In the early 1980s, Aykroyd began work on a script for the film that became Ghostbusters which was inspired by his interest in parapsychology.
The script originally included a much larger fantasy element, including time travel, but this was significantly toned down during development with Harold Ramis (who became a co-writer) and Ivan Reitman as director.
Aykroyd originally wrote the role of Dr. Peter Venkman for John Belushi but rewrote it for Bill Murray after Belushi died.
Are Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray friends? How did Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray meet?
Since the late 1980s, Bill Murray has maintained a close friendship with Dan. They have collaborated on a number of projects as a team.
Dan Aykroyd recently talked about meeting Bill Murray before Ghostbusters. He Greeted Me in America,’ he said.
Aykroyd, the writer of Ghostbusters, recalled a chance meeting with comedian Bill Murray that led to a decades-long friendship and working relationship.
The original Ghostbusters cast appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Aykroyd revealed that Second City in Chicago had hired his touring company – and Murray was their tour guide.
