'Groundhog Day' Star Bill Murray Returns With 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' To Save The World: Can Weed Help?

As Groundhog Day 2024 nears, Bill Murray's timeless charm in the classic film captivates fans anew. Beyond his cinematic prowess, Murray's journey, including his candid views on cannabis and anticipation for his role in "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire," adds depth to this multifaceted Hollywood icon.

Over And Over Again

"Groundhog Day," a film directed by Harold Ramis and starring Bill Murray, offers a unique blend of humor and introspection. The story revolves around Phil Connors, a weatherman, who finds himself inexplicably living the same day repeatedly.

Murray portrays Connors' transformation from cynical and self-centered to compassionate and thoughtful. This transformation, coupled with the movie's clever script and humorous scenarios, elevates it from a simple comedy to a thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Set in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, during the annual Groundhog Day event, the film explores themes of self-discovery, redemption and the human condition.

Groundhog Day Event 2024: What It Is And When It Occurs

Groundhog Day is a tradition observed in the United States and Canada on February 2nd each year.

Stemming from Pennsylvania Dutch superstition, if a groundhog sees its shadow upon emerging from its burrow, it predicts six more weeks of winter; no shadow foretells an early spring.

Bill Murray And Marijuana

American actor and comedian Bill Murray, famed for his start on "Saturday Night Live," has showcased remarkable versatility in his transition from comedy to more nuanced roles in films like "Ghostbusters," "Lost in Translation" and "Groundhog Day."

His candid views on cannabis, as expressed in a Vice News interview, reflected his personal experiences and broader societal insights. "These are ancient remedies, alcohol, and smoking, and they only started passing laws against them 100 years ago,” Murray told Vice.

Regarding recreational marijuana use, Murray expressed that it's broadly supported for its relaxation benefits, contrasting it with the extensive criminalization of cannabis in the past.

He pointed out the significant prison population due to marijuana-related offenses and the immense costs of the war on drugs.

Murray commented on the exaggerated threat perception of cannabis, emphasizing the shift in public opinion and state laws toward legalization.

Murray's relationship with cannabis dates back to his early years, including a notable arrest for possession in 1970.

He humorously recounted being caught with 10 lbs. of marijuana at Chicago’s O’Hare airport, leading to his probation.

Looking Forward: 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire'

Bill Murray continues to enthrall audiences with his upcoming movie, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire." As reported by People, this new film brings back the original Ghostbusters cast, including Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Annie Potts.

In "Frozen Empire," directed by Gil Kenan, Murray reprises his role as Dr. Peter Venkman.

The story follows the Spengler family's return to the iconic New York City firehouse, joining forces with the original Ghostbusters to combat a new paranormal threat and save the world from a second Ice Age.

This sequel promises to blend nostalgia with new adventures, featuring a mix of original and new characters, including Paul Rudd, and hints at more advanced ghost-busting technology.

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