Ghostbusters (franchise)
Overview
The Ghostbusters franchise is a multimedia franchise created by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. It began with the 1984 film "Ghostbusters," which was directed by Ivan Reitman and starred Aykroyd, Ramis, Bill Murray, and Ernie Hudson. The franchise has since expanded to include sequels, animated television series, comic books, video games, and various merchandise. The central premise revolves around a group of parapsychologists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City.
Films
Ghostbusters (1984)
The original "Ghostbusters" film was released on June 8, 1984. It follows the story of three parapsychologists—Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, and Egon Spengler—who lose their academic positions at Columbia University and decide to start their own ghost-catching business. They are later joined by Winston Zeddemore. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing approximately $295 million worldwide.
Ghostbusters II (1989)
The sequel, "Ghostbusters II," was released on June 16, 1989. The film is set five years after the events of the first movie. The Ghostbusters have been sued and put out of business after the destruction caused during their last battle. However, they reunite to combat a new threat in the form of a river of ectoplasmic slime and the spirit of a sixteenth-century tyrant named Vigo the Carpathian.
Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016)
In 2016, a reboot of the franchise titled "Ghostbusters: Answer the Call" was released. Directed by Paul Feig, the film features an all-female cast including Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. The plot follows a similar structure to the original, with the new team forming a ghost-catching business in New York City. Despite mixed reviews, the film grossed $229 million worldwide.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
"Ghostbusters: Afterlife" was released on November 19, 2021. Directed by Jason Reitman, the son of Ivan Reitman, the film serves as a direct sequel to the original two films, ignoring the events of the 2016 reboot. The story centers around a single mother and her two children who discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and their grandfather's secret legacy.
Television Series
The Real Ghostbusters
"The Real Ghostbusters" is an animated television series that aired from 1986 to 1991. It was a continuation of the original film, featuring the same characters and expanding on their adventures. The series was well-received and ran for seven seasons, producing a total of 140 episodes. It introduced new characters and concepts, such as the ghostly mascot Slimer.
Extreme Ghostbusters
"Extreme Ghostbusters" is a sequel to "The Real Ghostbusters" and aired in 1997. The series is set several years after the original show, with Egon Spengler mentoring a new team of younger Ghostbusters. The series was praised for its mature themes and diverse cast but lasted only one season, producing 40 episodes.
Comics
The Ghostbusters franchise has been adapted into various comic book series over the years. Publishers such as Marvel Comics, NOW Comics, and IDW Publishing have all produced Ghostbusters comics. These series often explore new stories and expand on the lore established in the films and television shows. Notable series include "Ghostbusters: Legion" and "Ghostbusters: Year One."
Video Games
The franchise has also been adapted into numerous video games, starting with the 1984 "Ghostbusters" game for the Commodore 64 and other platforms. One of the most notable games is "Ghostbusters: The Video Game," released in 2009, which features the voices and likenesses of the original cast. The game is considered a spiritual successor to the original films and was praised for its faithful recreation of the Ghostbusters universe.
Merchandise
The Ghostbusters franchise has generated a wide range of merchandise, including action figures, clothing, and collectibles. The Kenner toy line, released in conjunction with "The Real Ghostbusters" animated series, was particularly popular. Other notable merchandise includes LEGO sets, board games, and high-end prop replicas of the Ghostbusters' equipment, such as the Proton Pack and Ghost Trap.
Cultural Impact
The Ghostbusters franchise has had a significant impact on popular culture. The original film's theme song, performed by Ray Parker Jr., became a hit and is still widely recognized. The franchise has also inspired numerous parodies, references in other media, and a dedicated fanbase. The phrase "Who you gonna call?" has become synonymous with the Ghostbusters brand.