Bill Murray Returns as Venkman in Rivian Ghostbusters Commercial

Overview

• The commercial, which debuted Thursday, October 8, 2026, shows Bill Murray back as Dr. Peter Venkman driving a custom electric Ecto‑R1 and confronting Slimer in a spot directed by Gil Kenan.
• Rivian will roll out an opt‑in Ghostbusters Halloween Mode for owners from October 9 to November 2 that adds themed exterior and interior lighting, dashboard graphics, soundtrack cues, a Trick-or-Treat Mode and a scavenger-hunt feature.
• The Ecto‑R1 is a modified Rivian R1S fitted with Ghostbusters livery, roof-rack equipment, emergency lights and on-screen ‘ghost‑catching’ effects, and Rivian has built multiple physical Ecto‑R1s for pop-up activations in cities including Laguna Beach, Austin, Venice, Miami Brickell, San Francisco and New York’s Meatpacking District.
• Rivian says the Halloween Mode is optional for owners, a deliberate choice to avoid forcing ads or branded content into vehicle systems after past industry pushback, and many effects can also be triggered via the Rivian mobile app.
• Sony is reported to be developing a new Ghostbusters film called Ghostbusters: Nightmare on 34th Street, but that project and any further Bill Murray casting remain unconfirmed and should be treated as rumor for now.