Ivan Reitman Had A Secret Cameo In 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife', Son Reveals

As it turns out, the late “Ghostbusters” director Ivan Reitman had a secret cameo in “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.”

Although Reitman had directed the first two films in the franchise, he only served as a producer in 2021's “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.” His son, Jason Reitman, actually served as the film’s director.

In an interview with Empire, Jason revealed that his father had a small appearance in “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.”

Although it's only a very minor role, it's something that still meant a lot to his son.

“The most important one for me, for a long time, was that when Venkman turns on his proton pack, the close-up of the hand is my father's hand,” Jason explained.

He added that the close-up shot had been done after Bill Murray had already finished his speaking parts and left the set.

“He'd never worn one [of the costumes] before,” Jason said, referring to the iconic “Ghostbusters” jumpsuit. “That was really special.”

Back in October 2021, Ivan spoke at a New York Comic-Con panel to share his thoughts on what it was like to watch his son take over the franchise.

“I think [Jason] was very brave to take the whole thing on,” Ivan said. “I had it much easier than Jason.”

“Jason had to really be the captain of this very large enterprise and find some new fresh way of doing the story,” he explained. “The fact that I was there [I] had a word to say every once in a while. We tried not to fight and we fought a little bit ... But we were passionate and just tried to find a way to control the passion, so that the best things happened.”

Ivan Reitman passed away in his sleep earlier this month at the age of 75.

Ivan Reitman was best known for directing "Ghostbusters" in 1984 and its sequel, "Ghostbusters II," in 1989. Jason has since carried the torch into another generation.

"I’ve lost my hero," he tweeted. "All I want is the chance to tell my father one more story. He came from a family of survivors and turned his legacy into laughter."

"Thank you for the kind messages," he added. "Enjoy his movies and remember his storytelling gifts. Nothing would make him happier."

Dan Aykroyd released a statement shortly after his passing, saying, “Feeling heartbreak today for Geneviève, Catherine, Caroline, Jason and family. The loss of my friend, collaborator, champion and one of the last great creative talents of the BIG SCREEN ERA crumples me.”

He added, “Now on Thursdays who am I gonna call?”

The official “Ghostbusters” Twitter page put out a statement from Tom Rothman, the Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group.

The tweet read: “Tonight, the lady with the torch weeps, as do all of us at Columbia, and film lovers around the world. Ivan Reitman was an inseparable part of this studio's legacy, but more than that he was a friend. A great talent and an even finer man; he will be dearly missed. We send his family all our condolences.”

“Ghostbusters” actor Ernie Hudson also released a statement, tweeting, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of Ivan Reitman. Truly a great man and filmmaker who I had honor and privilege of knowing and working with. Deepest condolences to Jason and the entire family. May he RIP #jasonReitman”

Paul Feig, who directed the “Ghostbusters” reboot starring Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones said that he was in “absolute shock” over the news.

Feig tweeted, “I’m in absolute shock. I had the honor of working so closely with Ivan and it was always such a learning experience. He directed some of my favorite comedies of all time. All of us in comedy owe him so very much. Thank you for everything, Ivan. Truly. ❤️❤️”

Carrie Coon, who starred in “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” also expressed her condolences.

Coon tweeted, “Working with Ivan was an honor and a pleasure and I’m so grateful that I was invited into the universe he helped to build, one that continues to resonate with fans the world over. 💔”