Editing Groundhog Day (film) (section)

===Casting===
[[File:Chris Elliott by Gage Skidmore (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|alt=A smiling man wearing glasses and a cap. |[[Chris Elliott]] (pictured in 2011) portrays Larry the cameraman.]]
For the role of Phil Connors, [[Chevy Chase]], [[Tom Hanks]], and [[Michael Keaton]] were also considered.<ref name="DeadlinePrice" /><ref name="Hollywoodreporterhanks" /><ref name="BusiInsideKeaton" /> Hanks was Ramis's first choice, but he rejected the offer, rationalizing that he was typecast portraying nice people, and the audience would be expecting his inevitable redemption, whereas Murray was "such a miserable [son of a bitch] on- and off-screen" that the outcome would be less predictable. Keaton said that the role of a "wry, sardonic, glib" character was a typical role for him, but that he simply did not understand the film. He later confessed regret in passing on the role.<ref name="Hollywoodreporterhanks" /><ref name="BusiInsideKeaton" /> Phil was written as a younger man, but this was changed when it was determined that the appropriate comic actors were all older.{{sfn|Gilbey|2004|p=15}}

Murray and Ramis had a longstanding friendship and collaborative relationship, having worked together since 1974 on many projects and five films to great success, including ''[[Meatballs (film)|Meatballs]]'' (1979), ''Caddyshack'', and ''[[Ghostbusters]]'' (1984).<ref name="new yorker" /><ref name="uproxx rift" /> Rubin did not write the character as particularly nasty, aiming for a normal person in an extranormal situation. In casting Murray, Phil was portrayed as more cynical, sarcastic, and detached, but not so malicious that audiences would no longer support him.<ref name="TheWrap" /> Rubin wanted [[Kevin Kline]] for the part, believing Murray did not have the necessary acting ability.{{sfn|Gilbey|2004|p=26}} Ramis reassured Rubin, saying, "Don't worry. This is what Bill Murray can do. He can be that nasty and still make you like him." MacDowell agreed, saying "He's a jerk but he makes you laugh."<ref name="TheWrap" />

Albert auditioned comedians for the role of Rita, but determined that someone competing with Murray at comedy would be detrimental. Rita was not intended to trade witty comments with Phil, but instead to offer human warmth and intelligence. MacDowell was cast because she was thought to bring an effortless grace suited to Rita's character. MacDowell tried to adapt to Murray's natural improvisation in scenes. She believed that her character's humor comes from her honesty, without being outlandish.<ref name="TheWrap" /> Singer [[Tori Amos]] was also considered for the role.<ref name="IndieWire" />

Tobolowsky was hired after delivering an "overwhelmingly obnoxious" portrayal during his audition.{{sfn|Gilbey|2004|p=36}} Michael Shannon, who portrays prospective groom Fred, made his on-screen acting debut in the film. He spent much of the shoot in the background of the diner scene as they wanted all the actors in their places even if the camera was not focused on them.<ref name="AVClubShannon" /> A live groundhog, given the name Scooter, was used to portray Punxsutawney Phil. Punxsutawney officials, upset that their town was not used for filming, refused to allow the real Punxsutawney Phil to appear in the film.<ref name="Mentalfloss" /><ref name="PhillyBeast" /> The groundhog itself was not specially bred for use on film and was trapped in the wild near Illinois a few weeks before filming.<ref name="morning call" />
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