Ghostbusters: Afterlife already contained a talented cast of actors, but it's ramped up a notch with a cavalcade of surprise cameos.
McKenna Grace (Designated Survivor), Carrie Coon (Fargo), Paul Rudd and Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things) all star in the new family movie, which continues the legacy laid out by Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters 2. Jason Reitman, son of original director Ivan Reitman, takes the reins of the franchise for Ghostbusters: Afterlife, while Ivan and Dan Aykroyd serve as executive producers.
The trailer promises appearances from old Ghostbuster technology and references, but the movie has even more surprises in store for fans.
Here's every returning and original character seen in Ghostbusters: Afterlife in the order that they appear.
** WARNING: Major spoilers ahead**
Annie Potts—Janine Melnitz
The first appearance from a Ghostbusters veteran is Annie Potts, who reprises her role as Janine Melnitz.
The original secretary of the Ghostbusters team, she was implied to have a close relationship with Egon Spengler in the original movies. She turns up at the late Egon's house when his family are moving in, and delivers the bad news that he didn't have any money to leave them.
She also makes another appearance in the Ghostbusters: Afterlife post-credit scene.
Dan Aykroyd—Dr. Raymond "Ray" Stantz
Dan Aykroyd reprises his role as Dr. Raymond Stantz, and is on the other end of the phone when Phoebe Spengler is asked the iconic words, "who're you gonna call?"
He answers from his failing book store and provides the movie's exposition, explaining what happened to Egon Spengler after the events of Ghostbusters 1 and 2. After hearing about Egon's fate from his granddaughter, Ray makes a decision which has a big impact on the movie's climax.
J.K. Simmons—Ivor Shandor
The first unexpected cameo comes from the uncredited J.K. Simmons who appears as the founder of the town of Summerville, Ivo Shandor.
Despite dying decades ago, Ivo's body lies encased next to a pit of ghosts and demons, waiting until the day they will escape. When things go awry, Shandor's long plan comes to fruition but it doesn't end well for him.
Olivia Wilde—Gozer
While Gozer re-emerges as a returning character, the actress playing them is a newcomer to the franchise. Looking strikingly similar to the actress who played the villain in Ghostbusters (Slavitza Jovan) is Olivia Wilde.
She appears in a scene reminiscent of her entrance in the original, with two hounds on either side of her. She shows her ferocity instantly by tearing J.K. Simmons' Ivor Shandor in half.
Bill Murray—Dr. Peter Venkman
After receiving the call earlier in the movie, Stantz reunites the Ghostbusters who arrive just in time to help save the world.
Bill Murray reprises his role as Dr. Peter Venkman, who immediately arrives with a quip for Gozer. The three Ghostbusters, with the help of Spengler's family, combine to defeat Gozer once more.
Ernie Hudson—Dr. Winston Zeddemore
Ernie Hudson arrives as Dr. Winston Zeddemore alongside Stantz and Venkman to help save the day.
Hudson's backstory is expanded on in the post-credit scene which sees him talking to Janine Melnitz about his career as a successful businessman. However, he yearns for the life of a Ghostbuster and we see him walk into the old Ghostbusters' base in New York City.
Sigourney Weaver—Dana Barret
Sigourney Weaver makes her cameo appearance as Dana Barret in the mid-credit scene alongside Bill Murray's Peter Venkman.
The two re-enact the card scene from Ghostbusters, but this time the tables are turned and Venkman is the one receiving the shocks. It's implied that the two are still together after all this time.
Special mention: Harold Ramis—Dr. Egon Spengler
Original Ghostbuster Harold Ramis passed away in 2014 but makes appearances in the movie via archive footage. His likeness is replicated in Ghostbusters: Afterlife too.
An actor dressed up like an older version of him is seen at the beginning of the movie, but a CGI ghost version of him is clearly seen at the climax of the film. Each of the original Ghostbusters interact with him and his family say goodbye to his spirit.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife is available to watch in movie theaters now.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Jamie Burton is a Newsweek Senior TV and Film Reporter (Interviews) based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on ... Read more
