Vanity Fair released first look images of ‘Saturday Night,’ Sony Pictures’ upcoming film that gives an inside look at the chaotic and groundbreaking events leading up to the premiere of “Saturday Night Live” on October 11, 1975. Directed by Jason Reitman, the movie captures the behind-the-scenes drama and magic of that historic evening.
Lamorne Morris stars as Garrett Morris, SNL’s first Black cast member. Joining Morris is Jon Batiste, who takes on dual roles as the film’s composer and as Billy Preston, the first musical guest on SNL’s debut episode.
The film’s ensemble cast includes Gabriel LaBelle as SNL creator Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman as former NBC executive Dick Ebersol, and Rachel Sennott as Michaels’ ex-wife and former SNL writer Rosie Shuster. Also featured are Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd, 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.
“Saturday Night” promises to immerse viewers in the real-time countdown to the first-ever broadcast of SNL. Reitman describes the film as a “thriller-comedy,” portraying the tense and frenetic energy of that evening. The story unfolds at 30 Rockefeller Center, beginning at 10 p.m. and culminating with the iconic opening line, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”
The screenplay, co-written by Reitman and Gil Kenan, is based on interviews with the living cast, writers, and crew of the original show. This authentic approach aims to provide a genuine portrayal of the challenges and triumphs faced by the SNL team.
Jon Batiste’s involvement highlights his versatile talent. Known for his Grammy-winning music and Academy Award-winning score for Pixar’s “Soul,” Batiste’s portrayal of Billy Preston adds another dimension to the film. Preston, a renowned musician who worked with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, played a pivotal role in SNL’s debut episode.
In addition to the main cast, the film features Nicholas Braun as Jim Henson, Kaia Gerber as Jacqueline Carlin, J.K. Simmons as Milton Berle, and Finn Wolfhard as an NBC page. The production team includes Reitman, Kenan, Jason Blumenfeld, Erica Mills, and Peter Rice.
“Saturday Night” is not just a nostalgic look back but a detailed chronicle of how a group of young comedians and writers revolutionized television. The film captures the essence of the original SNL cast’s struggle and triumph, providing an engaging and thrilling viewing experience. Set to hit theaters on October 11, Vanity Fair dropped first look images of the film, check them out below.
