Bill Murray in Rivian Ghostbusters ad: Halloween update for R1S, R1T and R2
Bill Murray reportedly returns as Dr. Peter Venkman in a 70-second Rivian ad tied to a Ghostbusters Halloween update for the R1S, R1T and R2.
- The campaign is tied to a Ghostbusters Halloween update for the Rivian R1S, R1T and R2.
- According to the article, the Halloween theme runs through November 2.
What happened
IGN says Bill Murray is back as Dr. Peter Venkman in a new Rivian advertisement. In the spot, Venkman arrives in a Rivian R1S inspired by the Ecto-1, which the article dubs the “Ecto-R1,” after a call from Slimer. The ad reportedly runs for 70 seconds and leans on Ghostbusters imagery as a direct nod to Murray’s best-known role in the franchise.
The ad is tied to a Ghostbusters-themed software update for Rivian vehicles. According to IGN, the Halloween update is for the R1S, R1T and R2, and includes a Ghostbusters UI, the mini-game “Mallow Mash,” hidden easter eggs, custom sounds, a Slimer settings theme, Trick or Treat Mode, and themed exterior, cabin and overhead lighting. The article frames those features as part of a limited-time promotion built around Halloween and the Ghostbusters license.
IGN also mentions the Rivian R2. According to the article, the model launched earlier in 2026 with a starting price of $45,000 and a Performance trim starting at $58,000. That places the Ghostbusters campaign not only around existing models like the R1S and R1T, but also around Rivian’s newer lineup.
Timeline
2022 — IGN says Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed was the last Ghostbusters game.
2024 — According to the article, Bill Murray last played Dr. Venkman in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
2026 — IGN reports that Rivian launched the R2 earlier in 2026, with a starting price of $45,000 and a Performance trim starting at $58,000.
Today through November 2 — The Ghostbusters Halloween update for Rivian is available during this period, according to the article.
70 seconds — The Rivian spot featuring Bill Murray is reportedly this long.
Background
Bill Murray last played Dr. Peter Venkman in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire in 2024, according to IGN. The new Rivian spot ties into that role and uses Ghostbusters elements across the R1S, R1T and R2. The article presents Murray’s return not as a random cameo, but as a direct reprise of his film character.
IGN also cites Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed from 2022 as the last Ghostbusters game. In the same article, the Rivian campaign is framed as a Halloween promotion with software features, lighting effects and a short 70-second ad. The mix of car advertising, a film role and a software update makes the campaign unusually broad in scope, according to the piece.
The update’s features are specific: a Ghostbusters UI, Mallow Mash, hidden easter eggs, custom sounds, a Slimer-themed settings menu, Trick or Treat Mode, and themed exterior, cabin and overhead lighting. IGN says the Halloween styling applies to the R1S, R1T and R2, so the campaign touches multiple models at once.
The article also connects the promotion to R2 pricing information. The cited $45,000 starting price and $58,000 Performance price add context, since Rivian is using the moment to market both its software and its model range. The text also notes that the Halloween theme is available today through November 2, giving the promotion a clear end date.