EXCLUSIVE: Following a hiatus in production for the past three days, Deadline has learned that Searchlight Pictures has halted production on its adaptation of Being Mortal, Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut, starring Ansari, Bill Murray and Seth Rogen. Cast and crew are receiving a letter informing them of the decision to halt production. Insiders say it’s not related to COVID-19, adding that after investigating a complaint filed last week, the studio decided to suspend production as they reassess next steps. While the exact details behind the complaint are unknown, sources tell Deadline that it was not aimed at Ansari, adding that he and his producing partner Youree Henley have been working with the studio to find out what the next steps are.
The film is based on the non-fiction book Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande. Principal photography had begun on March 28, and according to sources, was half done before production halted this week. The plan was to release the film sometime in 2023. It is currently unknown if the suspension will affect the film’s release.
You can read the following letter:
Dear Being Mortal cast and crew,
We know that you are all concerned about the recent production delays and would like to give you an update.
At the end of last week we became aware of a complaint which we immediately investigated. After reviewing the circumstances, it was decided that production cannot proceed at this time.
We are really grateful to you all for everything you put into this project. We hope to be able to resume production and are working with Aziz and Youree to figure out that timing.
Production will be in touch with you to provide wrap details and we will let you know as soon as we have more information to share.
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