According to Harold Ramis (Ghostbusters), when the film adaption of Super Mario Bros. was in the process of being made, he was asked if he wanted to direct the film. The ex-Ghostbuster loved the original game so much, he contemplated doing the film and even met with some people. Obviously in the end, Ramis didn’t like the idea pitch and turned it down.

“(Producer) Roland Joffe wanted me to direct the ‘Super Mario Bros.’ movie. I took the meeting because I loved the game. I’m glad I said no.”

The film eventually was released in 1993, then was met with miserable reviews and currently holds an awful 3.7/10 rating on IMDB. That alone could make anyone say it was a good idea not to direct the film, but there is even another reason why this was a smart move. That same year, Ramis’ other film Groundhog Day with Bill Murray hit theaters and was critically acclaimed. Imagine, if Harold Ramis decided to direct the Super Mario Bros. because of his love for the game, there would have been a chance that Groundhog Day would have never existed.