Naomi Watts and Bill Murray seem to be inseparable in their latest film. The two longtime friends share the screen in The Friend, which recently debuted at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. Watts, 55, humorously told PEOPLE that her casting may have been a way for the producers to bring Murray on board.
“When they mentioned Bill, I thought, ‘Oh, that’s why they approached me—so they could get to him,’” Watts explained. “Everyone knows we’re friends and have worked together before.” She continued, “But once they mentioned his name, it clicked, and I couldn’t imagine anyone else in the role. I became determined, so I reached out to him. First, I texted him, unsure if he’d even respond. People like Bill tend to change their phone numbers often.”
Watts reflects on the powerful nature of friendship in The Friend, celebrating her onscreen partnership with Murray
Watts and Murray initially collaborated on the 2014 film St. Vincent, and their friendship has remained strong ever since. “It means a lot to me. We have a really special bond,” she said about Murray agreeing to join her in the drama, which is adapted from Sigrid Nunez’s 2018 novel.
She also appreciated the film’s focus on friendships, noting, “So many stories revolve around romantic or family relationships. But friendship is incredibly powerful, and as you grow older, it becomes even more important. It feels right to do this with Bill because our friendship reflects that.”
In addition to Watts and Murray, the movie, directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, features a cast including Sarah Pidgeon, Carla Gugino, Constance Wu, Nova Dumezweni, Ann Dowd, Felix Solis, Owen Teague, and Bing the Great Dane.
In The Friend, Watts portrays Iris, a woman who takes on the responsibility of her late friend Walter’s (Murray) belongings after his sudden death—his dog included. The film had its world premiere at the 2024 Telluride Film Festival.
