The New 'Ghostbusters' Ghost Was Bizarrely Unveiled in a 'MasterChef Junior' Challenge

Here's Muncher, who made his debut on Spain's version of 'MasterChef Junior' and also has his own Twinkies.

By Esther Zuckerman

Published on 22/01/2021 at 05:36 PM

It brings me no pleasure to report that we have a new king and his name is Muncher. The bulbous creature, who is big and blue and has an air of both weariness and mischief in his eyes, is apparently a new ghost that will appear in the upcoming Ghostbusters sequel, Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Like his predecessor, Slimer, we presume his name reflects the chaos he will cause. It’s important to note that unlike Slimer, who is green, Muncher is blue.

Muncher is bound to pop up in the most unlikely of places. For instance, his big debut was on an episode of the Spanish edition of MasterChef Junior, which was spotted by the website Ghostbusters News and subsequently reported by Slash Film, where the hosts dressed in Ghostbusters uniforms and had the four kids muck about and backstroke in a pool of blue slime to dig out theme ingredients for their cooking challenge while Muncher loomed from a tower like a languid King Kong. (The video of this segment, sadly, has been taken down.) He also now has his own edition of Twinkies, which have blue filling, which we presume are also the color of his insides. To truly understand Muncher, you must, like Muncher, munch. Once you munch on the Twinkie flesh of Muncher, you are become Muncher. Again, we are all, in some ways, Munchers.

As is fitting of his station, the internet has rallied around Muncher, inserting him into our most canonical images, elevating him so that he may rightfully rule.Muncher will make his big screen debut in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which is now set to come out in November of this year. That means he has nearly nine months to invade our psyches and render us powerless before him. Long live Muncher. Need help finding something to watch? Sign up here for our weekly Streamail newsletter to get streaming recommendations delivered straight to your inbox.

Esther Zuckerman is a senior entertainment writer at Thrillist. Follow her on Twitter @ezwrites.

Entertainment

Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year 2023 in Australia

And what it means to be in the year of the Rabbit.

By Natasha Bazika

Published on 12/01/2023 at 12:59

where to celebrate lunar new year australia

Starting with the new moon on Sunday, January 22, this Lunar New Year ushers in the year of the Rabbit. We’ve put together a guide on celebrating the Lunar New Year in Australia.

What is special about the year of the Rabbit?

As you might know, each year has an animal sign in the Chinese Zodiac, which is based on the moon and has a 12-year cycle. This year, we celebrate the year of the rabbit, known to be the luckiest out of all twelve animals. It symbolises mercy, elegance, and beauty.

What celebrations are taking place and how can I get involved?

There are plenty of festivals happening all around the country which you can get involved with. Here they are per state.

New South Wales

Darling Harbour Fireworks
When: Every year, Sydney puts on a fireworks show, and this year, you can catch it on January 28 and February 4 at 9 pm in Darling Harbour.

Dragon Boat Races
When: Witness three days of dragon boat races and entertainment on Cockle Bay to usher in the Lunar New Year. The races will commence on January 27 and finish on January 29.

Lion Dances
When: Catch a traditional Lion Dance moving to the beat of a vigorous drum bringing good luck and fortune for the Lunar New Year. The dance performances will happen across Darling Harbour on Saturday, January 21, Sunday, January 22, and Sunday, February 4 and 5, around 6 pm and 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at Cirrus Dining
When: Barangaroo’s waterfront seafood restaurant, Cirrus, is celebrating the Year of the Rabbit with a special feast menu. Cirrus’ LNY menu is $128pp with optional wine pairing and is available from Saturday, January 21, to Sunday, February 5.

Auntie Philter
When: Hello Auntie’s owner and executive chef, Cuong Nguyen will be dishing out some of the most classic Vietnamese street foods with his mum, Linda. All of Philter’s favourites will be on offer, as well as Raspberry Pash Beer Slushies and other cocktails being served at the Philter Brewing rooftop bar on Sunday, January 22 and Sunday, January 29.

Victoria

Lunar New Year Festival
When: Ring in the Lunar New Year with food, music, arts, and more on Sunday, January 22, from 10 am to 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at the National Gallery of Victoria
When: Celebrate the year of the rabbit at the National Gallery of Victoria’s festival of art, food, and art-making activities for everyone from 10 am-5 pm.

Queensland

BriAsia Festival
When: From February 1-19, Brisbane will come alive with performances, including lion dances and martial arts displays. There will be street food, workshops, comedy and more.

South Australia

Chinatown Adelaide Street Party
When: Adelaide is set to hose a fun-filled day celebrating the Chinese New Year on Saturday, January 28, from 12 pm to 9 pm.

Western Australia

Crown Perth
When: Across January and February, Crown Perth hosts free live entertainment, including colourful lion dances, roving mascots, and drumming performances. The restaurants will also throw banquets and menus dedicated to the Lunar New Year.

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