Searchlight Pictures is currently producing a new comedy film, “Being Mortal”, which is based on Aziz Ansari’s non-fiction book Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End. The New York Times Review of Books described it as a “moving and clear-eyed look at ageing and death in our society, and at the harms, we do in turning it into a medical problem, rather than a human one.”

The film is being directed and stars Aziz Ansari, along with Bill Murray and Seth Rogen.

Disney’s Searchlight Pictures has suspended production on “Being Mortal” this week after an investigation into a complaint that was filed last week.

Deadline is reporting that the shutdown isn’t Covid related and that the complaint hasn’t been made against Aziz Ansari, who has been working with his producing partner, Youree Henley, have been working with the studio to figure out what the next steps are.  It’s not clear when filming might resume.

Filming on the movie began at the end of March and has already finished about half of its scheduled production before halting. “Being Mortal” was slated to be released theatrically in 2023 before eventually moving to Hulu in the US and on Disney+ internationally.  Though it’s unclear if the release date will change depending on how long filming is suspended.

Here’s the full letter from Searchlight:

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 Picture

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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