12 Interesting Facts You Probably Never Knew About Ghostbusters

Special effects included a peanut, spray-paint, and a whole lot of shaving cream.

Stephanie

• Published in Interesting
• September 6, 2022

With undeniably one of the most recognizable theme songs in movie history and a cast to rival most, Ghostbusters is a cult favorite among multiple generations. The masterpiece, directed by Ivan Reitman and starring Dan Aykroyd (who also came up with the idea), Bill Murray, and Sigourney Weaver, among others, first hit the big screen in 1984.

It focuses on three parapsychologists in New York City who are forced out of their university funding. They soon create a ghost removal service, which is met with understandable skepticism by their potential customers.

Let's be honest; we've all seen it, so we know what it's about. But there are many interesting tidbits about the film that we're willing to bet you probably don't know.

For example, did you know that John Candy was initially meant to play the role of Louis Tully? Or that the film's special effects included a peanut, spray paint, and a whole lot of shaving cream?

Nah, we didn't think so. That's why we decided to put together a list of fascinating Ghostbusters facts.

So, if you're a Ghostbusters fan and you think you already know all there is to know about the cult film, keep reading. We humbly aspire to prove you wrong.

Keep scrolling to take a look at 12 interesting facts you probably never knew about Ghostbusters.

1. Marshmallow Guts

When the Marshmallow Man exploded at the film's end, he rained marshmallow all over New York City. But, understandably, getting enough actual marshmallows to pour over the film's extras for the scene wasn't exactly realistic.

Instead, 500-gallon batches of shaving cream were used as the Marshmallow Man's remains. The idea was first tested on a stuntman, and it knocked him to the ground, so a smaller batch was used for the final take.

2. "It's Got To Be New York..." Or LA

Okay, so Ghostbusters is known for its recognizable New York buildings and streets. But did you know that some of the scenes were actually filmed in Los Angeles?

For example, the scene where the guys bust Slimer at the Sedgewick Hotel is not in NYC at all. The inside and outside shots were taken at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in LA.

Also, the interior of the Ghostbusters' firehouse was actually an abandoned Los Angeles fire station. Talk about movie magic.

3. Sounds Like A Blockbuster

When creating the Ghostbusters soundtrack, composer Elmer Bernstein wanted to ensure he went above and beyond. The Yamaha DX-7 synthesizer used to create strange and wonderful sounds was cutting-edge technology back then.

And the Ondes Martenot provided magical and ghostly tones. You can hear it in all its glory in the famous theme song.

4. A Multi-Talented Crew

The famous "no-ghost" logo featured on the Ectomobile, and the guys' uniforms were designed by associate producer Michael C. Gross. Before becoming a movie producer, Gross was an art consultant for John Lennon, The Rolling Stones, and The Muppets.

5. Dead Car Driving

Ghostbusters wouldn't be Ghostbusters without the Ectomobile. The 1959 Cadillac ambulance fitted with everything one could ever need to bust those pesky ghosts.

Now, usually, when a car such as this is used in movie production, several similar vehicles would also be available in case of an accident. But because the filming of Ghostbusters was rushed, there was only ever one Ectomobile.

Sadly, the car broke down right at the end of filming the shot of the Ectomobile driving across Manhattan Bridge. Production had already wrapped, but the vehicle never recovered.

6. Think Quick

With only ten months to design, build, and shoot special effects, visual effects supervisor Richard Edlund had his work cut out for him. The team had to think on their feet, and in one scene where Slimer is seen floating around a chandelier, animation supervisor Terry Windell used a tiny peanut spray-painted green to mimic the ghost.

7. An Audition To Remember

When Sigourney Weaver auditioned for the role of Dana Barrett, she was looking for a comedic role after her epic performance in Alien. To make an impression, Sigourney auditioned with a wordless scene - the one where she turned into a grotesque dog, snapping and snarling ferociously.

Naturally, the director was beyond impressed (and slightly terrified). Needless to say, she got the part!

8. It's All In The Name

When co-writer Harold Ramis was trying to think of a name for the character of Egon Spengler, he drew on personal inspirations. "Egon" was a nod to one of Ramis' former classmates, Hungarian exchange student Egon Donsbeck.

And "Spengler" came from Oswald Spengler, a German historian and philosopher.

9. Ode To An Old Friend

When Dan Aykroyd originally envisioned the character of Peter Venkman, he did so with his close friend John Belushi in mind for the role. However, Dan had to rethink his idea after John tragically passed away.

Of course, Bill Murray went on to immortalize the role perfectly, but Dan wanted to make sure his late friend would still be included in the film in some way. And so, "Slimer" became an epic homage to Belushi.

10. All In The Family

Dan Aykroyd grew up surrounded by spiritual family members. His great-grandfather was a psychic investigator, and his grandfather tried to invent a radio that could contact the spirit world.

Dan's father was also interested in the psychic realm, keeping an extensive library of books on ghosts, spirits, and seances. So, it's no surprise that ghosts were on Dan's mind.

11. "There is no Dana, only Zuul"

When Dan Aykroyd originally envisioned the character of Peter Venkman, he did so with his close friend John Belushi in mind for the role. However, Dan had to rethink his idea after John tragically passed away.

Of course, Bill Murray went on to immortalize the role perfectly, but Dan wanted to make sure his late friend would still be included in the film in some way. And so, "Slimer" became an epic homage to Belushi.

12. "I Want Candy"

The character of Louis Tully was initially meant for actor John Candy. Dan Aykroyd had previously worked with John and was keen to work with him again.

However, when the character was pitched to Candy, he insisted that it be tweaked and rewritten as a starring role. The filmmakers preferred the original version of Louis, so they opted to give the part to Rick Moranis instead.

So, there you have it! Twelve interesting facts about Ghostbusters you probably never knew.

Did we do it? Did we tell you something you didn't already know about this eighties cult classic?

As always, we love to hear from you. So, feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

Stephanie