Everything you wanted to know about Ghostbusters


The Ghostbusters were a pop culture phenomenon of the ‘80s, and if you were old enough to remember that time, the theme song is probably running through your head as you read this. Watched and loved by people all over the world. The Ghostbusters made their mark on popular culture. But if you’re new to the ghostbusting quartet or need a refresher, buckle up because here’s all you ever wanted to know about the Ghostbusters.

Who are the Ghostbusters?

The Ghostbusters are a supernatural crime-fighting team comprising three parapsychologists Peter Venkman, Raymond Stantz, and Egon Spengler, who’ve just lost their jobs. As demand for their special services skyrockets, they’re joined by Winston Zeddemore. Louis Tully, a person possessed by a demonic spirit turned team member, comes on board as their accountant. They work their special brand of “pest-control” in New York City, helping rid people of unwanted spirits and ghosts using high-tech equipment they have created.

Ghostbusters was nearly called Ghostbreakers or Ghoststoppers

Your favorite movie almost didn’t have the catchy name it does. There were concerns about being able to use the name since there had been a failed children’s TV show by the same name in the ‘70s. The team even drew up logos for Ghostbreakers or Ghoststoppers while attorneys worked out the intricacies. Imagine how different the whole thing would have been with a different name. Thankfully they did get greenlit to go with Ghostbusters and the rest is history!

Slimer was almost Onionhead

As with many movies, changes were made up to the last second, and they helped make the Ghostbusters as great as it was. Slimer’s unofficial name was Onionhead thanks to his ability to emit a foul onion-like odor. Not sure you’d have been as repulsed by this name!

Sigourney Weaver’s “doggedness” to win the role

In a bid to land the role of Dana Barrett, Weaver embraced the physicality and comedic side of the role of Terror-Dog in her audition as well. She growled, snarled, and barked her way through the process, even gnawing at some cushions at one point. The risk paid off, and while they made her swear not to pull that again during an audition, it did land her the gig!

The movie used real New York locations

The firehouse headquarters of the team is, in fact, an operational fire station in Tribeca and even sells Ghostbusters t-shirts. The prison in the movie was shot at an actual abandoned New York City prison as well.

The Ghostbusters all girl reboot

While the 1984 Ghostbusters movie was a huge hit, the filmmakers decided to go for an all women Ghostbusting team in the reboot in 2016. The premise and broad plot remain the same, though the haunted homes, gadgets, and new villain make it fresh for a new audience. Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, and Kate McKinnon came on board as the ghost hunting trio of Abby Yates, Erin Gilbert, and Jillian Holtzmann. Patty Tolan hops on the ghostbusting train when she reaches out to the group after a sighting and signs on to join the team.

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