Ghostbusters 3: Dan Aykroyd opens up about all-female cast

Ghostbusters co-writer and star Dan Aykroyd has opened up about the decision to front Ghostbusters 3 with an all-female lineup.

Director Paul Feig recently confirmed that Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon will head up the new instalment, and Aykroyd has pledged his support to the cast.

“The Aykroyd family is delighted by this inheritance of the Ghostbusters torch by these most magnificent women in comedy,” he said in a statement issued to The Hollywood Reporter.

“My great grandfather, Dr Sam Aykroyd, the original Ghostbusters, was a man who empowered women in his day and this is a beautiful development in the legacy of our family business.”

Aykroyd will serve as writer and producer on the third Ghostbusters, but it is yet to be officially confirmed whether he will reprise his role as Ray Stantz in some capacity.

Meanwhile, rumours have linked Bill Murray with a cameo in the movie, despite the Lost in Translation star previously balking at the prospect of returning as Peter Venkman.

Murray has voiced his support for a female-led Ghostbusters and even proposed McCarthy and Wiig as candidates to inherit the proton packs.

Ghostbusters 3 is set for release on 22nd July next year.