Director Paul Feig confirms casting for all-female 'Ghostbusters'

Ghostbusters co-writer and star Dan Aykroyd has predicted that Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon will be "magnificent" in the film. Director Paul Feig appeared to confirm the casting of his Bridesmaids stars Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy as well as SNL's Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon for the Ghostbusters' reboot.

Aykroyd has now offered his support for the all-female team of Ghostbusters in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "The Aykroyd family is delighted by this inheritance of the Ghostbusters torch by these most magnificent women in comedy," he said. "My great grandfather, Dr Sam Aykroyd, the original Ghostbusters, was a man who empowered women in his day and this is a beautiful development in the legacy of our family business."

Aykroyd's co-star Bill Murray previously recommended Wiig and McCarthy to take over the franchise following the death of original Ghostbusters star Harold Ramis. Much like Murray and Aykroyd, Wiig, Jones and McKinnon have been cast members on Saturday Night Live.

Ghostbusters will open in cinemas on July 22, 2016.