Ernie Hudson Says the New ‘Ghostbusters’ Sequel Isn’t Exactly the Direction He Would Have Gone In

If there’s something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? 

A cautiously optimistic Ernie Hudson. The Ghostbuster recruit from the original films and subsequent legacy sequels spoke with Screen Rant about his feelings on the upcoming newest installment, Afterlife 2, which wrapped filming in late June. 

During the conversation, Hudson shared his excitement surrounding the reunion with the eccentric paranormal investigators, even confirming the return of Janine. “It was great to see Bill Murray, Danny Aykroyd and Annie Potts,” he said. “It was great to see them there, and really just enjoying it and enthusiastic about being there.” 

As for the creative direction the Afterlife saga has taken on, he admitted, “It’s different. It’s not necessarily the direction I would go in, but I just love being part of it. I think the fans will like this new direction, but we’ll see.” His trepidation is likely due to the 2016 female-driven Ghostbusters reboot, which was met with instantaneous disdain and basically spawned the concept of “review bombing.” 

Details around the Gil Kenan-directed Afterlife 2 remain under wraps, but it will see the return of the new blood introduced in Afterlife, the New York firehouse and a lot of paranormal activity. Hudson suggested that while the original crew will have more of a presence in the sequel, the franchise is still moving forward with the next generation. In a post-credits stinger in Afterlife, Hudson’s Winston Zeddemore was established as a wealthy entrepreneur and owner of the iconic Ghostbusters’ firehouse. He shared with Screen Rant that his character is “the guy who has the money to keep this thing going.” 

“We do have these new characters, we’re introducing new stories, but he has a place and purpose for being there,” Hudson continued. 

For better or worse, it just might not be the place and purpose he envisioned for Winston.