Jason Reitman is currently in the casting process for a new “Ghostbusters” film, taking up the reins from his late father, Ivan, who directed the 1984 original. The new film, which is not being considered a “reboot” by the Oscar-nominated filmmaker, takes place in the same universe of the first two films but will feature a young cast of brand new characters.

That Hashtag Show has now learned Jenna Ortega is “high on the list” of actresses set to join the new proton-pack wearing bunch.

Ortega, who starred in Disney Channel’s “Stuck in the Middle” and who famously played a young Gina Rodriguez on The CW’s “Jane the Virgin“, is currently up for the unnamed role of “TEEN GIRL”.

That Hashtag Show has also uncovered character breakdowns for the new leads of the Ghostbusters universe:

GIRL (Female/12/Lead) – She is off the charts smart and struggles with interpreting and expressing emotions. She speaks with a flat delivery that make her observations humorous. Her science acumen proves invaluable throughout the story as she navigates her complicated family dynamics. Sister to TEEN BOY. ***This role is the true lead of the movie***

BOY (Male/13/Lead) – He is a passionate enthusiast for fantasy and conspiracy theories. He is all heart and approaches everything with unbridled excitement for the unknown. He is often narrating life in real time, adding “descriptive color” to the people and situations he encounters. He meets GIRL and immediately becomes friends. Likely diverse.

TEEN BOY (Male/15/Lead) – He is fifteen, but tells people he’s seventeen. He’s passionate about auto-mechanics. he’s often trying to help his little sister (GIRL) navigate the world as she struggles with traditional friendships. His family moves to town and he’s immediately smitten with TEEN GIRL. (Interested in Finn Wolfhard)

TEEN GIRL (Female/17/Lead) – Works at a local American Graffiti style carhop on roller skates. She’s cool and quick witted. She meets TEEN BOY and begins a flirtation that turns into a real friendship. (Interested in Jenna Ortega)

Last week That Hashtag Show was first to report “Stranger Things” and “IT” star Finn Wolfhard was up for a role after impressing Reitman during the audition process. If Jenna Ortega were to join the cast, the dynamic between her and Finn’s character would be essential to the humor and playfulness of the story.

It’s not clear whether the franchise’s original surviving leads — Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Bill Murray — will return to reprise their roles.
We also do not have any specifics on the plot, other than that it will be set in the present day.

HN Entertainment was first to report on the new cast breakdowns.

Jason Reitman’s “Ghostbusters” is reportedly set to be released in summer 2020 by Sony/Columbia Pictures. Stay tuned to That Hashtag Show for all the latest upcoming Ghostbusters news.