There are many pieces of Ghostbusters iconography that are brought back for the reboot, from Ecto-1 to the famed logo, and surely one of the most significant is the inclusion of the ghost known as Slimer. The character mostly gained popularity because of his part on the Real Ghostbusters animated series, but fans have been fond of the floating green blob since he first assaulted Peter Venkman in a hotel hallway. As a result, it makes plenty of sense for him to be back for Paul Feig's movie -- but what you probably don't know is that it nearly provided the spirit with an origin story of sorts.
When I sat down with Ghostbusters co-writer Katie Dippold at the movie's Los Angeles press day last week, we touched on many different aspects of the new film, but one of the most interesting topics of discussion was about Slimer. While talking about the reboot's use of the aforementioned iconography, she explained that there was a scene in an early draft where the titular team actually created the fan-favorite character. Said Dippold,
We debated showing the creation of Slimer. There was even a scene once where they are battling an old Italian ghost, but they're still figuring out the proton packs. So when they fire at it, he just becomes Slimer.
Regardless of what of you think of this as an origin for Slimer, the idea itself had very little to do with why Katie Dippold and Paul Feig decided to take it out of their Ghostbusters script. Instead, it had more to do with the reason why they didn't want to actually make a Ghostbusters 3: they didn't feel it was their place to provide big and new explanations for characters that they themselves didn't create. She explained,
It was just like, 'I don't know if it feels right to answer what Slimer is when it was created before.' So that didn't feel quite right. But then it was like, 'Okay, so then do we take it out?' And then it was like, 'Well, I just want to see Slimer, so...'
As those who have seen the trailer for Ghostbusters can tell you, it was ultimately decided that Slimer did have a place in the new movie and a part to play. Of course, with the film not coming out for a few more days, we won't be spreading spoilers by telling you what the puke-colored poltergeist gets up to in the feature.
Instead, you'll just have to wait and find out for yourselves. Ghostbusters will be in theaters this Friday, July 15th -- and be sure to stay tuned for more from our interviews with the movie's cast and filmmakers!
