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Third time’s a charm, right? That certainly seems to be the case for screenwriter Etan Cohen, the sole writing credit on this summer’s Men in Black 3 (even though other writers took it over once production began). It’s no shocker that MIB3 pulled in some impressive numbers at the box office, but what really got headlines was the fact that many critics and casual viewers alike were tauting this third installment as just as great as the original! A rare feat for any sequel, to be sure. And Mr. Cohen is certainly no stranger to churning our crowd-pleasing comedic fare – he was also the pen behind 2008’s Tropic Thunder as well as the cult favorite Idiocracy. In addition, Cohen has written for hit TV show “King of the Hill” and even a couple episodes of “Beavis and Butt-Head”.

 

It’s perhaps these factors that attracted Sony to hire him to take a pass at the much-awaited (and much-debated) Ghostbusters 3. Amid reports of previous shoddy scripts and Bill Murray’s fervent reluctance to participate, the studio, as well as star Dan Aykroyd, are determined to carry on. As plot details are still up in the air, I wonder if Cohen will be tasked with trying to find a creative way to incorporate (or omit) Murray without upsetting the studio or the fans. A daunting task to be sure!

 

Given its history, one can’t help but be a bit cynical at this point, having little faith that Cohen can be the one to drag Ghostbusters 3 out of this quagmire. But, stranger things have happened in Hollywood! Kudos to Aykroyd and Co. for their unwavering resolve in making this film happen… Let’s hope it’s worth it!

 

 

- Katie Marzullo, YH Staff Editor

katie@younghollywood.com