DirectorPaul Feigis currently at SXSW this weekend, where he is premiering his latestMelissa McCarthycomedySpythis Sunday. He took some time out to address the hatred and vitriol that has been aimed at his all-femaleGhostbustersreboot since it was announced earlier this year. He also addressed the just announcedChanning Tatumspinoff, which will essentially beGhostbusters 4.
Varietycaught up with Paul Feig at the Austin based music and arts festival. He admits that he was shocked by some of the anti-woman remarks made once hisGhostbusterscast was officially announced. And he also has a keen response to anyone who has claimed that he is single-handedly murdering their childhood. He says:
“The Internet is really funny - I love it, but I hate it at the same time. The first wave when you make an announcement like that is overwhelmingly positive. Everyone’s so happy and you’re like, This is great. Then comes the second wave and you’re like, Oh my God. Some of the most vile, misogynistic sh** I’ve ever seen in my life. The biggest thing I’ve heard for the last four months is, ‘Thanks for ruining my childhood.’ It’s going to be on my tombstone when I die. It’s so dramatic. Honestly, the only way I could ruin your childhood is if I got into a time machine and went back and made you an orphan.”
More than anything, Feig has been surprised to see where some of the more misogynistic comments come from. Yes, he actually delves into the people behind these remarks, looking up their profiles. And sometimes he wishes he hadn’t:
“I figure it’s some wacked-out teenager. But almost constantly it’s someone who’s bio says ‘Proud father of two!’ And has some high-end job. You’re raising children and yet you’re bashing me about putting women in my movie?”
Of course the subject ofChanning Tatum’sGhostbusters 4came up, which will reportedly be directed byCaptain America: Civil Warteam The Russo Brothers. He didn’t know that the movie was going to be announced so soon. Though, he had heard that it was being planned:
“I’d heard some rumblings about it. Who knew there were so many ghosts to be busted in the world? All I know is my ladies are going to kick ass and I would not want to go into battle without them.”
The firstGhostbustersreboot will shoot this June, withKristen Wiig,Melissa McCarthy,Leslie JonesandKate McKinnonin the main roles. The Russos’Ghostbusters 4is also said to be shooting this summer, withChris Prattrumored to be joiningChanning Tatum. Which version are you most looking forward to seeing? Or are you still holding out hope for the original cast to return in a true sequel, asDan Aykroydhas promised in recent weeks?
