Ghostbusters is a classic 1984 American supernatural comedy film that has become a cultural phenomenon. It tells the story of a group of eccentric parapsychologists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. The film was a huge box office success, spawning a sequel, an animated TV series, and even a recent reboot. Here are 10 things you may not have known about Ghostbusters.
Fun Facts About the Ghostbusters
- The original concept for the film was much darker than the final product. The initial idea was for a team of Ghostbusters to travel through time and space, battling supernatural threats in various different dimensions.
- The famous Ghostbusters theme song, written and performed by Ray Parker Jr., was created in just a few hours. The song was so successful that it spent three weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1984.
- The character of Winston Zeddemore, played by Ernie Hudson, was originally intended to be a much larger part of the story. However, his role was scaled back during filming, and much of his backstory was cut from the final script.
- The iconic Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, who appears in the film’s climactic battle, was not the first choice for the final villain. Originally, the filmmakers had planned for the final battle to take place in a haunted skyscraper, but they were unable to secure the necessary location.
- The character of Egon Spengler, played by Harold Ramis, was based on a real-life parapsychologist named J.B. Rhine. Rhine was a pioneer in the field of paranormal research and coined the term “extrasensory perception.”
- The original script for Ghostbusters included a scene in which the team battled a giant, demonic poodle. The scene was eventually cut from the film, but it was later recreated in the Ghostbusters video game.
- The character of Peter Venkman, played by Bill Murray, was originally offered to John Belushi. However, Belushi died before he could take the role, and it was ultimately given to Murray.
- The special effects used in Ghostbusters were groundbreaking for their time. The film used a combination of practical effects, such as puppetry and animatronics, and computer-generated imagery, which was still a relatively new technology at the time.
- The famous “slimer” ghost that appears in the film was originally called “Onionhead” by the filmmakers. However, the name was changed after the studio expressed concerns that audiences would not understand the reference.
- Ghostbusters was not initially well-received by critics. However, it was a huge commercial success, grossing over $240 million worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the 1980s.
Ghostbusters is a beloved classic film that has left an indelible mark on popular culture. From its iconic theme song to its groundbreaking special effects, the film continues to captivate audiences decades after its release. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there is always something new to discover about the world of Ghostbusters.