Ghostbusters Director Ivan Reitman Dies Aged 75

Ivan Reitman, the filmmaking legend behind Ghostbusters and Animal House, has passed away at the age of 75.

Reitman directed the likes of Stripes, Twins and Kindergarten Cop, as well as the first two Ghostbusters movies, while producing David Cronenberg's early films and family classics like Beethoven.

He died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday night, February 12, at his home in California, his family said.

'Our family is grieving the unexpected loss of a husband, father, and grandfather who taught us to always seek the magic in life,' his children Jason Reitman, Catherine Reitman and Caroline Reitman said in a joint statement, per AP News.

'We take comfort that his work as a filmmaker brought laughter and happiness to countless others around the world. While we mourn privately, we hope those who knew him through his films will remember him always.'

His son Jason Reitman recently directed Ghostbusters: Afterlife, a sequel to the original films that brought back Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and the late Harold Ramis, who passed away in 2014.

In an interview with Screen Rant, Reitman opened up about feeling emotional about his son's stab at the Ghostbusters franchise. 'I started weeping way back, as soon as Jason told me the story. The very first time that he explained that he thought he had a Ghostbusters idea that he was considering doing, he told me the story, and I could feel the emotionality of it and how it was such the right idea to continue this story that I was fortunate enough to direct in '84,' he said.

Speaking to Empire, he also said, 'It just took my breath away. I literally cried; I even cry right now when I start to think about it. It was a very emotional experience.'

Tributes have quickly emerged on social media. 'Ivan Reitman created one of cinemas most recognisable themes and films in Ghostbusters, that have thus far spanned decades, aging like beauty and introducing themselves to new generations. They won't ever be forgotten, and nor will he. This is upsetting, may he rest peacefully,' one user wrote.

'Bummed about the Ivan Reitman news. Evolution is an under-appreciated comedy gem and aside from his obvious hits as a director, he’s produced some great films – from Shivers to EuroTrip,' another wrote. 'RIP Ivan Reitman. What a bummer. Just saw him at the Ghostbusters: Afterlife screening a few months ago and he seemed very touched that everyone was so enthusiastic about it,' a third tweeted.

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