Part 2/10:
When the film premiered, it was met with a predominantly negative reaction from longstanding fans of the franchise. Critics argued that the movie's gender swap, combined with its comedic style, failed to capture the spirit of the original Ghostbusters (1984). Instead of engaging with these criticisms constructively, the studio, cast, and crew responded defensively, often condemning critics as sexist and racist. This pivot from dialogue to blame-shifting marked a significant turning point, illustrating how Hollywood's defensive stance can deepen divides between creators and audiences.