Bill Murray is perhaps the most celebrated legendary actor in American cinema, whose incredible contribution to the film industry speaks volumes about his dedication and devotion to his art. The actor has been part of many iconic, blockbuster, heartwrenching, comedy caustic movies, many of which have become fan favorites. Murray has played varied roles throughout his storied career and earned critical acclaim for showcasing his acting brilliance in each of his projects, proving his passion for acting.
The 72-year-old actor has done many classic comedy movies like Groundhog Dog, the 1993 American fantasy film directed by the late director Harold Ramis. In the movie, the actor played the character of Phil Connors, a television weatherman, and his performance was so flawless and inescapable that it won him accolades and positive reviews from critics and fans alike.
Nevertheless, before he became part of the movie, Ramis offered the script to Michael Keaton, who turned down the film, claiming he didn’t understand it. The actor later acknowledged that he regretted passing on this masterpiece but admitted he wouldn’t have been able to play the role “better than Bill Murray did it.”
Michael Keaton Nearly Replaced Bill Murray in Groundhog Dog Film
Bill Murray has been in the movie business for multiple decades, during which the actor has achieved tremendous success, fame and established himself as one of the widely regarded leading stars. While he has starred in dozens of iconic movies of almost all genres, fans anointed him as the king of comedy, for he has ruled the comedy genre throughout the 70s and 80s.
In 1993, the actor appeared in Harold Ramis-directed American fantasy comedy film Groundhog Dog, in which he played the role of a television weatherman Phil Connors. The Evanston native star played his character so well that to this date, fans fondly remember and cherish his performance.
However, Murray was not the first choice to play this part, as the maker initially approached Michael Keaton, who turned down the role, only to regret it later. Keaton once revealed that he passed on this golden opportunity after believing he had played a similar character in his previous movies. Therefore, he refused the offer.
Michael Keaton Reveals He Regretted Turning Down Harold Ramis’ Movie
Michael Keaton has worked on many monumental projects depicting intriguing roles. In a candid interview with EW, Keaton once revealed he regretted turning down to play Phil Connor in Groundhog Dog. The actor told the outlet that he rejected the offer because he didn’t understand the part, as he explained:
”I didn’t get it — I thought, this guy sounds like the kind of wry, sardonic, glib young man I’ve played — and it ended up being so great. But you can’t do that better than Bill Murray did it.”
Despite regretted rejected this classic movie, The Flash star acknowledged that even if he had accepted the role, he would not have been able to depict the character better than Bill Murray did.
Harold Ramis-directed Groundhog Dog earned critical acclaim, won a BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay, and amassed $105 million at the global box office. The movie boasts a stellar cast ensemble featuring: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky, Brian Doyle-Murray, Marita Geraghty, and Angela Paton.
Source: EW
