Dan Aykroyd has been in the news so often, as it pertains to Ghostbusters, you’d be forgiven for assuming it’s 1984 all over again. The original ‘buster and longtime champion of the franchise is catching heat all of a sudden for throwing his support behind Paul Feig’s upcoming take on the classic story. And now, a crappy version of a UK TV spot showcasing Aykroyd’s celebrated cameo in the new film has made its way to YouTube. Check it out below:
Paul Feig’s Ghostbusters plans to use multiple members of the original franchise, in cameo roles. That’s right. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and Annie Potts will NOT be playing their old characters. They’ll be playing different characters. It had been rumored that Aykroyd would be playing a taxi cab driver, and in the above TV spot, we see him interacting with new Ghostbuster Kristen Wiig, who is playing Dr. Erin Gilbert in the remake. In the scene, she tells this cab driver that there are actual ghosts flying around New York City. And his reply… well, it comes from the original movie’s theme song, and not from the actual script.
So, let’s discuss this strategy. This clip is part of a TV spot for the new Ghostbusters. It’s not an official copy, as the YouTube user SylverLeo pointed his camera at his TV to capture it. But it aired, so that means it’s official. The studio is going to start revealing the cameos of the original Ghostbusters in the marketing materials? Those seem like fun asides that should have been saved for the theatrical experience. Could this be a reaction to the online negativity stating that the remake treads on "hallowed" ground created by Dan Aykroyd and company? Is this Sony saying, "Guys, Dan Aykroyd is IN this movie! It’s not all bad!" Possibly. But that line. Not the best joke for Aykroyd, or any former Ghostbuster, to have to use.
Now that this TV spot is making its way out, Sony should release an official copy. If they are going to embrace the notion that Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson and the rest of the Ghostbusters cast appear in the remake, then show them off! It could help turn the conversation in the favor of the comedy, and get original fans excited about this aspect of the new film. Ghostbusters will roar into theaters on July 15, with a hilarious ensemble that includes Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones.
