A situation involving Bill Murray has reportedly resulted in production of his latest film taking a break. Deadline reports that Being Mortal, a Searchlight film featuring Murray in one of the lead roles, has officially halted production after a complaint was filed against Murray for "inappropriate behavior" on the set. No specifics were revealed regarding the specific allegations, and Searchlight wouldn't offer an official comment as the investigation is ongoing. For now, production has been suspended.
Being Mortal will serve as comedian and actor Aziz Ansari's directorial debut. The Parks and Rec star is also set to co-star with Murray and Seth Rogen in the film. Neither Ansari nor Rogen were named as part of the complaint, which is only against Murray. The complaint in question was filed last week with production getting paused on Monday. It's unclear when filming is expected to resume or if Murray will remain a part of the project moving forward, but producers are said to be talking about their next steps with the film's production now halted.
Murray's possible dismissal would be problematic for the production, which started filming on March 28. Reportedly, the cast and crew were about halfway through with filming before the production halt. Murray's continued involvement likely depends upon the outcome of the investigation into the unspecified complaint. It remains unclear if the movie will stay on track to release in 2023.
Being Mortal is based on Atul Gawande's book Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End. It had previously been reported that Murray would star with Ansari and Rogen, and it was revealed earlier this month that Keke Palmer also stars.
"Aziz Ansari is an incredible talent and, with this script, he brings a singular combination of insightful humor and pathos,” Searchlight presidents David Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield said in a joint statement when the film was first announced. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with him on his feature directorial debut, which is long overdue, and, of course, working with the genius Bill Murray once again.”
Being Mortal Follows Bill Murray's Ghostbusters Return
After famously starring in the original two films, Bill Murray will always be associated with the Ghostbusters franchise. He returned for a cameo in 2016's Ghostbusters: Answer the Call before coming back one more time as Peter Venkman in last year's Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Fans have been hoping to see the original team back for more in future sequels, something the other cast members can agree with.
Murray is also set to make his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with his casting in the upcoming sequel Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Details on his role in that movie have not been revealed, though Murray has teased that he's playing a bad guy in the film. Paul Rudd has also teased Murray's role in the anticipated release.
"Couldn't he be anything [in the movie]?" Rudd teased of who Murray might be playing. "The guy can do everything, my God. Haven't you seen his work with Wes Anderson? Drama."