distraction

Happy Ghostbusters Day! Here's 12 facts you didn't know about the spooky comedy

Thursday, August 28, 2014

"Ghostbusters" was one of the most influential comedies of its time.

John Belushi was intended to star in the film until his untimely death in 1982. Chevy Chase and Michael Keaton were considered for the role until Bill Murray was confirmed.

Eddie Murphy was originally supposed to play Ernie Hudson's part, but had scheduling conflictions with "Beverly Hills Cop.'"

The original title for the film was "Ghost Smashers," and was set in the future. Director Ivan Reitman suggested that the film take place in present day New York.

Huey Lewis sued Ray Parker Jr., performer of the "Ghostbusters" theme song, claiming that it plagiarized his hit track "I Want A New Drug."

William Atherton, who played one of the film's antagonists Walter Peck, was repeatedly harassed in public for years after the film's release.

Dan Aykroyd found the inspiration for the film from his own family history. Aykroyd's grandfather once attempted to build a radio to contact ghosts.

Larry King got his film debut in "Ghostbusters."

The Ectomobile was originally painted black, until it was pointed out that it would be difficult to see while watching night scenes of the film.

"Ghostbusters" filming caused heavy traffic across Manhattan, prompting NYC resident and author Isaac Asimov to yell at Dan Aykroyd.

Most of Bill Murray's lines were ad-libbed

The building that served as exterior shots for the "Ghostbusters" firehouse was saved from being closed due to popularity of the film.

The goo that splashes on Dan Aykroyd after defeating the giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man was actually 50 pounds of shaving cream.

1 of 13

Happy Ghostbusters Day! Here's 12 facts you didn't know about the spooky comedy"Ghostbusters" was one of the most influential comedies of its time.

Sony Pictures Publicity

"Who you gonna call? Ghost...smashers?"

Today is "Ghostbusters" day, celebrating the film's re-release into theaters. "Ghostbusters" quickly became the highest-grossing comedy of its time, proving that humorous films could hold their own against their action movie counterparts. "Ghostbusters" ushered in a new wave of hilarious box office blockbusters, giving way to up-and-coming comedians and Saturday Night Live alumni to become huge Summer movie draws.

Do you think it still would have been a smash hit if filmmakers had gone with the original title, "Ghost Smashers"? Check out the gallery above for 12 facts you didn't know about "Ghostbusters."

Bonus fact: Many movie theaters around the country have special showings of the film today. Will you be going? Let us know in the comments.