Jason Reitman’s upcoming film, Saturday Night, offers an engaging and thrilling look into the birth of the iconic American television show, Saturday Night Live (SNL). The newly released trailer has already sparked substantial interest and anticipation for the film, which is scheduled to hit theaters on October 11. Offering an insider’s perspective, the movie delves into the tense and chaotic final moments leading up to the very first live broadcast of the show on October 11, 1975.
Directed by Jason Reitman, known for his distinct storytelling prowess, the film zeroes in on the nerve-wracking final 90 minutes before SNL was broadcast for the first time. The trailer paints a vivid picture of the high-pressure environment, showcasing the friction between Lorne Michaels, portrayed by Gabriel LaBelle, and NBC executive Dick Ebersol, brought to life by Cooper Hoffman. One of the standout moments in the trailer features Ebersol delivering a scathing critique of Michaels’ ambitious, yet seemingly reckless, plan to launch a counterculture show with a young and inexperienced team. Ebersol challenges Michaels, “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’ calm and determined reply, “We just have to make it to air,” underscores the show’s audacious spirit and his unwavering resolve.
The screenplay, penned by Reitman himself along with Gil Kenan, is rooted in authenticity, drawing from in-depth interviews with surviving cast members, writers, and crew who were present during the tumultuous launch of SNL. These firsthand accounts provide a rich foundation for the film, capturing the raw energy and uncertainty that surrounded the show’s inception. Initially titled SNL 1975, the project has seen contributions from significant production houses and talents. Joining Reitman and Kenan in producing are Jason Blumenfeld and Peter Rice, while Erica Mills and JoAnn Perritano serve as executive producers, ensuring the project maintains a high standard of production quality.
The cast of Saturday Night is dotted with notable names and promising talent.
. Dylan O’Brien steps into the role of the fast-talking, comedic genius Dan Aykroyd, while Lamorne Morris brings an authentic charm to his portrayal of Garrett Morris. Cory Michael Smith takes on the character of the irreverent Chevy Chase, and Ella Hunt embodies the energetic and groundbreaking performer, Gilda Radner. These portrayals are expected to bring a fascinating depth to the legendary figures they represent, highlighting not just their comedic talents but also the personal stakes involved in the risky venture of live television comedy.
Supporting this core ensemble, the film features performances from Willem Dafoe, Nicholas Braun, Matthew Rhys, and Finn Wolfhard, all of whom play crucial roles that add layers to the narrative. Each of these actors brings their unique flair to the production, further fleshing out the intricate dynamics of the early days of SNL.
The film doesn’t just stick to dramatizing the intense backstage moments; it also aims to capture the zeitgeist of the mid-1970s, a time when television was on the brink of significant change. Saturday Night, through its meticulous set design, costume detail, and era-appropriate dialogue, seeks to transport audiences back to this period, offering a deep and immersive viewing experience that highlights both the cultural and personal impact of SNL’s groundbreaking debut.
As audiences eagerly await the film’s release, the trailer has set a promising tone for what is to come. With its combination of historical accuracy, emotional depth, and high-stakes drama, Saturday Night is poised not only to entertain but also to enlighten viewers about a pivotal moment in television history. It serves as a reminder of the daring innovations that have led to the creation of beloved cultural institutions and the relentless drive of the visionaries behind them.
October 11 marks the release of Saturday Night, a film that promises to offer a rare and captivating look behind the curtain at the birth of a television phenomenon. This is a story of ambition, creativity, and the sheer willpower it took to bring Saturday Night Live to air—a show that would go on to leave an indelible mark on American culture and beyond.
