Bill Murray has once again donned the persona of Dr. Peter Venkman, this time for a new advertisement promoting Rivian electric vehicles. The ad features the original Ghostbuster responding to a Slimer-related emergency, arriving in a Rivian R1S SUV modified to resemble the iconic Ecto-1.
The 70-second commercial showcases Rivian's new Ghostbusters-themed Halloween software update, available for the R1S, R1T pickup truck, and the upcoming R2 SUV. This update introduces a Ghostbusters user interface on the vehicles' central touchscreens, a "Mallow Mash" game for squashing Mini-Pufts, and hidden Easter eggs. Additionally, it includes custom sound options, a Slimer settings theme, and a "Trick or Treat Mode" that activates special lights and sound effects when it detects costumed visitors. The update also allows for custom themes for the exterior and interior lights, inspired by elements like the Proton Pack and Ghost Trap.
The Ghostbusters Halloween theme will be accessible in Rivian vehicles from today until November 2. This feature debut follows the recent unveiling of the Rivian R2, a more compact and affordably priced sibling to the R1S. While the R2 boasts a similar design, its base price starts at $45,000, though only the fully equipped tri-motor Performance model is currently available at $58,000.
Murray last portrayed Dr. Venkman in the 2024 film Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. The most recent Ghostbusters video game was 2022's Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed, an asymmetrical multiplayer title.