was hesitant about returning if it was only meant to be a cash grab.
Advertisement I didn’t want to do another [Ghostbusters movie] just to do to make some money, I wanted to do something that was unique. And when first we read the script, and loved it. And I think when we got on set my first day, and I saw Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd in their jumpsuits, you know… This thing’s been a part of my life, more than half of my life has been Ghostbusters. In my 40 years, it was very, very emotional.
Hudson explained
Hudson also touched on his relationship with his co-stars and the tribute to Ramis in Afterlife.
These are people I consider friends, but I don’t see on a regular basis. It’s just wonderful, And then the way they put together the tribute to Harold. I couldn’t have imagined it, but it was just wonderful and very touching. And I really, I really appreciate it, because I know just how important Harold was to this, and he just had a way. I mean, Danny and Bill and everybody made their contribution.
he said
Harold was truly special and a very, very talented man, And even to this day, I mean, people still come up and, you know, just appreciated what he brought to the entertainment industry, film industry in general, a very, very talented, but a very generous human being. So amazing, yeah, and I loved Afterlife. And then I thought, well, maybe we’re done, and I don’t want to do it unless it’s something special, different, right?
Hudson continued
The original Ghostbusters movie follows three quirky scientists—Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis)—who launch a ghost-catching business in New York City. As supernatural events escalate, they bring in Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) to help tackle the growing threat. When musician Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) and her neighbor Louis Tully (Rick Moranis) become possessed by demons serving the ancient god Gozer, the team must step up to save the city.
Ghostbusters (1984) is available to stream on Max.
Source: The Direct