LOS ANGELES, July 18 (Variety.com) - Paul Feig's "Ghostbusters" reboot has triggered intense debate over its decision to refashion the proton pack-wielding paranormal investigators as an all-female team. For some, the movie has been a feminist rallying cry; for others, a pop culture desecration. It's also provided ample opportunity for internet trolls to engage in some misogyny. [caption id="attachment_207148" align="aligncenter" width="728"] Director Paul Feig poses with cast member Kristen Wiig at the premiere of the film "Ghostbusters" in Hollywood, California U.S., July 9, 2016. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni[/caption] [caption id="attachment_207149" align="aligncenter" width="728"] Director Paul Feig poses with cast members (L-R) Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon and Kristen Wiig pose at the premiere of the film "Ghostbusters" in Hollywood, California U.S., July 9, 2016. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni[/caption] [caption id="attachment_207150" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Fans wait at the premiere of the film "Ghostbusters" in Hollywood, California U.S., July 9, 2016. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni[/caption] [caption id="attachment_207151" align="aligncenter" width="728"] Fans wait at the premiere of the film "Ghostbusters" in Hollywood, California U.S., July 9, 2016. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni[/caption] [caption id="attachment_207152" align="aligncenter" width="728"] Fans wait at the premiere of the film "Ghostbusters" in Hollywood, California U.S., July 9, 2016. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni[/caption] After all the chatter and the gender politics, "Ghostbusters" debuted this weekend to a solid $46 million from 3,962 locations. Sony hailed the results as evidence that audiences were responding to its new take on the decades-old property. But though it ranks as the best debut for a live-action comedy in over a year, the film will have to show some endurance, as well as resonate with foreign audiences, to make a profit. After all, dusting off the ectoplasm was expensive, with Sony shelling out $144 million to make "Ghostbusters" and millions more to market the film. That tops what most comedies cost to produce and distribute. Sony has been trying to get another "Ghostbusters" off the ground for decades, but it has often been the victim of original star Bill Murray's mercurial vetting process. The new picture, which brings together Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones, is clearly designed to trigger a fresh array of sequels. "There absolutely will be more [films]," said Josh Greenstein, Sony's marketing and distribution chief. "This is a restart of one of our most important brands."