After months of anticipation, Sony Pictures has officially released the first trailer for the Ghostbusters reboot—and it’s already sparking conversation across the internet.
Directed by Paul Feig (Bridesmaids, Spy), this 2016 reimagining of the iconic 1984 comedy brings a new team of ghost hunters to the screen, with Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones taking over proton pack duties. The trailer opens with a nod to the original film’s legacy—“30 years ago, four scientists saved New York”—before launching into all-new supernatural chaos.
From ectoplasm-splattered ghosts in the subway to glowing apparitions taking over Times Square, the trailer doesn’t hold back on special effects. While it features a more modern look and updated gear, the heart of the Ghostbusters spirit seems intact: a mix of goofy humor, creepy ghosts, and science-meets-slapstick action.
The chemistry between the leads is already apparent. McCarthy and Wiig bring their usual charm, while McKinnon stands out with her eccentric inventor persona and wild-eyed enthusiasm. Leslie Jones provides a street-smart, no-nonsense energy that recalls the grounded humor of Ernie Hudson’s Winston Zeddemore from the original.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Ghostbusters without the gadgets—and the trailer gives us a peek at some new tech. From ghost grenades to a ghost-chipper device that looks like it belongs in a video game, the team is clearly armed with more than just proton packs.
What’s also worth noting is the trailer’s tone. While it’s definitely a comedy, there’s a conscious effort to make the ghosts scarier this time around. The glowing specters are more detailed and menacing than their 1980s counterparts, and the ghost effects walk a fine line between spooky and stylish.
For longtime fans, there are plenty of callbacks to the original, including the iconic theme song, Slimer’s brief appearance, and shots of the Ecto-1 barreling through the streets of New York. Even the firehouse makes a cameo.
But this is very much a new take on the franchise, with a fresh cast, updated setting, and a clear effort to stand on its own. Whether you’re a fan of the original or just love a good summer blockbuster, Ghostbusters is shaping up to be one of 2016’s most talked-about releases.
Watch the trailer below—and decide for yourself whether the new team is ready to answer the call.
The film is set to hit theaters on July 15, 2016.