Dan Aykroyd Expresses Support for the All-Female Ghostbusters Film

In the wake of the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot directed by Paul Feig, the film's cast, particularly Leslie Jones, faced significant misogynistic and racist backlash. Jones publicly condemned the abuse, sharing the hateful tweets she received to highlight the discrimination. The film, which featured an all-female lead cast, sparked controversy and polarized opinions among fans and critics alike. Dan Aykroyd, a veteran of the original Ghostbusters franchise, defended the reboot, expressing pride in the project and its talented cast, which included Kate McKinnon, Melissa McCarthy, and Kristen Wiig. Aykroyd acknowledged his initial frustrations regarding production costs but ultimately praised the film's creative direction and the performances of its stars. He emphasized his support for the reboot, stating that he was proud to have been involved in its licensing. Despite the film's mixed reception, it grossed $229.1 million globally against a production budget of $144 million, resulting in an estimated loss of $70 million. Aykroyd's comments reflect a broader sentiment among some industry veterans who believe in the value of diverse storytelling within established franchises. Melissa McCarthy also weighed in on the negativity surrounding the film, criticizing the "sad keyboard warriors" who opposed the female-led cast. She urged detractors to simply choose not to watch the film if they were unhappy with its direction, highlighting the importance of supporting creative endeavors rather than perpetuating hate.