Ghostbusters takes over Rivian’s screens, lights and sounds

Instead of the sound you always hear when you lock your car door, you hear the sound of the ghost extermination equipment in the movie. Ghostbusters appear on the screen of the parked car, and the lights move to match the atmosphere. The way cars celebrate Halloween has gone one step further than putting pumpkin decorations on the dashboard.

This is the 2026 Ghostbusters Halloween mode presented by Rivian in collaboration with Sony Pictures. This is a seasonal feature that runs from October 9 to November 2, and changes the vehicle's screen, lights, and sounds through software updates. This is a different approach from purchasing a new commemorative vehicle.

Adding different atmospheres to the same car

In addition to the ability to change the lock sound or turn on an external light show, there is also a game to find characters hidden throughout the commonly used menus. There are also mini-games that can be enjoyed on the central screen while the vehicle is stopped. Familiar setting screens are briefly used like props in a movie.

However, the scope of support varies depending on the vehicle model and generation. For example, in the official guide, it is distinguished that the 1st generation R1 can select the Ecto-1 lock sound, and the 2nd generation R1 and R2 can also select other theme sounds. Even if an update has the same name, not all vehicles have the same features.

Coordinating lights, sound and screens

Adding a background picture to a car screen is different from moving multiple devices to the same scene. The display, exterior LEDs, cabin lights and speakers have to work in sync to sustain the film’s atmosphere. Rivian describes its directly integrated hardware and software architecture as the basis for this experience.

According to the technical description released on October 15, commands issued on the screen are transmitted to the zone controller through the vehicle's high-speed Ethernet connection. The device in charge of each area coordinates lighting, sound, and screen movements. In the released function introduction video, you can see what kind of play these devices lead to.

The video starring Bill Murray released by the manufacturer shows that imagination in a short advertisement. Rivian also built a physical Ecto-R1 with customized bodywork and roof equipment. That display vehicle is separate from the software features available to ordinary owners.

This update does not change the basic performance of the vehicle. Instead, it expands what the existing screens, lights and sounds can do. Devices that normally help with movement become small scenes that can be shown to family and neighbors for several days.

After Halloween, the car returns to its normal appearance. The same screens and speakers remain available for whatever a later season may bring.

Official video

This is ‘Ghostbusters Software Tour’, a video introducing Rivian’s features.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEYdKQKMFtU

You can also watch the official collaboration advertisement featuring Bill Murray.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzErJdWUDTE

official channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPMdVVKDEUrbp3nH46sTZmg