National Lampoon Founder Film Casts its Harold Ramis and Bill Murray

A Futile and Stupid Gesture is the name of a 2006 best-selling book by Josh Karp, detailing the complex life and hijinks of National Lampoon co-founder Doug Kenney. Now on its way to a feature film adaptation by Netflix, the movie has cast two pretty important roles: The actors playing young versions of key writer-performers Harold Ramis and Bill Murray. The film depicts the impact of the magazine and its staff on the ‘70s and ‘80s comedy scene.

Undateable’s Rick Glassman will play Ramis, who audiences likely remember best for Murray co-starring vehicles such as Stripes and Ghostbusters, while also being a writer/director on everything from Animal House to Groundhog Day. Murray, meanwhile, will be played by Kroll Show’s Jon Daly, who we just spoke with several days ago about playing similarly named golfer John Daly for Adult Swim.

The film is directed by David Wain, veteran of so many great ensemble pieces from Wet Hot American Summer to Stella, from a script by Michael Colton and John Aboud. The rest of the cast is also strong: Will Forte, Joel McHale, Martin Mull, Thomas Lennon, Domhall Gleeson and Jackie Tohn will all appear. Netflix plans the film’s release for 2017.