Could Bill Murray really be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe? According to German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (and translated by Google), the legendary actor and recent French Dispatch star responded to a question about working with directors multiple times by stating:

“You know, recently I made a Marvel movie. I probably won’t tell you, but never mind. In any case, some people were quite surprised why I decided on such a project. But for me the thing was quite clear: I got to know the director – and really liked him very much. He was funny, humble, everything you want from a director. And with the cheerleader story Bring It On he made a movie years ago which I think is damn good. So I agreed, although I’m not interested in these huge comic book adaptations as an actor otherwise…Let’s put it this way: the director is a good guy, and now I’ve at least tried out what it’s like to shoot a Marvel movie. But I don’t think I need that experience a second time. And to come back to your previous question: I have mostly had a pretty good knack for avoiding the nasties of this industry. Fortunately, most good artists are also good people. At least that’s how I experience it with my friends.”

Now let’s unpack that, shall we? The “cheerleader story” Bring It On, starring Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union, was directed in 2000 by Peyton Reed. That’s the same Peyton Reed that has previously directed Ant-Man and Ant-Man and the Wasp, and is now helming the much-anticipated Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – which is due to release July 2023.

And in terms of him “recently” making a Marvel movie, the Quantumania theory tracks. Filming on the third Ant-Man film began in Turkey in February 2021, with additional filming taking place in mid-June in San Francisco. Principal photography began at the end of July, and further shooting is expected to occur in Atlanta and continue until 2022.

Whatever the role is which Murray would be playing though, further comments suggest the actor won’t be returning to the role in later instalments. “Now I’ve at least tried out what it’s like to shoot a Marvel movie,” he explains, “but I don’t think I need that experience a second time.”

At any rate, Bill Murray would be joining MCU regulars Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror, as well as newcomer Kathryn Newton who plays Cassie Lang, Scott’s grown-up daughter.