As news of Ivan Reitman’s passing became public, many celebrities posted tributes online for the director and producer. “Ivan Reitman influenced everything we all love about film comedy. A true legend,” tweeted Judd Apatow. Kumail Nanjiani also took to Twitter, writing, “A legend. The number of great movies he made is absurd. RIP,” and Mindy Kaling shared, “Ivan Reitman was old school in the best way, and kind. I loved working with him. It’s sad he’s gone, it makes me feel older and like my childhood movies are more faraway than ever. RIP”
While plans for a third “Ghostbusters” installment were canceled when Harold Ramis passed away, Reitman’s son, Jason, reignited the franchise with the release of “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” in 2021. “He said, ‘I’ve been thinking about this idea,'” Ivan Reitman told Insider about his son telling him he wanted to make a “Ghostbusters” movie. “I just stayed really quiet. I was excited, but surprised as well.”
The elder Reitman served as a producer on the film, getting to work side by side with his son. “Sometimes it got complicated, as you can imagine with your father coming to work with you every day and weighing in on all your decisions,” Jason said. “It tries on your patience, but at the same time we got to have a father-son experience unlike anything.” He added, “Most fathers and sons feel lucky they went camping together. We got to make a movie together.”
