Another trailer for Ghostbusters: Afterlife has just dropped, giving fans a better taste of what to expect in the latest film in the Ghostbusters franchise. While revealing new material and surprises, the trailer still manages to keep much of the plot secret. After multiple delays due to the pandemic, the release of this trailer is drawing more attention and to the upcoming film.
Full of Easter eggs and callbacks to the original films, here are some of the most exciting references for fans.
The Proton Pack Is Back in Action
One of the first callbacks shown in the trailer is the Proton Pack, the revolutionary device created by Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) to capture the ghosts. Many viewers will recall the all-important rule of using Proton Packs, “don't cross the streams,” or else very, very bad things could happen. However, the final fight scene of Ghostbusters has them cross the streams on purpose in order to defeat Gozer, with them believing it could backfire and kill them in the process. The P.K.E. Meter is another device often used by Spengler throughout the original films to track ghosts and spectral energy. It’s briefly shown in the trailer as well, hinting that both objects may be making a comeback.
The Return of Janine: Ghostbusters, What Do Ya Want?
One of the biggest surprise callbacks in the trailer is Janine, the sassy and unfazed secretary from the original films. Played by Annie Potts, Janine often showed romantic interest in Spengler throughout the films and cartoons, although they never really seemed to have a serious relationship. In the trailer, she says of Egon, “He wasn’t much of a homemaker. He could hardly keep the power on.” This could hint that Janine and Egon finally did get together during the 30-year gap between the films.
The Ectomobile Gets Dusted Off and Taken for a Spin
Fans already knew that the Ectomobile was going to feature heavily in the new film, thanks to previous trailers and the movie poster. But it’s shown much more in the new trailer, with several shots of the vehicle drifting through wheat fields as Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) takes it for a joyride. The iconic vehicle can also be seen speeding through the small town streets, with Phoebe (McKenna Grace) hanging out of the side in the gunner’s seat as they chase down ghosts.
The Ghostbusters TV Commercial, 37 Years Later
Throughout the trailer, the kids are seen watching YouTube videos of the commercials from the original Ghostbusters, with voiceovers of the clips playing throughout. In the original film, these commercials helped spread the word about the Ghostbusters and helped skyrocket them to local fame, boosting their business. Looking closer, there are suggested videos including, "Where are the Ghostbusters now???" It's interesting to see the kids learning about the Ghostbusters in the modern world, turning to YouTube and the Internet for research.
Stay Puft Marshmallow Men, in Miniature
One of the most iconic characters from the original film, the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, makes a reappearance in the trailer - in mini version. Paul Rudd’s character is seen shopping in a Walmart when the mini Stay Puft marshmallows break out of their packaging and start wreaking havoc in the store aisle. Making smores and riding what looks like a Roomba vacuum, these marshmallows seem to be cute comedic relief rather than their terrifying larger predecessor.
I Am Zuul? The Storm Clouds Gather
Eagle eyed fans have taken to Twitter in regard to what looks like multiple references to Zuul and Gozer, the antagonists from the original Ghostbusters. The lightning and storm shots are a major reference to the supernatural storms that signaled their arrival in the first film, and there’s a very quick shot of someone crawling out of a pit that looks remarkably similar to Gozer. There’s even a shot of the Terror Dog from the first film. Whether they’ll be major players in Afterlife or just part of a string of callbacks remains to be seen.
Introducing Muncher, the New Slimer
In a shot with the kids driving the Ectomobile, Phoebe is seen sliding out the side of the vehicle and shooting a proton stream to capture a ghost. This is Muncher, the new iteration of Slimer - the glowing green ghost who’s been featured in every iteration of the franchise. Throughout the movies and cartoons, Slimer seemed to gain intelligence and had more of a presence than his first appearance. With only a quick shot in the trailer, it’s hard to tell how much this character will be featured in the upcoming film.
Ray Stantz Makes a Cameo
In Ghostbusters II, Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) had opened up an occult bookshop, called Ray’s Occult Books. The final clip of the trailer shows that bookshop, complete with the shop name on the window. While viewers aren’t shown his face, they see him answer a phone call with a terse, “We’re closed.” Although Aykroyd had previously stated that he was reprising his role, this scene is an exciting callback for fans curious to see how he'll factor into the story. With almost all of the original actors signed on to reappear in Afterlife, it’s expected that there may be some sort of a reunion of the original Ghostbusters.
From director Jason Reitman and producer Ivan Reitman, Ghostbusters: Afterlife arrives in theaters Nov. 11.