"Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire," a 2024 comedy film directed by Gil Kenan, continues the story of the Ghostbusters franchise. Set three years after "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" (2021), the film sees the original Ghostbusters team up with their new recruits to combat a powerful, spectral being threatening to freeze New York City. The movie features a star-studded cast, including returning members from previous films and exciting new additions.
1904: Garraka's Imprisonment
A Firemaster successfully trapped the spectral entity Garraka within an orb in 1904, thwarting a ritual by the Manhattan Adventurers' Society. Garraka's vulnerability to brass, fire, and the removal of his horns led to his confinement.
1984: Release of Original Ghostbusters Film
The original Ghostbusters film, released in 1984, is referenced in a review of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, highlighting its enduring legacy and influence on the franchise.
1986: Premiere of "The Real Ghostbusters" Animated Series
The Real Ghostbusters, an animated series inspired by the Ghostbusters franchise, debuted in 1986.
1991: Conclusion of "The Real Ghostbusters" Animated Series
The Real Ghostbusters animated series concluded its run in 1991.
2016: Release of Ghostbusters (2016)
The 2016 Ghostbusters film, a reboot of the franchise, was released. Its opening weekend gross of $46 million serves as a point of comparison for the box office performance of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
April 2021: Sony's Streaming Deals with Netflix and Disney
In April 2021, Sony secured streaming deals with Netflix and Disney for its 2022-2026 film slate, including Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
November 2021: Dan Aykroyd Expresses Interest in More Sequels
Following the release of Ghostbusters: Afterlife in November 2021, Dan Aykroyd shared his enthusiasm for potential future sequels featuring the original Ghostbusters cast.
2021: Release of Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Ghostbusters: Afterlife, a direct sequel to the original Ghostbusters films, was released in 2021. Its opening weekend gross of $44 million is compared to that of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
2021: Ghostbusters: Afterlife Release
Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the predecessor to Frozen Empire, hit theaters in 2021, setting the stage for the events of Frozen Empire.
2021: Release of "A Boy Called Christmas"
Gil Kenan and Dario Marianelli collaborated on the film A Boy Called Christmas, which was released in 2021.
April 2022: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Sequel Announcement
Following the success of Afterlife, Sony Pictures announced the sequel, initially to be directed by Jason Reitman, in April 2022.
April 2022: Announcement of Afterlife Sequel
Sony Pictures confirmed early development of a sequel to Ghostbusters: Afterlife in April 2022.
June 2022: Confirmation of Sequel's Working Title and Setting
June 2022 saw confirmation of the sequel's working title, "Firehouse," and its New York City setting.
October 5, 2022: Mckenna Grace Confirms Return
On October 5, 2022, Mckenna Grace announced her return for the Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel.
December 2022: Director Change and Cast Updates
Gil Kenan replaced Jason Reitman as director in December 2022, with Reitman remaining as writer and producer. Paul Rudd, Finn Wolfhard, and Carrie Coon were also confirmed to return.
2022: Start of Sony's Film Slate Streaming Deal
Sony's streaming agreement with Netflix and Disney for its 2022-2026 film slate commenced.
March 2023: Start of Filming and New Cast Announcements
Principal photography for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire commenced in March 2023, with new cast members, including Kumail Nanjiani and Patton Oswalt, joining the production.
March 2023: New Cast Members Announced
Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, James Acaster, and Emily Alyn Lind joined the cast of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, as announced in March 2023.
March 20, 2023: Principal Photography Begins in London
Principal photography for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, under the working title "Firehouse," began in London on March 20, 2023.
April 25, 2023: Ernie Hudson Hints at Original Cast Returns
Ernie Hudson suggested that original Ghostbusters cast members Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Annie Potts would reprise their roles in the upcoming film on April 25, 2023.
June 7, 2023: Filming in New York City
Filming for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire took place in New York City, with a notable stunt scene captured by Casey Neistat on June 7, 2023.
June 2023: Dan Aykroyd Confirms Return
Dan Aykroyd confirmed his participation in the Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel in June 2023.
November 8, 2023: First Teaser Trailer Release
Sony released the first teaser trailer for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire on November 8, 2023, revealing the film's title and synopsis.
December 20, 2023: Initial Release Date and Delay
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire was originally scheduled for release on December 20, 2023, but faced delays due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
January 18, 2024: Dario Marianelli Announced as Composer
Dario Marianelli was confirmed as the composer for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire on January 18, 2024, marking his second collaboration with director Gil Kenan.
February 2024: Discussions on Future Ghostbusters Films
In February 2024, discussions about potential future films in the Ghostbusters franchise were revealed, with a particular focus on expanding the storyline of the Mini-Pufts, as seen in the post-credit scene of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
March 7, 2024: Release of "Ghostbusters: Frozen Summer" by Atarashii Gakko!
Japanese girl group Atarashii Gakko! released "Ghostbusters: Frozen Summer," a collaborative track with Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan, on March 7, 2024.
March 14, 2024: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire World Premiere
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire premiered at the AMC 13 Theater in New York City on March 14, 2024.
March 22, 2024: Theatrical Release of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire was released in theaters by Sony Pictures Releasing on March 22, 2024.
March 29, 2024: Rescheduled Release Date
The film's release was shifted to March 29, 2024, taking over the slot previously held by Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.
May 7, 2024: Digital Release
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire became available for digital purchase and rental on May 7, 2024.
June 20, 2024: Box Office Gross for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
As of June 20, 2024, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire had grossed a total of $201.8 million worldwide. This includes $113.4 million from the United States and Canada, and $88.4 million from other territories.
June 25, 2024: Physical Media Release
The film was released on 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD on June 25, 2024.
July 22, 2024: Netflix Release in the US
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire began streaming on Netflix in the United States on July 22, 2024.
2024: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Theatrical Release
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the fourth mainline installment in the Ghostbusters franchise, premiered in 2024. Directed by Gil Kenan, the film features a star-studded cast including Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, and Finn Wolfhard, alongside returning Ghostbusters Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson.
2026: End of Sony's Film Slate Streaming Deal
Sony's streaming arrangement with Netflix and Disney for its 2022-2026 film slate is set to conclude.