Unveiling a star-studded ensemble led by the sensational breakthrough talent from "The Fabelmans," the first tantalizing teaser for the origin story of "Saturday Night Live" – initially titled "SNL 1975" – has ignited excitement. Acclaimed auteur Jason Reitman helms this feature film, a captivating narrative centered on the maiden voyage of the beloved, nearly half-century-old live sketch comedy show.
The film, "Saturday Night," transports audiences to the hallowed halls of 30 Rockefeller Center, precisely at 10 p.m. ET on October 11, 1975, as it delves into the electrifying 90 minutes preceding the historic first taping. At the forefront of this all-star cast stands Gabriel LaBelle, who dazzled in "The Fabelmans" and now embodies the visionary creator and producer Lorne Michaels, a role that seamlessly follows his portrayal of a young Steven Spielberg in the semi-autobiographical masterpiece.
Joining LaBelle in this extraordinary ensemble are a galaxy of talents: Willem Dafoe, Matthew Rhys, Nicholas Braun, Rachel Sennott, Cooper Hoffman, alongside J.K. Simmons, Dylan O’Brien, Finn Wolfhard, Cory Michael Smith, Lamorne Morris, Ella Hunt, Matt Wood, Andrew Barth Feldman, Kaia Gerber, Emily Fairn, Kim Matula, Tommy Dewey, Jon Batiste, and Naomi McPherson.
The film's premise promises a thrilling journey: "On October 11th, 1975, a fearless band of young comedians and writers forever altered the landscape of television. This is the untold story of the frenetic behind-the-scenes moments leading up to the inaugural broadcast of 'SNL.' A heart-pounding tale of chaos and magic, where revolution hung in the balance, as we count down, minute by minute, to the iconic phrase, 'Live From New York, it’s Saturday Night.'"
Reitman, in collaboration with Gil Kenan, penned the screenplay based on exhaustive interviews with the surviving members of the original "SNL" cast and crew. "We left no stone unturned in our quest to capture the essence of that historic night," Reitman revealed to Vanity Fair. "From every surviving cast member and writer to the artisans, NBC staff, and even Billy Preston's band members, we interviewed anyone and everyone we could find."
Reitman describes "Saturday Night" as a thrilling comedy-drama that explores the intense pressure of mounting such a groundbreaking show. "It's akin to a shuttle launch, the question hovering: 'Will they break orbit and make it to space?'" he explained. The film is also a testament to teamwork and the formation of new identities within the comedy universe. "It's a story of individuals discovering their place within the ensemble, coalescing into a force that would propel 'SNL' to unparalleled success," Reitman elaborated.
LaBelle's portrayal of Michaels is a nuanced exploration of a visionary still finding his footing. "He was a genius with a vision far ahead of his time, and carrying that weight as an actor was a significant challenge," Reitman noted. "In this film, everyone else gets to play around, but Gabe holds the tempo as the metronome of the production."
LaBelle offered insight into his approach to the character: "People see Michaels as this fearless captain navigating through uncharted waters, but he was just a 30-year-old starting something new. The uncertainty and vulnerability of those early days are what I aimed to capture."
With a rich history boasting 314 Emmy nominations and 84 wins, "SNL" has launched the careers of comedy legends like Eddie Murphy, Steve Martin, Adam Sandler, Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, and countless others. "Saturday Night" premieres in theaters on October 11, inviting audiences to witness the birth of a comedy institution that continues to shape our culture today.
