Ghostbusters: Afterlifebrought back the OG Ghostbusters after three decades, butGhostbusters: Frozen Empireis going much further. Taking its beats from the 80’sThe Real Ghostbustersanimated series, the fourth movie in the original franchise is delivering some new weird aliens, Janine as a Ghostbuster, and the return ofSlimer, as revealed inEmpire Magazine’sfirst-look images.
In their latest issue, Empire unveils a host of new images from the highly anticipated sequel, which takes Venkman, Stantz and Zeddemore back to the iconic New York City firehouse of the original movies, as hinted in the post-credits scene ofAfterlife. Judging by the images, it isn’t just the guys who can’t stay away from their old haunt, as Slimer seems to have taken up residence there as well. Check out the first-look image below, as well as the return of the mini Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, and anew look at Bill Murrayand Ernie Hudson as Venkman and Zeddemore all suited up.
Although there were many people who wondered if the Ghostbusters franchise had missed its opportunity to see the original 1984 movie continue,Ghostbusters: Afterlifeexorcised the demons of the 2016 rebootand made it clear that there was still an appetite for some old-school ‘busting. That is exactly whatFrozen Empireis doing, and bringing back a fan-favorite like Slimer is something that was always going to be part of the movie’s nostalgic magic.
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How Slimer Evolved from Floating Blob to Iconic Character
Although the movie industry has produced many spooks, specters and ghosts, there are few that are as instantly recognizable as Slimer, the mischievous, food-gobbling green ghost that made his debut in 1984 as the first “call” the team takes on as a paid job.
Designed by Steve Johnson under the guidance of art director John DeCuir, Slimer’s grotesque yet oddly endearing appearance was an instant hit with audiences. His neon green color, coupled with a comically oversized mouth and a ravenous appetite, made him instantly recognizable. It is also now well-known that Slimer was also partly based on the late John Belushi, who the role of Peter Venkman was originally written for before he passed away before filming started.
The character’s popularity surged withThe Real Ghostbusters. In the series, Slimer was transformed from a one-time antagonist to a lovable sidekick to the Ghostbusters team. His character was fleshed out with a more friendly demeanor, often providing a ghost’s perspective on the team’s adventures. This shift was pivotal in cementing Slimer’s status as a fan favorite, as it allowed the character to be more relatable and endearing to a younger audience.
InGhostbusters II, Slimer took on a similar role as in the cartoon series, seemingly hovering around the firehouse, and even becoming a bus driver to take Rick Moranis’ Louis Tully on his mission to save the world – at least in his mind. What his role will be inGhostbusters: Frozen Empireis yet to be revealed, but he clearly hasn’t strayed too far in the last three decades.
All will be revealed whenGhostbusters: Frozen Empireis released in cinemas on July 10, 2025.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
