Questions
Who wrote and directed Ghostbusters?
Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis wrote the script, and Ivan Reitman directed the film.
When did Ghostbusters come out?
It was released on June 8, 1984.
Who inspired the whole idea for the movie?
Aykroyd’s fascination with the paranormal, which he inherited from his spiritualist family, sparked the concept after he read about quantum physics in 1981.
What did the original version of the story look like?
Aykroyd first envisioned the film starring himself, Eddie Murphy, and John Belushi, complete with time-travel and intergalactic elements. After Belushi’s death in March 1982, Reitman convinced Aykroyd to ground the story in New York City.
Who almost played Peter Venkman instead of Bill Murray?
Michael Keaton, Chevy Chase, Tom Hanks, and Robin Williams were all reportedly considered for the role of Venkman before Bill Murray took it.
How many times did Ernie Hudson audition for Winston?
Ernie Hudson reportedly auditioned five times before landing the role of Winston Zeddemore.
Where did the Ghostbusters logo come from?
Aykroyd described it as a "no symbol" with a trapped ghost. Two versions exist: the European one adds "ghostbusters" text on the diagonal, while the U.S. version leaves it off.
How was the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man created?
Aykroyd reportedly asked a friend nicknamed "the Viking" to design it as a mix of the Michelin Man and Pillsbury Doughboy in a sailor hat. Eighteen foam suits were made at $25,000 to $30,000 each, and seventeen were burned during filming.
What was the marshmallow goo actually made of?
The destruction scene used 75 pounds of shaving cream, which reportedly caused rashes on cast members after hours of filming.
Who sang the famous theme song?
Ray Parker Jr.’s "Ghostbusters" theme became a number-one hit. Reportedly 50 to 60 different theme songs were developed before his version was chosen, and Huey Lewis was approached but was committed to Back to the Future instead.
What kind of car is the Ectomobile?
It is a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance conversion. Its roof rack was shipped to Manhattan by airplane while the car itself traveled by train.
How heavy were the proton packs?
The proton packs weighed roughly 30 pounds with batteries and reportedly strained the actors’ backs during long shoots. They were inspired by military flamethrowers.
Was Gozer always played by a woman?
No. Gozer was originally meant to be a business-suited architect for Paul Reubens. When he declined, Yugoslavian actress Slavitza Jovan was cast, and the character was redesigned inspired by Grace Jones and David Bowie.
How well did Ghostbusters do at the box office?
It grossed $238.6 million domestically after a 1985 re-release, and about $370 million worldwide with all reissues. It was the second-highest-grossing film of 1984, behind only Beverly Hills Cop.
Has the film received any lasting recognition?
Yes. The Library of Congress selected Ghostbusters for the National Film Registry in 2015, and it launched a multi-billion dollar franchise of animated series, video games, merchandise, and sequels.
