When the original Ghostbusters released in 1984, it became a hit with a generation of viewers, and ushered in a wave of mega-promotions with everything from video games to TV shows. Over 30 years later, it still continues to be a favorite, showing up in games like Lego Dimensions, as well as other products.
It looks like that nostalgia is in full swing, as Sony has begun promoting the new Ghostbusters film from director Paul Feig. The company released a new trailer for the follow-up today, where four female scientists (Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon) band together to battle a new paranormal evil, years following the events that unfolded in the original.
The trailer has created buzz on social media, and Sony intends to ride that into the film’s summer release, alongside various promotions. Here’s what we know so far that’s coming down the Ghostbusters pipe.
Toys
Diamond Select Toys, a company that has been producing Ghostbusters figures for years, will return to do the same for its 2016 lineup, set to coincide with the film. Along with its signature Minimates mini-figures and vehicles, it will also produce vinyl banks, kitchenware and glassware based on the new movie.
“Ghostbusters is one of our favorite film franchises here at DST,” said Diamond Select Toys president Chuck Terceira, per Action Figure Insider. “So we’re excited to be part of the first new film in decades, and we look forward to adding a new cast of character to our previous Ghostbusters product lines, as well as continuing to release products based on the classic films.”
Nostalgia will also likely play a factor with other products as well, including shirts and other clothing featuring the familiar “no ghost” logo, along with other yet-to-be-announced items.
Return of the Ecto Cooler
Back in the ’80s and ’90s, the Coca-Cola Company, under the Hi-C label, produced a popular fruit drink called Ecto Cooler, based on the Ghostbusters franchise. Fans went wild a few months ago when the company renewed its trademark for the drink, indicating that it could be making a comeback to the market.
On top of that, a listing for one of the drinks recently went up on eBay, managing to sell for $400. Of course, the relaunched final product will be much cheaper.
Considering that we’re seeing a lot more “classic” drinks make a comeback, including the New York Seltzer line and whispers that Crystal Pepsi might even return, it’s not a surprise to see the Ecto Cooler come around again. An official announcement should come within a few months, probably closer to the film’s release.
A new video game?
The Ghostbusters franchise has been synonymous with video games for years, first appearing on consoles like the NES in the ’80s, and more recent games developed by Atari. That said, it appears that Activision could be bringing it around once more to coincide with the new film.
Retail Merchandiser recently reported that the publisher is hard at work on a new title set to debut on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 in time for the film. There hasn’t been an official announcement yet, but Activision is known for developing licensed games. The company recently revealed that a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game, Mutants In Manhattan, is in the works, and will launch around the same time that Out of the Shadows hits theaters in June.
Whatever the case may be, Sony is set to give the Ghostbusters franchise a big boost in marketing when the film makes its way to theaters on July 15. Now it’s a question of whether Ray Parker Jr.’s classic “Ghostbusters” theme will make a return.