Why ‘Ghostbusters’ Star Emily Alyn Lind Kept Her ‘Frozen Empire’ Character a Secret

In the narrative of ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’, the plot takes an unexpected turn when Mckenna Grace’s character, Phoebe Spengler, faces a challenge from the longstanding bureaucratic antagonist of the Ghostbusters franchise, Walter Peck. This twist propels Phoebe on an unforeseen journey that introduces her to a previously undisclosed character named Melody, portrayed by Emily Alyn Lind.

Melody’s role in the film was kept under wraps, as she was notably absent from the movie’s promotional material. However, her debut during a park-based chess match with Phoebe reveals the strategic decision behind the secrecy. 

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She manifests as a 16-year-old girl and engages with Phoebe on a deeply human and relatable level. This departure from the conventional depiction of apparitions in the franchise adds a layer of complexity to the Ghostbusters universe and builds upon the thematic exploration initiated by Ghost Egon in ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ (2021).

Emily Alyn Lind, initially puzzled by the secretive nature of her casting, later reflected on the character’s unique essence. Melody’s portrayal as a ghost with emotions and a genuine human connection marks a departure from the typical ghostly entities in the franchise. The deliberate concealment of Melody’s ghostly identity until late in the pre-production phase added an element of surprise and intrigue to her character’s unveiling.

Director Gil Kenan and the production team considered various approaches to present Melody, including levitation akin to other ghosts in the franchise. However, they opted for a more grounded portrayal to enhance Melody’s relatability and accessibility to the audience.

The dynamic between Melody and Phoebe in the film sparked curiosity among viewers regarding the nature of their relationship—whether it was platonic or romantic. Lind noted that the film intentionally left this aspect open to interpretation, adding depth to their interactions and allowing viewers to engage with their connection on multiple levels.

-Sushmita Sarkar