Did John Belushi Have Any Movies Lined Up When He Died?

The untimely death of comedian and actor John Belushi in 1982 left many wondering what could have been. While he is most famously known for his role in Ghostbusters, which went to Bill Murray, Belushi was also working on several other projects. In this article, we will explore the movies and projects that were in the works for John Belushi at the time of his death and discuss their potential impact on his career.

The Role That Could Have Been His

Ghostbusters: One of the biggest projects that John Belushi was linked to was the iconic film Ghostbusters. According to Brian De Palma, the director of the original Ghostbusters film, Belushi was a great choice for the role. However, his untimely death in 1982 meant that the opportunity was lost. The role eventually went to Bill Murray, and despite the shift, the film became a massive success and a cultural phenomenon.

Movies in Development

Belushi was not just banking on one dream project. He had several movies and roles in development that could have opened up new avenues for his career.

The Wild Side

The Wild Side (1983): Released posthumously and directed by Wes Craven, this film starred Belushi, Tommy Lee Jones, and Dean Stockwell. The movie, which combined humor and violence, was an attempt to capitalize on Belushi’s unique persona. Despite the potential, the film received mixed reviews and was not a commercial success.

Ghost Hunter (1984)

Rags the Ghost Hunter (1984): This film project, positively influenced by Belushi’s death, was pushed through by Ivan Reitman and Brian Doyle-Murray. It was supposed to showcase Belushi’s comedic talent to the fullest, but it ultimately did not see the light of day. The project was to be a movie about a 15-year-old boy who was transformed into a ghost upon his death and had to find a way to return to the world of the living. It was a unique concept that had potential to be a hit with Belushi’s fan base.

Other Potential Projects

Besides Rags the Ghost Hunter, there were several other projects in the pipeline that could have significantly impacted Belushi’s legacy. For instance, films like Sparks and Caught in the Act were both in the works and had Belushi cast. These projects could have diversified his role and brought in new audiences, but fate had other plans.

A Legacy of Comedy

John Belushi's comedic talents and dynamic personality have left lasting impressions on comedy fans around the world. His untimely death at the age of 33 meant that many of these projects and roles never came to fruition. However, the impact he made during his time has undoubtedly left a legendary mark on the entertainment industry.

Conclusion

John Belushi's untimely death at the age of 33 not only deprived the film industry of a promising talent but also left behind numerous unfinished projects that could have dramatically altered his legacy. From Ghostbusters to The Wild Side and beyond, the movies that could have been are a testament to his immense potential and talent. His legacy as one of the greatest comedic actors of all time continues to inspire new generations of fans and filmmakers.