After a complaint was made last week alleging “inappropriate behavior” by actor Bill Murray, Searchlight Pictures has suspended the production of the film Being Mortal.
The Golden Globe winner was named last week in a complaint that Searchlight Pictures is investigating after pausing production on the picture, according to reports from multiple outlets. However, it did not go into further details. Murray’s complaint is unclear.
The studio wrote in a letter to the cast and crew of Being Mortal, which includes stars Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, and Bill Murray.
“Late last week, we were made aware of a complaint, and we immediately looked into it. After reviewing the circumstances, it has been decided that production cannot continue at this time. We are truly grateful to all of you for everything you’ve put into this project.”
Ansari, who was apparently not involved in the complaint, is due to make his directorial debut alongside his producing partner Henley in the film, which he also writes and stars in. The cast is completed by Seth Rogen and Keke Palmer.
Lucy Liu spoke up about working with Murray on the 2001 film “Charlie’s Angels” in a July 2021 interview with the Los Angeles Times, stating that the comic began to “hurl insults” at her while filming a scene.
She said in a statement:
“Some of the language was inexcusable and unacceptable, and I was not going to just sit there and take it. So, yes, I stood up for myself, and I don’t regret it. Because no matter how low on the totem pole you may be or wherever you came from, there’s no need to condescend or to put other people down. And I would not stand down, and nor should I have.”
The film is based on Atul Gawande’s nonfiction book Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End. Principal photography had started March 28, and sources say it was halfway through before the production halted this week.
The plan was to release the film in 2023. It is unknown at this time if the suspension will affect the release.
Sources: Dailywire, Npr, Vanityfair
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