‘Ghostbusters’ Turns 40!

Our favorite funny-scary-supernatural film, “Ghostbusters,” was released in theaters 40 years ago today!

Starring Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and Rick Moranis, it was an instant hit with moviegoers. It was followed by “Ghostbusters II,” an all-female remake in 2016, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” in 2021, and this year brought “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.” There have also been animated TV series, video games, board games, comic books, clothing, and more!

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the film, here are 10 Things You May Not Have Known About Ghostbusters!

#1 The movie was inspired by Dan Aykroyd’s interest in the paranormal – something he grew up hearing a lot about. His father wrote the book “A History of Ghosts.” His mother reportedly claimed to have seen ghosts, his grandfather tried to use radios to contact the dead, and his great-grandfather was a well-known spiritualist.

#2 Dan Aykroyd originally created “Ghostbusters” for himself and John Belushi to star in. The original idea was to have them travel through time battling supernatural threats. The two were castmates on “Saturday Night Live.” After Belushi’s death in 1982, Harold Ramis was hired to rewrite the script to set it in New York City.

#3 Aykroyd immediately thought of another “SNL” castmate to star in the film, Bill Murray, but a number of other actors were also considered for the role of Peter Venkman, including Michael Keaton, Chevy Chase, Tom Hanks, Robin Williams, Steve Guttenberg, and Richard Pryor!

#4 “Ghostbusters” had a production budget of $30 million. That may not seem like much today, but at that time in the 1980s, that was an unprecedented amount for a comedy film! “Ghostbusters” was also the first comedy film to use extensive special effects.

#5 Daryl Hannah and Julia Roberts both auditioned for the role of Dana Barrett, but Sigourney Weaver ended up getting it. It was her idea to have Dana become possessed by Zuul!

#6 John Candy was originally going to be Louis Tully, but he suggested playing the role with a German accent. Director Ivan Reitman sent Rick Moranis the script and he accepted the role within the hour!

#7 Some of the film was shot in New York City, but most of it was done in Los Angeles and on sets at Burbank Studios.

#8 Ray Parker Jr.’s song “Ghostbusters” became a No. 1 hit, but there were about 50 other different theme songs for the film that were developed first!

#9 The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man was envisioned as a cross between the Michelin Man and the Pillsbury Doughboy. The marshmallow that fell down on people was actually shaving cream!

#10 The ‘Slimer’ ghost is meant to pay homage to John Belushi. It took six months to get it just right!