Ecto-Fest Debuts Ghostbusters Props, Hasbro Updates and New Projects

Ecto-Fest made its debut at Sony Pictures with a mix of screen-used props, vehicles and franchise announcements. The evening offered collectors a close look at objects from several Ghostbusters films, while Hasbro shared updates on its Proton Pack project and the Spengler Notebook. Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan also outlined new screen and publishing projects, though several details remain under wraps.

The event was presented as a new, ongoing celebration of Ghostbusters, distinct from the 2019 Ghostbusters Fan Fest. Its setting tied the gathering to the franchise’s production history: Ghost Corps is based inside a replica of Hook & Ladder 8 on Ivan Reitman Way at Sony Studios. Inflatable photo opportunities greeted visitors, alongside a display of props spanning different parts of the series.

Props traced the films’ visual history

Among the pieces on display were props from Ghostbusters: Afterlife, including objects associated with the Spengler farm and a set of Gozer feet. Props from Ghostbusters (2016), also known as Answer the Call, added another chapter to the exhibit. The range gave attendees a chance to compare the films’ approaches to familiar franchise imagery in person.

The standout for the event’s reporter was the slime-blower from Ghostbusters II. That prop sits in a particularly memorable corner of the series’ equipment history, and its presence offered a strong draw for fans who follow the franchise’s practical designs as closely as its characters. The event also featured customized Miller Meteor Cadillacs, vehicles whose distinctive shape has become closely associated with Ghostbusters displays and fan gatherings.

Hasbro shares product updates

Ernie Hudson, who plays Winston Zeddemore, opened the evening and briefly hinted at what may lie ahead for the franchise. He then introduced Jenny Whitlock of Hasbro, who brought the focus to collectibles and the company’s Proton Pack project.

Whitlock announced a limited edition Ivan Reitman action figure. Its accessory set includes an exact replica of the megaphone Reitman used while making the first film, a specific production detail that gives the figure a connection to the series’ behind-the-scenes history. The announcement did not include a price or release date.

Hasbro also showed updates to the Haslab Proton Pack and described some of its upcoming features. For backers, the clearest change concerned the Spengler Notebook, a tier unlock that had grown from 16 pages to 32 pages. That expanded page count was a concrete addition to the project, though the presentation did not give further specifications in the account of the event.

Film and story plans remain deliberately sparse

Jason Reitman and co-writer Gil Kenan followed with several franchise announcements. The largest was a feature-length animated Ghostbusters film in development. No creative team, schedule or story details were shared, so the project’s format is the main confirmed point for now.

They also described plans with Dark Horse for comics and Netflix for animation. Those projects are intended to expand the Ghostbusters mythos, filling narrative gaps while opening new story threads. The presentation offered little detail about plot or timing, leaving collectors and fans with formats and partners to watch rather than specific release plans.

The announced Afterlife sequel was similarly short on story information. Its codename is Firehouse, and the story will take place in Manhattan. Those details suggest a return to the franchise’s best-known setting, but the event did not elaborate on characters or the film’s schedule.

For collectors, Ecto-Fest combined tangible artifacts with updates that may shape future releases and franchise material. The props and vehicles made the evening a showcase of the films’ physical designs; Hasbro’s notebook change supplied a specific product update, while the new screen and comics projects opened several paths for Ghostbusters stories. The next details to watch are product timing and specifications, along with further information about the animated feature, Dark Horse comics, Netflix animation and Firehouse.