The Intriguing Character of Melody in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
The latest installment of the Ghostbusters franchise, Frozen Empire, showcases a diverse array of characters, with one standout being Melody, portrayed by Emily Alyn Lind from Gossip Girl. Despite not being prominently featured in the film’s marketing, Melody plays a crucial role in the storyline. This 16-year-old character quickly forms a bond with Phoebe Spengler, portrayed by McKenna Grace. However, the twist lies in the fact that Melody is a ghost who is bound to Earth until she can reunite with her family on the other side.
Revelations about Melody
During an interview with Hollywood Reporter, Emily Alyn Lind shared insights into her character’s unique ghostly status. Lind admitted that even she was unaware of Melody’s ghostly nature until after securing the role. Director Gil Kenan never explicitly disclosed this detail, leaving Lind to interpret lines like “I get it. I’m like a hundred years old” on her own. Lind speculated that the decision to keep Melody’s ghostly status a secret stemmed from the character being portrayed as a “different kind of ghost” in the Ghostbusters series, showcasing a depth of emotion and humanity rarely seen in such characters.
Melody’s backstory involves being trapped in a state of limbo following the tragic demise of her family in a house fire, an event she blames herself for. Lind emphasized that Melody’s actions in the film are driven by survivor’s guilt, and she expressed relief that her character ultimately redeemed herself. Collaborating with both original and new Ghostbusters characters was a source of joy for Lind, particularly sharing scenes with franchise veterans Ernie Hudson and Annie Potts.
A Complex Friendship and Subtext
Addressing the relationship dynamics between Melody and Phoebe in the film, Lind described it as a connection between two souls. While acknowledging that certain aspects could be interpreted as romantic, Lind stressed that both characters are still children at heart, united by a shared sense of alienation. Their evolving friendship transcends traditional labels, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of their bond across different dimensions.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is currently showing in theaters, offering audiences a fresh take on the iconic franchise. To stay updated on the latest news in entertainment, including upcoming releases from Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek, as well as developments in the DC Universe and Doctor Who, continue to follow io9 for comprehensive coverage.
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