Less than /ghostbusters-3-begins-production-next-spring-says-dan-aykroyd/two weeks ago, Dan Aykroyd made the bold claim that the Ghostbusters reboot (which is still being referenced by some as Ghostbusters 3) is set to start pre-production this spring. Now it sounds like shooting may follow soon after, as Sony and Columbia Pictures are targeting Bridesmaids and The Heat director Paul Feig to take the helm. And the catch is, his Ghostbusters will center on a female led cast.

While an offer has not been officially made, Paul Feig has shown interest in taking on the project. Sources warn that a lot must be 'worked out' before discussions turn serious. That said, he is currently the studio's first choice. Sony declined to comment.

Original Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman was set to take on this long-gestating sequel, but bowed out after the untimely death of cast member Harold Ramis. On March 18, Ramis, who is staying on the movie as a consultant and producer, began the search for a new director, targeting hot duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who rejuvenated 21 Jump Street as a big screen franchise with great success and turned The Lego Movie into 2014's first big blockbuster. The pair have since denied any involvement.

The screenplay by Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg, best known for their work on NBC's The Office and the 2011 comedy Bad Teacher, was revised following the death of Harold Ramis.

The story will follow a new group of Ghostbusters who are passed the baton by at least one or two of the original cast members, most likely Dan Aykroyd and Ernie Hudson. Sigourney Weaver has hinted that Dana Barrett might return in some capacity, and that we will see Dana's son Oscar all grown up. Bill Murray has never confirmed his return, and for many years seemed to be against the idea of reprising his role. There's always the possibility he may show up, though.

Paul Feig is next directing the action comedy Spy which stars Bridesmaids and The Heat leading lady Melissa McCarthy alongside Jason Statham, Jude Law, 50 Cent and Bridesmaids co-star Rose Byrne.

Though no new cast members were mentioned in this latest story, is it possible that Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne and Kristen Wiig will be suiting up as Ghostbusters? That's entirely possible.