TV - Movies
Bill Murray
Agreed To Star
In Ghostbusters
Under One
Condition
By KIERAN FISHER
Bill Murray used his star power to his advantage before accepting the role of Dr. Peter Venkman in 1984's "Ghostbusters." Murray only agreed to star in the blockbuster comedy if he could get his passion project made.
The comedian was adamant about adapting W. Somerset Maugham's 1944 novel "The Razor's Edge," as he wanted to do a drama and expand his artistic palette. Enter Columbia Pictures, whose executives were more than happy to foot the bill for the film if Murray agreed to join the cast of "Ghostbusters."
Dan Aykroyd gave Murray the idea to issue the condition to Columbia after he showed initial reluctance to star in the franchise-spawning mega-hit. "The Razor's Edge" was also released in 1984; however, unlike "Ghostbusters," the film bombed.