April Fools
Some loop, different day. Thirty years after escaping his first time loop, Phil Connors faces a new one on April Fools' Day when his estranged wife Rita serves him divorce papers—forcing him to relive the day, untangle their fractured love, and dodge cosmic pranks to save their marriage.
This romantic comedy takes us back to Punxsutawney with the perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling. Can Phil win back Rita's heart before their love becomes the ultimate April Fools' joke?
A Marriage on the Brink
1993
Phil and Rita fall in love after his Groundhog Day loop
1993-2025
32 years of marriage, three children, and growing apart
April 1, 2025
Phil wakes up to "I Got You Babe", Thinks its a prank. When Rita serves Phil divorce papers at Punxsutawney's Prank Fest he can't believe it and chooses not to.
The New Loop
Phil wakes up to "I Got You Babe" once more and realizes he's trapped again
It's 2025, and Phil Connors (Bill Murray), once trapped in Groundhog Day, is now a 60-something husband whose marriage to Rita (Andie MacDowell) is unraveling. When Phil wakes up to find it's April Fools' Day again—and every action turns into a prank—he realizes fate has a twisted sense of humor.
A Star-Studded Family Affair
Phil Connors (Bill Murray)
The Weary Romantic: A former weatherman turned family man, now facing his toughest loop yet. From accepting defeat to rediscovering the spark that won Rita years ago, his journey is both hilarious and heartbreaking.
Rita Connors (Andie MacDowell)
The Fed-Up Soulmate: A warm but worn-out wife who doubts Phil's ability to change. Strength and buried hope define her character as she struggles between finality and the possibility of reconciliation.
The Connors Children
Maggie (Margaret Qualley): The sharp lawyer who wrote the divorce papers. Ned (Timothee Chalamet): A poetic musician who sees the loop as art. Larry (Iain Armitage): The youngest, a prankster who fuels Phil's chaos.
This powerhouse cast brings depth and humor to a family in crisis. The children, each reflecting aspects of their parents, become both obstacles and allies in Phil's quest to save his marriage—often through hilariously misguided pranks and heartfelt moments.
A Town Obsessed with Pranks
Prank Booths
Local vendors selling everything from whoopee cushions to high-tech prank gadgets
Viral Challenges
Social media stunts and challenges happening throughout town
Prank Contest
Annual competition hosted by none other than Ned Ryerson (Stephen Tobolowsky)
Prank Bridge
A rigged bridge where the climactic confession scene takes place
Modern Punxsutawney has evolved into the April Fools' capital of America, with prank booths, viral stunt challenges, and nostalgic nods to 1993. This charming yet chaotic setting creates the perfect backdrop for Phil's journey, where every heartfelt moment risks becoming an unintentional joke.
Hilarious Looping Chaos
The Divorce Bomb
At the Punxsutawney Prank Fest, Rita hands Phil divorce papers—his quip, "Nice joke," cues a confetti cannon drenching him in rainbow glitter that sticks to him all day.
Family Fumbles
Phil seeks his kids' help—serious Maggie lectures him about "irreconcilable differences," poetic Ned writes a terrible song about time loops, and prankster Larry ambushes him with elaborate booby traps.
The Perfect Prank
On a prank-rigged bridge covered in hidden water balloons and glitter bombs, Phil bares his soul—flaws, love, all—risking humiliation to prove to Rita he's truly changed.
Each day of the loop brings new pranks and new attempts to win Rita back. What starts as frustration becomes a masterclass in comedic timing as Phil learns to use the pranks to his advantage—sometimes failing spectacularly, sometimes finding unexpected moments of connection.
Making Movie Magic
Star Power
Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell reprise their iconic roles, joined by Margaret Qualley, Timothee Chalamet, and Iain Armitage for multi-generational appeal.
Creative Vision
Directed by Richard Curtis (Love Actually) with his signature blend of heartfelt emotion and genuine humor, written by original Groundhog Day writer Danny Rubin with Mindy Kaling.
Visual Style
Playful cinematography with warm nostalgic lighting, practical pranks enhanced by subtle effects, and a soundtrack blending "I Got You Babe" with modern indie tracks.
Box Office Potential
Following the success pattern of legacy sequels like Ghostbusters: Afterlife ($204M), April Fools combines nostalgia with fresh storytelling for broad appeal.
This film isn't just a sequel—it's a love letter to fans while welcoming new audiences. The creative team brings the perfect blend of reverence and innovation, ensuring April Fools honors its roots while blooming into something wonderfully new.
Why April Fools Will Captivate Audiences
30+
Years of Fan Love
Groundhog Day remains a cultural touchstone with built-in audience anticipation
4
Quadruple Demographic
Appeals to original fans, rom-com lovers, younger audiences via cast, and comedy enthusiasts
100%
Heart + Humor
Perfect balance of emotional depth and laugh-out-loud moments
April Fools is more than just another romantic comedy—it's a chance to revisit beloved characters while exploring universal themes of love, growth, and second chances. The unique premise of a prank-filled time loop provides endless comedic potential while serving the emotional story at its core.
In a world craving both nostalgia and fresh storytelling, this film delivers both. It's time to loop back to Punxsutawney and make audiences fall in love again. Ready to play the fool?