Skip to main content

Ghostbusters designer reveals ECTO-1’s crazy origin and what it almost looked like

all female ghostbuster cast revealed ecto 1 ghostbusters
Image used with permission by copyright holder
The 30th anniversary of Ghostbusters has been accompanied by all sorts of talk about a third film for the franchise and a re-release of the 1984 comedy in theaters, as well as more than a few Ghostbusters-themed features in various media. One particularly fascinating angle on the film’s legacy is a recent episode of the web video series Beyond the Marquee which featured an interview with designer Stephen Dane, who not only crafted the Ghostbusters’ iconic car ECTO-1, but also designed the proton packs and ghost traps used by the team in the film.

During the interview (which you can watch below), Dane explains why the ECTO-1 almost didn’t make it to the screen, and shares some of the early concept designs for the vehicle. He also talks a bit about the elements he didn’t get to include in the design of the vehicle due to time constraints.

Related: Who is on Bill Murray’s short-list for an all-female Ghostbusters?

At one point in the segment, Dane describes himself as a creator of “visual bull” as he explains where some of the various odds and ends attached to the ECTO-1 originated — including a few surprising, off-the-shelf additions to the vehicle that have become part of its iconic look.

In the end, it’s hard to argue with Dane’s classification of the vehicle as a cultural touchstone, given its instantly recognizable status 30 years after it rolled onto the screen.

Rick Marshall
A veteran journalist with more than two decades of experience covering local and national news, arts and entertainment, and…
3 underrated Netflix shows you should watch this weekend (May 3-5)
6 people stand on a beach in The 100.

Even as Netflix attempts to wow subscribers with its constant stream of new shows and movies, many are also aware that there's plenty of stuff on Netflix that the service basically buries. The algorithm might recommend it to you, but if the algorithm doesn't, you're not very likely to find it.

If you're looking for some underrated shows that are nonetheless great, then you're in luck. We've pulled together a list of three underrated titles that are all available on Netflix to be watched immediately. While Netflix does host plenty of good stuff, it'll only keep hosting it if you decide to watch it. Here are three shows you should start with this weekend.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015-2019)
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Trailer

Read more
3 Hulu movies you need to stream this weekend (May 3-5)
The cast of That Thing You Do!

The first weekend in May has arrived, and Hulu fans should be happy to hear that there's a new lineup of movies to enjoy. Like most of the major streamers, Hulu debuts the majority of its library additions on the first of the month. But there will more movies released on Hulu throughout May.

Since the first weekend of May is traditionally timed around the opening of a superhero movie, our first choice this weekend is a comic book film that's celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Our other two picks include Tom Hanks' directorial debut, and a generation-spanning drama that holds up three decades after its release.
The Mask (1994)

Read more
3 underrated Amazon Prime Video movies you should watch this weekend (May 3-5)
A man is restrained by other men in A Hero.

Love and Friendship MGM Studios

While Amazon doesn't release as many new movies as some of its competitors, the service has a pretty extensive library of titles that are worth exploring. These titles range from excellent foreign films that might have flown under the radar to underrated movies from some of the best directors to ever sit behind a camera.

Read more