Sony Pictures has unveiled the trailer for Saturday Night, Jason Reitman’s highly anticipated film that dives into the tumultuous behind-the-scenes moments leading up to the premiere of Saturday Night Live. Scheduled for an October 11, 2024 release, the movie explores the chaotic launch of the iconic NBC sketch series, which first aired on October 11, 1975.
Saturday Night Trailer Highlights: The Chaos Before the Premiere
The trailer offers a glimpse into the high-pressure environment of the SNL premiere, capturing the intense final 90 minutes before the show’s debut. Gabriel LaBelle stars as Lorne Michaels, the creator of the groundbreaking show, while Cooper Hoffman portrays NBC executive Dick Ebersol. The clip features a gripping exchange between Michaels and Ebersol, highlighting the uncertainty and skepticism surrounding the show’s launch.
Ebersol’s character expresses doubt, saying, “Lorne, 90 minutes of live television by a group of 20-year-olds who have never made anything? Do you ever stop and wonder why they said yes [to] a counterculture show starring total unknowns, with zero narrative and even less structure? They want you to fail.” Michaels responds with resolute determination, “We just have to make it to air.”
The Creative Team Behind ‘Saturday Night’
The film, originally titled SNL 1975, delves into the origins of Saturday Night Live, providing an intimate look at the challenges faced by the show’s creators and early cast members. Reitman, alongside Gil Kenan, crafted the screenplay through extensive interviews with surviving cast members, writers, and crew. The film’s producers include Reitman, Kenan, Jason Blumenfeld, and Peter Rice, with Erica Mills and JoAnn Perritano serving as executive producers.
Cast and Characters: Bringing the Original SNL Team to Life
The movie’s cast portrays the original SNL ensemble, featuring Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd, Lamorne Morris as Garrett Morris, Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, Matt Wood as John Belushi, Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner, Emily Fairn as Laraine Newman, and Kim Matula as Jane Curtin. Supporting roles include Willem Dafoe as David Tebet, Nicholas Braun as Jim Henson, Matthew Rhys as George Carlin, Kaia Gerber as Jacqueline Carlin, J.K. Simmons as Milton Berle, Jon Batiste as Billy Preston, Andrew Barth Feldman as Neil Levy, Naomi McPherson as Janis Ian, and Finn Wolfhard as an NBC page.
Gabriel LaBelle’s Take on Lorne Michaels
In a recent Vanity Fair interview, Gabriel LaBelle, known for his role in The Fabelmans, shared insights into his portrayal of Lorne Michaels. LaBelle reflected on Michaels’ journey, stating, “Michaels started SNL when he was 30. He’s now 80 and has been doing it for 50 years. Nobody knows what to do when they first start.” This reflection underscores the film’s focus on the uncertainties and aspirations of those involved in creating one of television’s most enduring shows.
With its release date approaching, Saturday Night promises to offer a compelling look at the birth of SNL, blending historical drama with the behind-the-scenes chaos that marked the show’s early days. Fans of the iconic series and those interested in television history will have much to look forward to when the film hits theaters this October.