Bill Murray wasn't the first choice to star in Groundhog Day

2 February 2024, 13:51

The Ghostbusters star wasn't the first actor considered for the role - and here are the other people considered to play the grumpy weatherman...

By Radio X

@RadioX

Today is 2nd February, otherwise known as Groundhog Day- the bizarre US tradition which inspired the film of the same name.

The film celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2023, but what if we told you that the iconic 90s movie starring Bill Murray could have actually had someone equally famous and brilliant as its lead?

Groundhog Day (1993) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers

According to Digital Spy, Tom Hanks was originally teed up for the 1993 film, but director Harold Ramis decided he was "too nice," and his redemption wouldn't have been convincing enough.

According to the outlet, other actors who were also considered for the role but were deemed too nice were Chevy Chase, Steve Martin and John Travolta.  Err...

Let's face it, Ramis made the perfect choice, because we can't imagine anyone other than Bill Murray saying this: