Who ya gonna call...again? (VAR, THR, E!, DC, CIN)

By Nancy Tartaglione-Vialatte

Columbia Pictures has set "The Office" co-exec producers Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky to write a script for a new installment of blockbuster franchise “Ghostbusters.” The latest film is designed to bring back together the original cast of Harold Ramis, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Ernie Hudson. The news comes following weeks of rumors floating around the Internet.

Eisenberg and Stupnitsky just wrote "Year One," a comedy that was directed by Ramis and produced by Judd Apatow. Ramis with Aykroyd wrote the first two “Ghostbusters” which were directed by Ivan Reitman.

The close proximity between the writers and original Ghostbuster Ramis is evidence that the ghost chasers have sparked to the idea of returning, notes Variety. Further, reports have been swirling that Apatow and some of his stable of regulars would have a hand in the new enterprise.

Indeed, The Hollywood Reporter says that the focus of the film will be on a new cast of Ghostbusters.

In a recent interview with EOnline, Dan Aykroyd was asked about the status of “Ghostbusters 3” and said, “Well, y’know, two sharp young writers are purported to be writing the sequel, the third movie now. If I could interest Seth [Rogen] and Judd [Apatow] to be part of it, that would be an absolute dream.”

In late July, Dread Central reported that the new Ghostbusters would be played by Seth Rogan and the crew from “The 40 Year Old Virgin,” but Rogen denied any knowledge of the film to Cinematical in August.

"Ghostbusters" was Columbia's highest grossing film ever, until it was beaten by "Men in Black" and then "Spider-Man."

No deals will be made with the original cast until the script is ready, says Variety, but the gross percentage will be an issue. Sony has a standing policy not to allow more than 25% of first dollar gross out the door.