Bill Murray’s upcoming film Being Mortal has been shelved indefinitely after a sexual misconduct allegation resurfaced from the set, reigniting scrutiny over his behavior and raising questions about accountability and professionalism in Hollywood.

 

Bill Murray is opening up about the shocking sexual misconduct allegation that doomed his film Being Mortal from being released in 2022 and forever altered his public reputation in an interview with the New York Times; seen February 27 in NYC

 

Hollywood icon Bill Murray is once again facing scrutiny after a previously reported allegation of sexual misconduct has resurfaced—this time with serious consequences for his latest project.

The acclaimed actor, known for his legendary roles in Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, and Lost in Translation, has found himself at the center of controversy following revelations that the new film Being Mortal, in which he stars, has been indefinitely shelved due to complaints against him.

Being Mortal, directed by comedian and first-time filmmaker Aziz Ansari, was set to be one of the most anticipated films of the year.

Based on the non-fiction book by Dr. Atul Gawande, the movie was slated to tackle deep themes of life, death, and medicine, with an all-star cast that included Murray, Ansari himself, and The Leftovers star Keke Palmer.

Production had already begun in early 2022 and was reportedly halfway complete when an incident involving Murray and a female production staffer brought the entire project to a halt.

The alleged incident, described as inappropriate behavior on set, led to an official complaint being filed, which prompted Searchlight Pictures—the studio behind the project—to investigate.

Sources familiar with the matter say that Murray’s actions were perceived as crossing boundaries, making at least one crew member feel uncomfortable and unsafe.

Although specific details have not been officially confirmed, the response from the production team was swift: filming was suspended, and discussions began about the future of the movie.

 

Murray was accused by a female crew member who said he kissed her on set. He noted both wore masks at the time due to Covid. 'It wasn't like I touched her, but it was just, I gave her a kiss through a mask,' he claimed; pictured February 27 in NYC

 

Initially, there was speculation that the situation might be resolved quietly and that filming could resume later, with or without Murray. However, over two years later, the project remains stalled, and reports now confirm that Being Mortal has been shelved indefinitely.

This revelation has reignited debate over Murray’s conduct and whether Hollywood is willing—or able—to hold beloved figures accountable.

For decades, Bill Murray has enjoyed a reputation as a quirky, offbeat genius of the silver screen. His dry wit and unique charisma made him a household name, and he has long been regarded as one of the most unpredictable yet compelling figures in the entertainment industry.

But his behind-the-scenes behavior has come under increased scrutiny in recent years.

Several former co-stars and collaborators have spoken about his allegedly volatile temperament, with actress Lucy Liu notably revealing that he made “unacceptable” comments to her on the set of Charlie’s Angels.

While Murray addressed the Being Mortal incident shortly after the production shut down, calling it a “difference of opinion” and stating that he was working to understand the consequences of his actions, many felt his response lacked accountability.

In an interview last year, he admitted to trying to make a joke that “wasn’t taken the way I meant it,” and claimed he was in discussions with the affected party. But those efforts appear to have been insufficient in salvaging the project—or his current standing in Hollywood.

 

He said he still thinks about the incident often and finds it 'funny,' but he felt he was 'barbecued' by HR and the subsequent reporting on the incident

 

The shelving of Being Mortal also raises difficult questions for Aziz Ansari, whose own career was momentarily derailed by a #MeToo-era accusation of misconduct several years ago.

Though he later made a cautious return to the spotlight, the collapse of his directorial debut may affect his future prospects as both an actor and a filmmaker.

For Keke Palmer, whose star has been rising steadily thanks to performances in Nope and Hustlers, the delay of a major film project like this is also a setback, though it’s unlikely to slow her momentum in the long term.

Fans of Murray have expressed disappointment over the developments, with some calling for the film to be completed and released, while others argue that the industry must take a firm stance against misconduct regardless of a star’s legacy.

Film insiders suggest that releasing the movie as it stands would be a logistical nightmare, given that re-casting or reshooting significant scenes would be extremely costly and complicated.

Meanwhile, the broader conversation about workplace behavior in Hollywood continues.

The entertainment industry has seen numerous shifts since the rise of the #MeToo movement in 2017, yet questions remain about consistency in how allegations are handled—especially when the accused is a well-known figure with decades of goodwill.

 

He reportedly paid $100K in a settlement, and he blasted the 'lunatic arbitration' process, which he felt was biased against him; seen with Naomi Watts on March 24 in NYC

 

Murray has not commented further since the project’s shelving was confirmed, and his representatives have declined to issue a statement.

It is unclear whether he will face additional consequences or whether future projects in development with the actor will be affected by this renewed spotlight on his behavior.

Despite the controversy, Murray continues to appear in films, including a recent role in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and upcoming projects with directors Wes Anderson and Sofia Coppola, both of whom have frequently collaborated with him in the past.

Whether these creative partnerships will endure in the wake of fresh criticism remains to be seen.

The fate of Being Mortal serves as a sobering reminder that even the most beloved stars are not immune to accountability.

As the entertainment industry grapples with shifting standards and increasing calls for transparency, the shelving of this film underscores the complex tension between art, celebrity, and the evolving expectations of professionalism and respect on set.

For now, fans and critics alike are left wondering what could have been—a promising film project derailed by controversy, and a Hollywood legend once again facing the consequences of behavior that many feel should no longer be ignored.