Wes Anderson explains why Bill Murray is not in ASTEROID CITY and why he will continue to work with him

As you may have heard, Bill Murray he faced various complaints of misconduct against him. Many people believe that these allegations are why the actor is not directing Wes Andersonthe upcoming movie City of Asteroids. You see, this is the first film Murray hasn’t appeared in in an Anderson film since she started working with him rushmore.

During a recent interview with IndieWire, Anderson made it clear that Bill Murray is family and has no plans to stop working with him. The whole reason Murray hasn’t appeared at Astroid City is because he’s contracted Covid. Anderson explained:

“My experience with Bill is so extensive. Bill has been a huge supporter of me from the beginning. I don’t want to talk about anyone else’s experience, but he is truly a part of my family. You know, he’s my daughter’s godfather. In fact, she named it him. He’s the one who sprinkled the water.”

Anderson then confirmed that Murray’s inappropriate behavior will have no impact on their working relationship and explained the situation surrounding Asteroid City:

“There was some confusion about what happened with Bill. He was supposed to play Steve Carell’s motel manager, and Bill got COVID four days before he was supposed to start shooting. He was in Ireland and in the case of our film, we had so many people’s schedules that they were all perplexed. The people that Bill was supposed to play scenes with would be gone when he canceled the COVID protocols and stuff. And indeed, he was quite ill. So Bill lost his part and Steve Carell suddenly came in. It was great, I enjoyed having it. I met him, he arrived and we immediately shot.”

Anderson continued, “Then when Bill recovered, he came to Spain. At the end of the movie [where ‘Asteroid’ shot], we finished the film, and Bill and I got in the car and drove to France. It was a great way to end it, but it was the first time I hadn’t seen him in a movie in a long time.

As for what happened with Murray while he was shooting Aziz Ansarithe directorial debut of a feature film, To be mortal, there were complaints about his on-set behavior and production was halted. Murray spoke about it saying:

“I had a difference of opinion with a woman I’m working with. I did something that I thought was funny and she wasn’t taken that way. The movie studio wanted to do the right thing so they wanted to check everything and investigate and so they shut down the production.

As of right now we are talking and trying to make peace with each other. We are both professionals. We like each other’s work — we like each other, I guess. If we can’t get along and trust each other, there’s no point in continuing to work together or make a film… It was a real education for me.”

I’m sure there will be some people who won’t want to work with Murray again, but Anderson obviously isn’t one of them. They will continue to make fun and wacky movies together.