Bill Murray explains why he decided to return for new 'Ghostbusters'

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- After admitting to having a cameo role in the upcoming female-led Ghostbusters film, actor Bill Murray has revealed why he decided to return to the franchise.

In an interview with Vulture, the comedian explains that he really liked the cast but that he struggled with the idea to return to the series for years. Ultimately Murray worried that he would harm the movie had he declined to participate.

"I thought about it for a very long time. Like, many, many months. No, that's not right. I was seriously thinking about this for years, really...It kept eating at me, and I really respect those girls. And then I started to feel like if I didn't do this movie, maybe somebody would write a bad review or something, thinking there was some sort of disapproval [on my part].

He continued to praise the cast and crew including comedians Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy and new director Paul Feig. "I like those girls a lot, I mean I really do. They are tough to say no to. And Paul is a real nice fellow."

Murray filmed his cameo back in August a month after original Ghostbusters co-star Dan Aykroyd filmed his part for the new take on the iconic series.

"You know, they were incredibly nice to ask me, and I really enjoyed being there," Murray said. "They have such a jolly group, and they are going to have great success with this project. I didn't want to overshadow [them] or anything, and I feel good about it."

Bill Murray portrayed Dr. Peter Venkman in the original 1984 film Ghostbusters and reprised the character for the 1989 sequel Ghostbusters II. The forthcoming reboot is directed by Paul Feig, and stars Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon. Ghostbusters opens in theaters July 22, 2016.