Some Days Are Worth Reliving… Twice.
This winter, the beloved time-loop comedy Groundhog Day returns with a fresh twist in Groundhog Day: Reset Again, a sequel that promises to recapture the humor, heart, and existential hilarity of the 1993 classic. Nearly three decades after Phil Connors first found himself trapped in Punxsutawney’s endless February 2nd, the story evolves with a modern edge, introducing new characters, new challenges, and a whole new reason to relive the same day over and over again.
Anchored by the legendary Bill Murray reprising his iconic role as Phil Connors, the film also stars Andie MacDowell, returning as Rita Hanson, alongside rising star Florence Pugh (Midsommar, Oppenheimer) and Emmy winner Donald Glover (Atlanta, Community). Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jason Reitman (Juno, Ghostbusters: Afterlife), Groundhog Day: Reset Again blends nostalgia with innovation, delivering a story that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious.
Set 30 years after the events of the original film, Phil Connors has finally settled into a quiet life in Punxsutawney, where he’s become a local legend for his infamous time-loop experience. But when a mysterious cosmic glitch causes the time loop to return—this time pulling in a new generation—Phil must once again navigate the chaos of reliving the same day. Joining him is his daughter, Ellie Connors (Pugh), a tech-savvy journalist who’s visiting Punxsutawney to cover the annual Groundhog Day festivities. When Ellie finds herself stuck in the loop alongside her father, the two must work together to uncover the cause of the phenomenon and break free.
Glover plays Marcus, a quirky astrophysicist who believes the time loop is connected to a rare cosmic event, while MacDowell’s Rita serves as the emotional anchor of the story, offering wisdom and guidance as Phil and Ellie face their shared predicament. The film also introduces Punxsutawney Phil, the mischievous groundhog, as a more prominent character, with hints that he may hold the key to solving the mystery.
A Modern Twist on a Timeless Classic
While the original Groundhog Day explored themes of personal growth and redemption, Reset Again expands on these ideas with a focus on generational connections and the impact of technology on human relationships. Director Jason Reitman explains, “The original film was about one man’s journey to become a better person. This sequel is about how we pass those lessons on to the next generation. It’s funny, heartfelt, and just a little bit existential—everything you’d want from a Groundhog Day sequel.”
The film’s visual style pays homage to the original while incorporating modern cinematic techniques. Punxsutawney’s snowy streets are brought to life with warm, nostalgic tones, while the time-loop sequences feature clever visual cues, such as glitching clocks and repeating patterns, to emphasize the cyclical nature of the story.
A Stellar Cast and Creative Team
Bill Murray leads the cast with his signature wit and charm, while Florence Pugh brings a fresh energy to the franchise as Ellie, a character who’s both skeptical of her father’s wild stories and determined to solve the mystery herself. Donald Glover adds his unique comedic timing and charisma as Marcus, whose scientific theories about the time loop provide both humor and intrigue.
The supporting cast includes Timothée Chalamet (Dune, Call Me by Your Name) as a local barista who becomes an unlikely ally, and Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids, The Good Place) as the town’s eccentric mayor. The film also features a cameo from Stephen Tobolowsky, reprising his role as Ned Ryerson, the overly enthusiastic insurance salesman who once tormented Phil.
Produced by Groundhog Day director Harold Ramis’s longtime collaborator Trevor Albert, alongside Ivan Reitman’s Montecito Picture Company, Groundhog Day: Reset Again is a love letter to the original film and its enduring legacy. The screenplay, written by Reitman and Emily V. Gordon (The Big Sick), balances laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt emotional beats, ensuring that the sequel resonates with both longtime fans and new audiences.
A Timeless Message for a New Era
At its core, Groundhog Day: Reset Again is a story about second chances—whether it’s Phil Connors learning to reconnect with his daughter, Ellie discovering her own path, or the town of Punxsutawney embracing the quirks that make it special. As the tagline suggests, “Some Days Are Worth Reliving… Twice.”
With its stellar cast, sharp writing, and a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, Groundhog Day: Reset Again is poised to become a new classic for fans of the original and newcomers alike. The film hits theaters this February—just in time for Groundhog Day. Don’t miss your chance to relive the magic.
