While this year's Ghostbusters reboot made nearly $230 million at the worldwide box office, the film's high production budget and promotional costs means that it was not the hit that Sony expected it to be. A sequel was originally planned, but now director Paul Feig has admitted that it is unlikely to happen.

Speaking to Den of Geek, Feig was realistic about the chances of a second Ghostbusters. "If the studio was knocking on the door to do another one, I'd have to think about it," he said. "We had so much fun, and I'd love to work with that team again. But I would be very surprised."

Earlier this month Feig did seem to hold out some hope that it might happen, telling the Daily Beast that "it would be great if we could see them bust more ghosts, kick more ass, and be awesome again." However, these latest comments are the first time that anyone connected with the movie has admitted that a sequel probably won't be made.

In August, The Hollywood Reporter estimated that Ghostbusters would need to make more than $300 million to break even, $70 million more than it has ultimately earned. At the time, Sony distribution boss Rory Bruer stated that he was sure a sequel would happen. However, this was immediately after the movie's solid opening weekend, and no further comments have been made on the subject from either the studio or the film's cast and crew until now.

THR's sources stated that Sony are now actively pursuing an animated feature as the next big screen release from the franchise, in addition to an animated show called Ghostbusters: Ecto Force which is due in 2018.