The ‘Salem’s Lot’ star tells PEOPLE his dad’s performance in the “beloved” 1995 family classic is “sacred grounds to step on”

Lewis Pullman in North Hollywood, California, on June 9, 2024; Bill Pullman in Casper (1995). Photo: Axelle/FilmMagic; Universal/Everett Collection

Lewis Pullman is reflecting on dad Bill Pullman’s “beloved” 1995 supernatural family film Casper ahead of its 30th anniversary next year.

In a chat with PEOPLE surrounding his new vampire flick Salem’s Lot, now streaming on Max, Lewis says he’d be open to stepping into the shoes his dad’s character, Dr. James Harvey.

But it would have to be a very specific scenario. Explains Lewis, 31, “That’s sacred grounds to step on, especially something as beloved as Casper.”

“I would [do] a prequel where I play him younger,” he allows.

Lewis and Bill Pullman in Toronto on Sept. 10, 2017. Photo: J. Countess/WireImage

Another film of his dad’s that Lewis would be open to expanding upon, also released in 1995? The romantic comedy While You Were Sleeping, which starred Bill, 70, opposite Sandra Bullock.

“I would love to do While You Were Sleeping, but in maybe their children that they have … something else happens, where I play their son,” Lewis tells PEOPLE.

But regardless of how his career might overlap with his dad’s, “I would never want to step into the shoes of Pop,” he says. “Can’t outdo what he did. I wouldn’t even try.”

Casper follows Bill’s character, “ghost psychiatrist” and widower Dr. James Harvey, and his preteen daughter Kat (Christina Ricci) as they move into a home haunted by a friendly ghost named Casper and his three ghostly uncles, Stinky, Stretch and Fatso. Casper and Kat become friends as they try to save his home from an evil ghost exterminator.

Lewis spoke to PEOPLE in May 2023 about growing up in “a real creative family” that includes both actor Bill and older siblings Jack and Mesa, who are “all performers in some realm.”

But the Top Gun: Maverick star admitted he was initially reluctant to seek his father’s help navigating an acting career, noting he was at first “ignorant in being like, ‘I need to do it my own way.’ “

“I quite quickly realized it was incredibly foolish not to utilize this remarkable resource that I had who happened to be my dad,” Lewis explained, adding that Bill’s advice “is pretty invaluable because he knows me so well as a person.”

“He knows what gets me excited, what makes me nervous, what scares me,” Lewis said. “And then he also has so much experience in the business and with the craft. So all of his advice is catered towards me. I don’t know where I’d be at without it.”

Salem’s Lot is now streaming on Max.

Bill Pullman’s Son Lewis Would Consider Playing Dad’s Casper Role, with a Catch: ‘Can’t Outdo What He Did’ (Exclusive)