The creators of Ghosts have addressed the possibility of the comedy franchise continuing beyond its brand new feature film The Possession of Button House.
The show began life on BBC One, where it ran for five seasons, depicting the heartwarming exploits of manor house inheritors Alison (Charlotte Ritchie) and Mike (Kiell Smith-Bynoe) – and the numerous ghosts who share their historic home.
The Possession of Button House picks up several months after the final episode, 2023's Christmas special, which the creators had indicated would be the last we see of these beloved characters.
However, Ghosts has proven to be a well they can't help returning to, having since written two official companion books and now this film adaptation. Fans could be forgiven for wondering if additional returns are on the cards.
Want to see this content?
This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.
"We've looked [people] in the eye and told [them]: 'It's over. We're not coming back'," said Mathew Baynton, who plays late poet Thomas Thorne, in an interview with Radio Times.
"We genuinely believed it when we said it was the end of the show, and then we ended up having this idea for the film, and it brought us back. So, if we say 'that's it,' no one's going to believe us anyway – but I think it probably is."
Co-creator Laurence Rickard, who plays caveman Robin and beheaded Sir Humphrey Bone, added that it would depend on the right idea presenting itself.
"If an idea comes up and it's irresistible and it's within this world," he explained. "But equally, the next idea that feels right for all of us might be something completely different."
In a separate interview, Simon Farnaby jokingly compared the Ghosts team to "guests at the party that just won't leave".
He continued: "If everyone goes in their droves to the cinema [then] yeah, we might [do another]. It might force us to do another farewell."
Jim Howick, another co-creator known to viewers as scout leader Pat, interjected that the various goodbyes to Ghosts are reaching "Elton John" levels – referencing the iconic musician's ever-extending run of retirement concerts.
Martha Howe-Douglas, who plays Lady Button, concluded: "We didn't think we were going to do a film, so who knows?"
On the red carpet, Ghosts co-star Lolly Adefope told that deciding the future of the franchise is "above my pay grade, but for me, the door's always open".
She continued: "If they asked me to come back, I'm there, but if they decide no... I mean, they've said that before, so you can't trust what they say!"
Ghosts: The Possession of Button House director Simon Hynd called for "the start of an expanded Ghosts cinematic universe" in another red carpet chat.
"Maybe we follow more of Robin's story in a feature film, or Thomas, or anything like that would be incredible," he pitched. "But you'll have to speak to the [creators] about that."
Although it's comforting to know the door isn't firmly closed, these remarks probably won't satisfy fans eager for confirmation that Ghosts has a long future ahead of it.
For now, they can see The Possession of Button House in UK cinemas from today for one more (probably, maybe) reunion with the adorable apparitions.
Ghosts: The Possession of Button House is in UK cinemas from Friday 23 October 2026.
Add Ghosts to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.