In the upcoming Sony Pictures film “SNL 1975,” Jon Batiste assumes dual responsibilities, both composing the score and portraying keyboardist and singer Billy Preston, the first musical guest on the iconic Saturday Night Live debut episode in 1975. Directed by Jason Reitman, the movie offers an inside look at the behind-the-scenes chaos preceding SNL’s inaugural broadcast.
The ensemble cast includes Gabriel LaBelle as Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman as Dick Ebersol, and Rachel Sennott as Rosie Shuster, Michaels’ ex-wife and former SNL writer. The screenplay, penned by Reitman and Gil Kenan, draws from extensive interviews with living cast members, writers, and crew, promising an immersive experience.
Joining Batiste in the cast are 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, Kim Matula as Jane Curtin, Nicholas Braun as Jim Henson, Kaia Gerber as Jacqueline Carlin, J.K. Simmons as Milton Berle, and Finn Wolfhard as an NBC page.
The film aims to capture the essence of the historic October 11, 1975, broadcast, when a group of young comedians and writers revolutionized television with SNL’s premiere.
Batiste’s involvement underscores his diverse talents, having previously won five Grammys and an Academy Award for his work on Pixar’s “Soul.”
Preston, who died in 2006, was a two-time Grammy winner known for singles including “That’s the Way God Planned It,” “Outa-Space,” “Will It Go Round in Circles” and “Space Race.” He also worked with the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton and joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
The original screenplay, crafted by Reitman and Gil Kenan. The production team includes Reitman, Kenan, Jason Blumenfeld, Erica Mills, and Peter Rice.
In its 49th season, SNL is one of the longest running sketch comedy shows