Aziz Ansari Expresses Hope to Complete Scrapped Film ‘Being Mortal’

Comedian and filmmaker Aziz Ansari revealed today he remains hopeful about finishing “Being Mortal,” the comedy-drama that was halted during production in 2022 following allegations against star Bill Murray, a situation that highlighted the growing scrutiny of workplace conduct in Hollywood.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly while promoting his new film, “Good Fortune,” Ansari stated, “At some point, it’d be great to finish it. I have some of the stuff edited. There’s so much stuff in it that we’re all really proud of.” The film, an adaptation of Atul Gawande’s 2014 book Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End, also featured Keke Palmer and Seth Rogen. Ansari added he is “not sure what I’m gonna do next,” but completing “Being Mortal” is a project that “means a lot to all of us.”

Production was suspended by Searchlight Pictures after an investigation into claims that Murray engaged in inappropriate behavior with a female staff member, including an unwanted kiss and being “straddled.” Murray later addressed the incident in an interview with The New York Times, stating his actions were intended as a joke and expressing “a great disappointment” over the fallout. The two parties reportedly reached a settlement, ultimately leading to the film’s cancellation. You can read more about the standards for workplace conduct here.

The suspension of “Being Mortal” allowed Ansari to focus on developing “Good Fortune,” which premiered yesterday and stars Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, and Ansari himself. Ansari emphasized his commitment to authentic storytelling in “Good Fortune,” conducting research with union organizers and even working as a food delivery driver to inform his portrayal of gig workers. Studio representatives have not yet commented on the possibility of revisiting “Being Mortal,” but Ansari indicated the project remains under consideration.