Dan Aykroyd Confirms Casper’s Cameo as Official Ghostbusters Canon
Dan Aykroyd has officially confirmed that Casper the Friendly Ghost and the Ghostbusters share the same universe. This revelation came during his recent guest appearance on the Talking Strange podcast. Aykroyd asserted that his cameo as Ray Stantz in the 1995 film Casper is considered canon.
Casper’s 30th Anniversary
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Casper. In the podcast, host Aaron Sagers asked Aykroyd about the significance of his role in the movie. Aykroyd stated that the cameo was integral, particularly since it was requested by executive producer Steven Spielberg. He felt it represented a wonderful connection to the Ghostbusters franchise.
Cameo Details
In Casper, Carrigan Crittenden, portrayed by Cathy Moriarty, is determined to rid Whipstaff Manor of Casper and his ghostly uncles. To remove the spirits, she engages various characters, including Aykroyd’s Ray Stantz, who humorously responds with, “Who ya gonna call? Someone else.”
- Film: Casper
- Character: Ray Stantz
- Year of Release: 1995
- Key Actor: Dan Aykroyd
- Key Actress: Cathy Moriarty
Impact on Ghostbusters Franchise
Aykroyd’s confirmation adds a new dimension to the Ghostbusters canon. This means there are now five films in the official Ghostbusters timeline, including the original two and the latest sequels. The most recent installment, titled Frozen Empire, continues the franchise’s legacy.
Future of Ghostbusters
During the podcast, Aykroyd hinted at the potential direction for future Ghostbusters films. He posed questions regarding the need for a joyful element, like “happy pink slime,” in today’s world. Aykroyd expressed optimism about the next Ghostbusters movie but noted that its overarching themes might reflect current societal issues.
He mentioned Jason Reitman’s involvement with the creative team at Ghost Corps in Los Angeles, indicating that exciting developments are underway. Aykroyd also announced that an animated Ghostbusters project is in the works, promising to capture the essence of Manhattan with a fresh perspective.
Casper’s Anniversary Celebrations
To commemorate Casper’s 30th anniversary, a 4K UHD limited edition steelbook was released during the summer. The film is available for streaming on platforms like Apple TV+ and Prime Video. Additionally, fans can explore the Ghostbusters collection and purchase various UHD two-packs that include the classic films.
