Sometimes its a name that goes a long way. While the title ofGhostbustersmight seem goofy, it is now held with a respect and reverence. Yet, there was almost a chance it could have turned out sillier.
Through outtakes of the original 1984 supernatural comedy, fans are getting a glimpse of the name that could have been. The clips were finally released online via the official Ghostbusters YouTube page after only being available through the Steelbook Blu-ray set. Through the main characters shooting a TV commercial, the alternate takes reveal that the other purposed names were “Ghoststoppers” and “Ghostblasters.”
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The reason for the caution in using “Ghostbusters” was due to concerns over the naming rights. In the 1970s there was a children’s comedy series named “The Ghost Busters” which was owned by Universal. Director Ivan Reitman and writer Dan Akroyd both were worried about the name being an issue as their distributor was Columbia Pictures.
Ultimately, the name stuck through a deal in which Columbia paid Universal Pictures $500,000 alongside 1% of the film’s profits. Hearing the alternate names being said by the characters is undeniably jarring but it is always fascinating to see these small “what ifs” of cinema. The nameGhostbustersnow stands as a go-to for comedy classics andcontinues to spread across mediums.
As for the film franchise, the upcomingGhostbusters: Afterlifehas been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is just another filmfacing significant delays due to the ongoing crisis.Ghostbusters: Afterliferemains within the continuity of the originalGhostbustersfilms and is being directed by Jason Reitman, the son of the originalGhostbustersdirector.
So whileGhostbustersmight sound funny the first time you hear it, it is still leaps better than “Ghoststoppers.”
