The sequel to the 2016 "Ghostbusters" reboot may be guaranteed. A report from THR says that Sony is preparing for a loss of at least $70 million -- a loss that places the franchise's live-action sequel in jeopardy. So far "Ghostbusters" has grossed $117M domestically and $180M worldwide. While the film has yet to open in a few countries, like France, Mexico and Japan, THR's experts say the film might top out just below $225M. With a $144 million budget (not counting the marketing expenses), Sony previously said that "Ghostbusters" would need to earn $300M to break even.

This tune is a bit different from what Sony president of worldwide distribution Rory Bruer said following "Ghostbusters'" opening weekend. “While nothing has been officially announced yet, there’s no doubt in my mind it will happen,” said Bruer in July.

While Sony didn't offer up a new comment on the status of a sequel, they did dispute THR's claim that "Ghostbusters" would result in a $70 million loss. "This loss calculation is way off," said a Sony rep. "With multiple revenue streams, including consumer products, gaming, location-based entertainment, continued international rollout, and huge third-party promotional partnerships that mitigated costs, the bottom line, even before co-financing, is not remotely close to that number."

THR points out that the new "Ghostbusters" came along with an exhibit at Madame Tussauds as well as a theme park ride in Dubai and increased rentals of the original "Ghostbusters" film. Additionally, a report from Mattel stated that the new "Ghostbusters" toy line was selling well.

If a sequel doesn't happen, "Ghostbusters" may live on in animation. While Sony has yet to comment on the status of a live-action sequel, the studio did mention that original "Ghostbusters" director Ivan Reitman is heading up an animated feature that could be in theaters by 2019. There's also Reitman's "Ghostbusters: Ecto Force," an animated TV series expected to debut in 2018.