Ghostbusters III remains on course for release despite the death of Harold Ramis, who was set to play one of the main characters. Ramis died on Monday after a long illness, prompting countless tributes from those who knew and respected the filmmaker as well as from his fans across the globe.

Harold Ramis
Harold Ramis' Death Was Saddening But Will Not Prevent A Third 'Ghostbusters' Being Released.

Ramis' Ghostbusters co-stars, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Rick Moranis, have also paid their respects to their long-time friend but are seemingly prepared to see the new movie through without him.

More: Harold Ramis, a comedy great, but which was his finest movie?

After Ramis' death, Hudson was reported to have said that the sequel couldn't possibly go ahead without him. "Harold was the glue - there wouldn't be a 'Ghostbusters' without Harold. There can't be another Ghostbusters without Harold. My fear was always that something would happen before we all got together again," he told TMZ.

Bill Murray
Bill Murray Has Paid Tribute To His Dear Friend & Cherished Co-Star.

However, it has now emerged that Ramis' cameo role in the film was so minor that his part can be taken out without affecting the script. "There will be some repercussions," a project insider told THR, adding "He was always great to bounce something off of, and that will certainly be missed. But it won't affect the script."

Plagued by all kinds of issues, the third movie has been in the pipeline since the nineties but this week director Ivan Reitman will meet with Sony this week to discuss how best to progress with the film. Murray, Ramis and Aykroyd were due to feature in the film passing the baton over to the next generation of Ghostbusters, rumored to include Sigourney Weaver's character's son, but that plan must now be reconsidered.

Dan Ackroyd
Dan Aykroyd Will Feature In 'Ghostbusters III' As The Team Head Over The Bustin' Baton.

Apparently Aykroyd has always been the sequel's biggest cheerleader, with reports that Murray was feeling ambivalent towards a third outing for the team of contract ghost hunters. THR's confirmation that Sony is moving ahead with the script featuring the Lost In Translation star represents a turnaround for Murray.

Directed by Ivan Reitman, Ghostbusters III will be based on a screenplay by the US The Office writers Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky.