The 5 Wildest Things Bill Murray Is Doing Right Now (2025 Update)

Bill Murray, the legendary comedian and actor known for his deadpan delivery and elusive public persona, continues to captivate audiences with a blend of high-profile film projects and surprising personal ventures. As of December 2025, the Ghostbusters star is experiencing a significant career resurgence, balancing deep dramatic roles with his signature comedic flair, all while navigating the public discussion around past on-set controversies. The notoriously private star is stepping into the spotlight with two major film releases in 2025, a newly announced music tour, and rare, candid comments about his personal life and career challenges. This article cuts through the rumors to provide the most current and authoritative look at what Bill Murray is doing right now, highlighting the projects and conversations that define his late-career chapter.

Bill Murray: A Brief Biography & Career Snapshot

William James Murray was born on September 21, 1950, in Wilmette, Illinois, as the fifth of nine children in an Irish Catholic family. His early career began at the iconic Chicago improv theater, The Second City, before he achieved global fame on NBC’s Saturday Night Live (SNL) in the late 1970s.

Murray quickly transitioned to film, starring in comedy classics like Caddyshack, Stripes, and the groundbreaking Ghostbusters. His career took a dramatic turn with acclaimed roles in films like Groundhog Day and, most notably, in Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation, which earned him a Golden Globe, a BAFTA Award, and his first Academy Award nomination.

• Birth Name: William James Murray
• Born: September 21, 1950 (Age 75 in late 2025)
• Birthplace: Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.
• Spouses: Margaret Kelly (m. 1981; div. 1996), Jennifer Butler (m. 1997; div. 2008)
• Children: 6 Sons (Homer, Luke, Caleb, Jackson, Cooper, Lincoln)
• Major Accolades: 1 Golden Globe Award, 1 BAFTA Award, 2 Primetime Emmy Awards, 1 Academy Award Nomination (Best Actor for Lost in Translation)
• Key Collaborators: Wes Anderson, Sofia Coppola, Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd

The 2025 Film Slate: A Return to Dark Drama and Crime Comedy

The year 2025 marks a busy period for Murray, with two highly anticipated films showcasing his range from quiet, emotional drama to a gritty, star-studded crime comedy. This slate demonstrates his commitment to working with both established auteurs and a new generation of talent.

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1. The Emotional Depth of The Friend (2025)

One of Murray’s most talked-about projects is The Friend, an adaptation of the award-winning novel by Sigrid Nunez. The film, which premiered at film festivals in 2024 and is set for a wide release in 2025, is a quiet, emotional drama that has already generated early buzz.

Murray stars as Walter, a novelist who dies by suicide and leaves his beloved Great Dane, Apollo, to his best friend, Iris, played by Naomi Watts. Although his character is deceased for most of the film, Murray appears in flashback sequences, portraying a "charismatic, yet problematic" figure whose absence drives the narrative. The film explores themes of grief, companionship, and the writer's life, offering Murray a complex, non-comedic role reminiscent of his work in Lost in Translation.

2. The Star-Studded Crime of Riff Raff (2025)

On the opposite end of the genre spectrum is Riff Raff, a crime-comedy that features a high-wattage ensemble cast, including Jennifer Coolidge, Pete Davidson, Ed Harris, and Gabrielle Union.

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The film, which has a scheduled theatrical release in early 2025, centers on a retired hitman (Ed Harris) whose peaceful life is shattered when his ex-wife and son arrive, forcing him to confront his former mob associates. Murray takes on the role of Lefty, an unlikely killer who is part of the misfit family reunion that violently goes off the rails. This project highlights Murray's enduring appeal in ensemble comedies, pairing him with new-era comedians like Pete Davidson.

The Controversies and The Candid Response: "Feeling Barbecued"

Bill Murray's recent career has been shadowed by allegations of inappropriate on-set behavior, a topic he addressed candidly in a rare interview at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

The most prominent incident involved the 2022 production of the film Being Mortal, which was suspended following a complaint of sexual misconduct against Murray. While the project remains on hold, Murray has spoken out, stating he felt "barbecued" by the allegations and the subsequent media fallout.

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His defense centered on a misunderstanding and an attempt at humor that was misinterpreted, though he acknowledged the need to address the issue. This history of on-set tension has been a recurring theme throughout his career, but his recent comments show a willingness to engage with the public discourse surrounding his reputation, a marked departure from his usual silence.

3. Beyond the Screen: The "Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers" Tour (2025/2026)

Perhaps the most unexpected and current update is Murray's continued foray into music. Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers, his musical group, has announced new US tour dates stretching from late 2025 into early 2026.

The tour, which blends classical music, literature, and rock, features Murray reciting poetry and literary passages over musical arrangements. He has been known to cover classic rock hits like Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" during performances. This musical venture showcases the performer’s passion for the arts beyond acting and allows him to connect with fans in a completely different, intimate setting.

The "Blood Brothers" aspect of the tour highlights a more personal side of the star, proving that even at 75, the legendary entertainer is dedicated to exploring new creative outlets and maintaining his reputation as one of Hollywood's most unpredictable and beloved figures.