Aziz Ansari (“Master of None“) and the Disney-owned Searchlight Pictures recently teamed up for a new medical drama called “Being Mortal” that would be Anzari’s feature film directorial debut. The cast includes himself alongside fellow comedy veterans Bill Murray (“Lost In Translation“) and Seth Rogen (“Pam & Tommy“), however, an issue has been raised behind the scenes, leading to filming being shut down by the studio.
Variety reports that the studio has suspended production on “Being Moral” after investigating a mystery complaint that is said not to be directed towards Ansari or related to COVID-19 protocol issues. This makes us more than a little curious about what would have been so dire that Searchlight would pump the brakes so suddenly.
READ MORE: ‘Being Mortal’: Seth Rogen Set To Join Bill Murray In Aziz Ansari’s Directorial Debut
While a letter was sent out to the cast/crew acknowledging the complaint was why production was shelved, there is a promise of further information in the future.
Principal photography on “Being Mortal” began at the end of March and reportedly completed half of its scheduled production before the studio halted things, which could mean something happened during that time that was serious enough shut down the film.
Given the source material, it is worth mentioning the potential controversial elements involved with making “Being Mortal,” such as assisted suicide/the right-to-die movement in a medical setting.
The drama is based on the non-fiction book “Being Mortal: Medicine & What Matters In The End” authored by practicing surgeon Atul Gawande. The book explores the concept of when pain management with medical treatment is no longer an option and when death might be more humane for patients. A controversial concept in the United States as the right-to-die movement and assisted suicide becomes more acceptable in modern society, with more countries around the world legalizing the practice.
The aforementioned letter sent out by Searchlight reads as follows:
Dear Being Mortal Cast and Crew,
We know you are all concerned about the recent delays in production and want to give you an update.
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. Our hope is to resume production and are working with Aziz and Youree to figure out that timing.
Production will be in touch with you to share details on the wrap, and we will let you know as soon as we have more information to share.
Searchlight Pictures
Update: The complaint has been lodged against actor Bill Murry for “inappropriate behavior on set” according to Variety. The trade says, “It is not clear if Murray will stay on board the film, or if he will be recast. Since principle photography started at the end of March, nearly half of the movie had been shot before production was ground to a halt this week.”