Lamorne Morris is all set to take on the role of Garrett Morris (no relations — we think?) in the upcoming Sony Pictures film, SNL 1975. Morris was the sketch comedy show’s first Black cast member.
Directed by Jason Reitman, the movie delves into the real-life behind-the-scenes accounts of the opening episode of the iconic Saturday Night Live.
Scheduled to join Morris in the cast are Gabriel LaBelle, Cooper Hoffman, Rachel Sennott, Ella Hunt, Emily Fairn, and Kim Matula. The film aims to capture the chaos and magic that unfolded on October 11, 1975, when a group of young comedians and writers changed television forever with the premiere of SNL.
READ: Garrett Morris to Receive Hollywood Walk of Fame Star on 87th Birthday
LaBelle is set to portray SNL creator Lorne Michaels, while Cooper Hoffman will take on the role of former NBC executive Dick Ebersol. Rachel Sennott is cast as Michaels’ ex-wife Rosie Shuster, while Ella Hunt, Emily Fairn, and Kim Matula will embody the inaugural players Gilda Radner, Laraine Newman, and Jane Curtin, respectively.
Dylan O’Brien, Cory Michael Smith, and Matt Wood have also joined the ensemble to play Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, and John Belushi. The film, based on interviews with the show’s living cast, scribes, and crew, promises to provide an in-depth look at the formative moment in October 1975 that marked the beginning of the legendary NBC sketch show.
The original screenplay, crafted by Reitman and Gil Kenan, is poised to offer viewers a real-time countdown to the iconic words, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” 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