12 Interesting Facts You Probably Never Knew About Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters has been a pop culture staple for decades, thanks to its unforgettable theme song, sharp cast, and wildly inventive special effects. Released in 1984 and directed by Ivan Reitman, the film turned a team of out-of-work parapsychologists into one of the most recognizable crews in movie history.

Most fans know the basics, but the production was packed with clever workarounds, surprising casting ideas, and behind-the-scenes details that never made it into the movie itself. From the Marshmallow Man to the Ectomobile, there is a lot more going on than meets the eye.

Here are 12 Ghostbusters facts that still manage to surprise even longtime fans.

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

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

1. Marshmallow Guts

When the Marshmallow Man exploded at the film's end, he rained marshmallow all over New York City. However, 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.

That effect was a lot messier than it looked on screen.

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.

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

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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 at the time.

Moreover, 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 was 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 like this is used in movie production, several similar vehicles would also be available in case of an accident. However, 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.

That left the production with no backup plan for the car.

And if you think Ghostbusters chaos is wild, check out fans debating Scary Movie 6’s “most outrageous” trailer after the jokes sparked backlash.

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 seeking 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!

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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 ensure his late friend would still be included in the film in some way. Thus, "Slimer" became an epic homage to Belushi.

10. All In The Family

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

Dan's father was also interested in the psychic realm, maintaining an extensive library of books on ghosts, spirits, and séances. 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 ensure his late friend would still be included in the film in some way. Thus, "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 eager to collaborate 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 '80s cult classic?

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

Still one of the most fun movies ever made.

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