Jason Reitman’s highly anticipated film about the inaugural broadcast of “Saturday Night Live” has been officially titled “Saturday Night” and is set for a theatrical release on October 11, 2024. This date holds special significance as it marks the anniversary of the legendary comedy show’s first broadcast in 1975.
Key Takeaways
- Title: “Saturday Night”
- Director: Jason Reitman
- Release Date: October 11, 2024
- Significance: 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live”
- Script: Co-written by Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan
- Cast: Gabriel LaBelle, Dylan O’Brien, Cory Michael Smith, Rachel Sennott, Lamorne Morris, Nicholas Braun, Finn Wolfhard, Jon Batiste, Ella Hunt, Cooper Hoffman, Andrew Barth Feldman, Naomi McPherson, Willem Dafoe, J.K. Simmons, Kaia Gerber
A Historic Night Reimagined
The film “Saturday Night” delves into the chaotic and magical 90 minutes leading up to the first-ever broadcast of “Saturday Night Live.” According to the official synopsis, the movie captures the humor, chaos, and revolutionary spirit that almost didn’t happen, culminating in the iconic phrase: “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!”
Behind the Scenes
Jason Reitman, known for his work on “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” and “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” directs the film from a script he co-wrote with Gil Kenan. The screenplay is based on a series of interviews with the original cast, writers, and crew members of the historic 1975 production.
Star-Studded Cast
The ensemble cast features:
- Gabriel LaBelle as Lorne Michaels
- Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd
- Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase
- Rachel Sennott as Rosie Shuster
- Lamorne Morris as Garrett Morris
- Nicholas Braun as Jim Henson
- Finn Wolfhard as an NBC page
- Jon Batiste as Billy Preston
- Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner
- Cooper Hoffman as Dick Ebersol
- Andrew Barth Feldman as Neil Levy
- Naomi McPherson as Janis Ian
- Willem Dafoe as David Tebet
- J.K. Simmons as Milton Berle
- Kaia Gerber as Jacqueline Carlin
Production Team
Reitman and Kenan also serve as producers, alongside Jason Blumenfeld and Peter Rice. Executive producers include Erica Mills and JoAnn Perritano. The film is produced under Reitman and Kenan’s overall deal with Sony, which has previously brought successful projects like the “Ghostbusters” sequels.
The Original Broadcast
The original “Saturday Night Live” broadcast on NBC was hosted by George Carlin and featured musical guests Billy Preston and Janis Ian. The cast included comedy legends such as Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, Michael O’Donoghue, and Gilda Radner. Notably, George Coe appeared in the episode but did not continue as a cast member. The show was developed by Dick Ebersol and helmed by Lorne Michaels, who remains the showrunner to this day.
Anticipation Builds
As the release date approaches, anticipation for “Saturday Night” continues to build. Fans of “Saturday Night Live” and film enthusiasts alike are eager to see how Reitman and his team bring this pivotal moment in television history to the big screen.
