How Ivan Reitman Felt About Ghostbuster References In Stranger Things Season 2

The Stranger Things boys in Ghostbusters costumes

It's about to be a very good week for fans of Netflix's Stranger Things. Because after over a year of waiting and speculating, Season 2 is finally arriving on the 27th. These extra few months of waiting has been excruciating, although it appears that Stranger Things 2 has been timed to perfectly sync up to Halloween-- which the boys will be celebrating in the opening episodes. Mike and his friends have been shown wearing some awesome Ghostbusters costumes, but how exactly did Stranger Things get the rights to the costumes? The Duffer Brothers recently revealed this process, which included asking both Dan Aykroyd and Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman for permission.

We got to talk to Ivan Reitman on the phone because he and Dan Aykroyd had to approve it. . . . [Reitman] said it was flattering. He read the scripts. He had seen the first season or at least had heard of it or pretended like he had. But they were really into being part of the show. Then they sent us all these Ghostbusters toys at the end of the shoot. That's one of my top 5 most worn-out VHS tapes.

Sometimes all you have to do is ask. That, and have one of the most popular and acclaimed new shows from the past year. That probably helps.

Matt Duffer's comments to EW show just how much of a passion project Stranger Things truly is. The duo of brothers are crafting a story filled with references and moments that they love. Season 1 was jam packed with homages and easter eggs for classic 80s horror movies, and Stranger Things 2 looks like it will be no exception. And luckily for The Duffer Brothers, Ivan Reitman seems to be a fan of the series, especially the upcoming episodes. Now we just have to stop being so jealous that Reitman got to read the scripts.

Mike and his buddies aren't the only Stranger Things characters who are dressed up as classic horror/ sci-fi movie figures in the new season. Newcomer tomboy Max (Sadie Sink) was shown in a sneak peek clip dressed up as Michael Meyers from the Halloween franchise. Plus, the premiere episode is named "Mad Max" after the classic action film of the same title. Overall, it looks like the show's sophomore season will be just as jammed packed with homages and clever nods as the first entry.

It should be interesting to see exactly how Halloween, and the boys' Ghostbusters costumes, factor into the narrative of Stranger Things 2. From the trailers, it certainly seems like Will is going to have another one of his visions of The Upside Down, most likely bringing the first official appearance of the Shadow Monster. Hopefully we'll also be treated to the Halloween costumes of other characters like Nancy, Joyce, and Steve. We'll just have to wait a few more days to see.

Stranger Things will release its second season in its entirety October 27th on Netflix. In the meantime, check out our fall premiere list to plan your next binge watch.

Corey Chichizola
Movies Editor

Corey was born and raised in New Jersey. Graduated with degrees theater and literature from Ramapo College of New Jersey. After working in administrative theater for a year in New York, he started as the Weekend Editor at CinemaBlend. He's since been able to work himself up to reviews, phoners, and press junkets-- and is now able to appear on camera with some of his favorite actors... just not as he would have predicted as a kid. He's particularly proud of covering horror franchises like Scream and Halloween, as well as movie musicals like West Side Story. Favorite interviews include Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more.