Based on Roald Dahl’s 1964 book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Quaker Oats shelled out $3 million to finance the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. And though the product meant to be launched from the film was initially pulled due to production problems, the Wonka Candy Company has gone on to become a major real life candy producer.
“I tried to think of the most harmless thing. Something I loved from my childhood. Something that could never ever possibly destroy us,” explained Dr. Ray Stantz in the 1984 comedy Ghostbusters. It took the site Think Geek to bring Stay Puft marshmallows to life, the second time.