Hasbro - Launch of HasLab Campaign for Anniversary Ectomobile: A Tribute to 40 Years of Ghostbusters

By Mulder, 18 october 2024

Hasbro is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Ghostbusters with the launch of its brand new HasLab campaign dedicated to the Ectomobile, an iconic vehicle that has left its mark on cinema history. The campaign features a 15 cm scale replica of the Ecto-1, also known as the famous ghost hunter's car. For the occasion, two versions are available: a basic edition and a deluxe edition, each packed with details and accessories to delight collectors and fans of the franchise.

The HasLab campaign began on October 18, 2024 and will run until December 3, 2024 at 5:59 a.m. CET. For collectors wishing to acquire this exceptional piece, two options are available. The basic model is available for €369.99 incl. VAT, while the deluxe edition, with its more extensive accessories and details, is priced at €469.99 incl. VAT. Delivery is included for Hasbro Pulse Premium members, but non-subscribers will have to add €10 for delivery. Delivery of the Ectomobile is scheduled for December 2025, provided the campaign reaches its target of 12,000 contributors before its closing date. If the target is reached, the order amount will be debited and the product manufactured.

The Ectomobile has earned a special place in the hearts of fans since its first appearance in the original Ghostbusters film in 1984. The vehicle, with its shrill sirens and appearance straight out of the unbridled imagination of the time, has become a cinematic icon. Hasbro's 15 cm scale version is much more than just a replica. In addition to capturing all the details of the original vehicle, this Ectomobile is equipped with lights and sounds, a feature that will delight fans of cinematic gadgets and model making. It is also compatible with Plasma Series 15 cm scale figures, enabling collectors to recreate their favorite scenes from the film.

For collectors opting for the basic model, the Ectomobile includes a host of details and accessories. These include the Ecto-1 vehicle with functional lights and sounds, 1984 Ecto-1 hubcaps, a removable sliding stretcher, and two must-have figures from the franchise: the Phantom of the Library and Slimer, also known as the Green Phantom. Each figure is accompanied by specific accessories, such as a stack of books and a book for the Library Ghost, or a base for Slimer.

One of the most exciting aspects of this HasLab campaign is the early bird bonus, reserved for contributors in the first 14 days. If the campaign reaches its minimum contribution target during this period, each sponsor will receive an exclusive figurine of Louis Tully, a character well-known to fans for his comic role in the franchise. This 15 cm figurine will come with iconic accessories such as a proton pack, a ghost trap and a P.K.E. detector. This bonus is a real bargain for early contributors, who will be adding a key character to their collection.

To guarantee the authenticity of this replica, Hasbro worked closely with Ghost Corps, the creative team behind the Ghostbusters universe. Their aim was to produce a replica as faithful as possible to the original. The design team even visited and photographed a real Ecto-1 to ensure that every detail, from the engine to the lights to the interior, was accurately reproduced. This attention to detail results in a 57 cm-long replica, equipped with functional headlights, parking lights, and even a detailed engine under an opening hood. The car's interior is also meticulously crafted, with a functional steering wheel, fold-down seats, and even a ceiling-mounted illuminated radio. Every aspect of this replica aims to pay homage to the original Ecto-1.

In addition to details of the vehicle itself, this Ectomobile is accompanied by never-before-seen figures from the Plasma Series. The library ghost, the first ghost encountered in the original film, is reproduced in 15 cm scale with 7 points of articulation. Its ethereal decor and design are directly inspired by the film, with accessories such as a stack of books and a library book. As for Slimer, he also makes his Plasma Series debut with 4 points of articulation. This character, also known as the Green Ghost, is famous for his grotesque appearance and comic role in films. It comes with a base for display.

This Ectomobile is HasLab's third collaboration with the Ghostbusters franchise. Previous projects, such as the Spengler Proton Pack and the P.K.E. Ghost Trap and Detector, have been a great success with fans and collectors alike. This new replica continues in the same vein, expanding the universe of derivative products for the franchise. With the 40th anniversary of Ghostbusters and the 35th anniversary of Ghostbusters 2, this HasLab campaign is a true celebration of the two films that have marked generations of fans.

This HasLab campaign for the Anniversary Ectomobile is a unique opportunity for collectors to own a rare and detailed piece of the Ghostbusters universe. Whether you choose the basic or deluxe model, this 15 cm scale replica is a true work of art for any fan of the franchise. With meticulous detailing, multiple accessories and exclusive bonuses for early contributors, this Ectomobile is a must-have for all fans. Don't let this opportunity pass you by, and enter today to guarantee your copy of this legendary vehicle.

The Ghostbusters saga is a cult film franchise that began in 1984 with the eponymous film directed by Ivan Reitman. This first film, with its unique blend of comedy, science fiction and paranormal elements, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The story follows a group of eccentric parapsychologists - played by Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson - who decide to set up a ghost-catching business in New York. With its iconic lines, memorable characters and famous Ecto-1 car, Ghostbusters has become firmly rooted in the collective imagination. Ray Parker Jr.'s title song, “Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!”, remains one of the most recognizable songs in film history. The film's success soon led to a sequel in 1989, Ghostbusters II, which saw the team reform to face a new supernatural threat. Although this sequel didn't have the cultural impact of the first film, it did consolidate the Ghostbusters universe.

Over the years, the saga has expanded with animated series adaptations such as The Real Ghostbusters, video games, comic books, and a host of derivative products. In 2016, an all-female reboot, directed by Paul Feig, saw the light of day with Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones as the new team of ghostbusters. The film sparked heated debate among fans, but helped keep the franchise in the modern cinema landscape. In 2021, Ghostbusters: Afterlife (or Ghostbusters: Legacy), directed by Jason Reitman, son of Ivan Reitman, revisited the original universe by introducing a new generation, while paying homage to the 80s films with several returns of classic characters. The Ghostbusters saga thus remains a pillar of pop culture, and its distinctive blend of comedy and the paranormal continues to captivate old and new generations of viewers alike.