Ghostbusters II (1989) Cast: Who's Who & Where Are They Now?

07 May, 2025

Can a sequel truly capture the magic of its predecessor, or does it inevitably fall short of expectations? In the case of 1989's Ghostbusters II, the answer is complex, a film that, while entertaining, struggled to recapture the lightning-in-a-bottle success of the original.

This list explores the cast and crew of Ghostbusters II, providing a comprehensive look at the individuals who brought this supernatural comedy to life. It's a chance to revisit the familiar faces and perhaps discover some hidden gems from this revisited cinematic world, while analyzing the factors that made it both amusing and a bit of a letdown compared to the original.

Here's a deeper dive into the cast of Ghostbusters II, examining their contributions and impact on the film's reception. The 1989 film, directed by Ivan Reitman, brought back the iconic team of paranormal investigators to face a new spectral threat in New York City, five years after their initial encounters.

Actor	Character	Notes
Bill Murray	Peter Venkman	The charismatic and witty leader of the Ghostbusters.
Dan Aykroyd	Raymond Stantz	The enthusiastic and knowledgeable member of the team.
Sigourney Weaver	Dana Barrett	The single mother and love interest.
Harold Ramis	Egon Spengler	The brains of the operation and the stoic member of the Ghostbusters.
Rick Moranis	Louis Tully	The Ghostbusters' legal and financial advisor
Ernie Hudson	Winston Zeddemore	The fourth Ghostbuster and the voice of reason.
Annie Potts	Janine Melnitz	The Ghostbusters' receptionist.
Peter MacNicol	Dr. Janosz Poha	Dana's creepy art restorer
Kurt Fuller	Jack Hardemeyer	The Ghostbusters' antagonist in the film.
Harris Yulin	Judge Wexler	The judge in the courtroom scene.
William Atherton	Walter Peck	EPA agent
Janet Margolin	Mrs. Van Winkle	A concerned mother

Reference: IMDb

The film's plot, set in New York City, involves the resurgence of paranormal activity, spurred by a massive river of ectoplasm discovered beneath the city. This leads the Ghostbusters to revive their business, facing a new threat connected to Dana Barrett's baby. The film follows the familiar formula of the original, with the Ghostbusters reuniting to combat a supernatural entity. Despite the return of key cast members and the same comedic energy, Ghostbusters II received mixed reviews, often compared unfavorably to the 1984 original. Critics noted a lack of the original's wit and charm, though the cast's performance was generally regarded as amusing.

The success of the original Ghostbusters spawned a franchise, with Ghostbusters II serving as a direct sequel. The film's production involved the same director, Ivan Reitman, and the return of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, and Harold Ramis, among others. Ghostbusters II delved deeper into the characters' personal lives and added a new paranormal mystery for the team to solve. However, the film's script, pacing, and overall impact did not resonate with audiences as powerfully as the first film.

The legacy of Ghostbusters II extends beyond its critical reception. It is important material in the Ghostbusters canon, serving as a stepping stone to the franchise, including the animated series "The Real Ghostbusters." Elements of Ghostbusters II also tied into other continuities, further cementing its place within the larger Ghostbusters universe. It's a piece of movie history, and offers a fascinating study in Hollywood's ability to make sequels.

The film's soundtrack is also important, and it can be seen as a mirror of the film's popularity, here is some of the soundtracks:

"Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr.
"We're Back" by Bobby Brown
"Spirit" by Fresh & the Get Fresh Crew
"Flesh 'n Blood" by Oingo Boingo
"Love Is a Cannibal" by Elton John
"Flip City" by Glenn Frey
"Higher and Higher" by Howard Huntsberry

The production of Ghostbusters II and its subsequent release on home video formats illustrate a significant shift in the entertainment industry. For example, the film was released on DVD and Blu-ray, in various editions, including special features, deleted scenes, and commentaries. This has helped solidify its place in the hearts of fans. The movie was marketed, with some versions containing bonus materials, such as behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. It's a testament to how franchises evolve and adapt to changing media landscapes.

It's important to recognize the impact of individual cast members on the film's success. Bill Murray's comedic timing, Dan Aykroyd's encyclopedic knowledge of the paranormal, and Sigourney Weaver's strong performance as Dana Barrett. The return of Harold Ramis as Egon Spengler and Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddemore. The supporting cast, including Annie Potts as Janine Melnitz, and Rick Moranis as Louis Tully, brought their characters to life, contributing to the overall charm and appeal of the film. While critics and audiences may have been divided on Ghostbusters II, the cast's dedication and talent were undeniable.

One interesting aspect of Ghostbusters II is its integration into the larger Ghostbusters universe. The film served as a direct sequel, continuing the story of the original. While the reboot in 2016, directed by Paul Feig and starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth, offered a fresh take on the franchise. The 2021 film Ghostbusters: Afterlife, directed by Jason Reitman, served as a sequel to the original and Ghostbusters II, further proving the interconnectedness and ongoing evolution of the story.

The "Ghostbusters" franchise is one of the great examples of how a movie can spawn a dedicated fanbase, with its merchandise, conventions, and continuous discussion among its enthusiasts. The Ghostbusters phenomenon has become a part of pop culture, with its impact felt throughout the entertainment industry.

Ghostbusters II Full Cast & Crew TV Guide

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Ghostbusters II (1989) Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)

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