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‘Ghostbusters’ Producer Doesn’t Think Backlash To Reboot Is About Sexism

Ivan Reitman blamed criticism of the "Ghostbusters" reboot on passionate fans of the original, not haters of women.
Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig and Leslie Jones in Ghostbusters
"Ghostbusters"
Shutterstock

Ghostbusters” producer Ivan Reitman has his own take on the backlash over the reboot of the 1984 comedy classic.

“I think there’s way too much talk about gender [when it comes to this film],” Reitman told Mashable. “I think that many of the people who were complaining were actually lovers of the [original] movie, not haters of women.” He also faults the movie’s original trailer for not making it clear that the new film is a reboot, not a remake, of the original. At the same time, he said it’s unfair to judge the entire film based on a 90-second trailer.

“I’ve certainly had my experience with things that did not work,” he told Mashable. “This movie works, [but] no one’s really seen it.”

Judd Apatow has a slightly different take on the situation, calling commenters who have criticized it probably the same people who are going to vote for Donald Trump.

“That movie is made by the great Paul Feig and stars the funniest people on Earth, so I couldn’t be more excited,” Apatow said in a recent interview. “I think people have paid too much attention to just some angry trolls, and it will be judged on its own greatness.” “Ghostbusters” stars “Saturday Night Live” alum and “Bridesmaids” writer-actress Kristen Wiig, “The Boss” star Melissa McCarthy, and current SNL cast members Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones.

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