Dan Aykroyd
Actor Dan Aykroyd speaks at the American Film Institute's 43rd Life Achievement Award at the Dolby theatre in Hollywood, California June 4, 2015. Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

The 2016 reboot of “Ghostbusters” is going to sport a familiar face. Dan Aykroyd, who played Dr. Ray Stantz in the original films, has been revealed to have a cameo in the reboot as a taxi driver.

Gizmodo reports that a TV spot in the UK for “Ghostbusters” has revealed Aykroyd’s cameo in the film. It was perhaps a mistake to show him in the teaser trailer since the Canadian-American actor’s screen involvement was reportedly a secret.

His cameo was uploaded on YouTube and which has since been taken down.

Off-screen, Aykroyd has a much bigger role as an executive producer. The 2016 “Ghostbusters” reboot is also based on his and Harold Ramis’ original film.

He recently came to the upcoming film’s defence, praising it for having “more laughs and more scares” than the first two films.

“As originator of the original: Saw test screening of new movie. Apart from brilliant, genuine performances from the cast both female and male, it has more laughs and more scares than the first 2 films plus Bill Murray is in it! As one of millions of man-fans and Ray Stantz, I’m paying to see that and bringing all my friends!” Aykroyd praised the film on Facebook.

“Ghostbusters” 2016 has been met with overwhelmingly negative reactions from fans of the original franchise when it first released its trailer in March. Over 850,000 YouTube users disliked the trailer. The 3-D supernatural comedy, directed by Paul Feig, stars Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKninnon and Leslie Jones as the title characters. Chris Hemsworth plays Kevin, their clueless receptionist.

According to IMDB, the stars of the 1984 film and its 1989 sequel have a cameo as well. Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson, who played Dr. Peter Venkman and Winston Zeddemore respectively, will also appear in the female cast-led movie, as well Sigourney Weaver. Rick Moranis reportedly declined an offer to appear in the film.

“Ghostbusters” will hit screens on July 14 in Australia, and on July 15 in the US.


YouTube/Sony Pictures Entertainment