Prepare to be excited, movie nerds! A third Ghostbusters movie has been confirmed as a real, actual thing, and will be directed by Paul Feig. The Bridesmaids director said on Wednesday that the new ghost-hunting team would be all female, and star “hilarious women” in the key roles.

Ghostbusters 3
Ghostbusters 3 has been green-lit, and will be directed by Bridesmaids' Paul Feig

Feig will be working with The Heat’s scriptwriter Katie Dippold on the third instalment in the much-loved franchise. He took to Twitter to make the announcement, saying: "It's official. I'm making a new Ghostbusters & writing it with @katiedippold & yes, it will star hilarious women. That's who I'm gonna call.”

The original Ghostbusters films, released in 1984 and 1989, are some of the best-loved comedies of the last thirty years, with the signature Ray Parker Jr. theme tune instantly familiar to all subsequent generations.

Plans for a third movie have traditionally been perceived to hang on the involvement of Bill Murray, who is understood to be reluctant to reprise his role as Dr Peter Venkman. The death of Harold Ramis earlier this year was understandably a major hitch, with original director Ivan Reitman declining to be involved in any further project at that point. However, it's rumoured that he may yet take a more minor producer's role.

More: Why is Ghostbusters so brilliant? How long have you got?

The solution of a female cast is an inventive way to satisfy demand for a new movie. So, who do you reckon will be playing the three main ghostbusters? If previous form is anything to go by, and with the knowledge that directors tend to gravitate towards working with the same people, Bridesmaids star Kristen Wiig may well make an appearance.

Even better, Dan Aykroyd is slated to make a return in a cameo role. No word yet as to Bill Murray or Ernie Hudson though.

Ghostbusters 3 is reportedly due to start shooting at the start of 2015. A release date has not been confirmed.