Bill Murray stars in new Rivian commercial
When you think of iconic ghosts and proton packs, you probably don’t think of electric vehicles. But lately, the paranormal world has collided with the high-speed world of electric trucks in a spectacularly spooky way. Bill Murray, back in his element, has traded his iconic role for the wheel, starring in a commercial that brought the ghosts right to the road, pairing the spirit of Ghostbusters with the cutting-edge design of Rivian.
Murray suits up as Dr. Peter Venkman while driving the electric Ectomobile, dubbed the Ecto-R1, alongside his familiar nemesis, Slimer, as he eagerly raids a fridge—a scene that perfectly captures the essence of supernatural mischief. This blend of cinematic history and modern mobility has turned into a major event for Rivian owners.
The excitement doesn’t end with the commercial. Rivian is rolling out a series of special experiences, bringing the fantastical world of Ghostbusters to major metropolitan locations. Owners can look forward to experiencing the Ecto-R1 in select spots including Laguna Beach, Austin, Venice, Miami Brickell, San Francisco, and New York City’s Meatpacking District. These events will also feature limited-edition merchandise and themed refreshments, with appearances planned for events like the NYC Village Halloween Parade and a Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt pop-up in Los Angeles.
To celebrate the spooky season, Rivian owners can dive deep into the franchise with a dedicated Halloween mode running from October 9 to November 2. This mode transforms the vehicle into a full-blown haunted experience.
Owners gain access to a dedicated in-vehicle application packed with spooky features. This app allows drivers to customize the experience with themed lighting, sounds, and displays. Features include a Trick or Treat Mode, which blasts the iconic Ghostbusters theme while transforming the screens, and various interactive effects like Ecto-1, the Proton Pack, Slimer, and the Ghost Trap, complete with synchronized lighting and sound effects. A Motion Mode can even activate these effects when someone walks by.
The experience is further enhanced by a voice assistant that gets a Halloween makeover, allowing users to control light shows, offer scavenger hunt clues, and trigger eerie sound effects. Drivers can select various Ghostbusters-inspired effects, and the vehicle’s sound can be customized, ensuring the drive is as memorable as the hunt.
The creative direction behind the commercial itself was handled by Gil Kenan, who has already contributed to other cinematic masterpieces like Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
Beyond the road, the Ghostbusters franchise continues to evolve. Netflix is currently developing an animated television series titled Ghostbusters: Night Shift, set five years after the original events. Meanwhile, whispers are circulating about a potential live-action film titled Ghostbusters: Nightmare on 34th Street, suggesting that the haunted history of New York City is ready for a new cinematic take.
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