Paul Walter Hauser will play comedian Chris Farley in a so-far untitled biopic. Here’s what we know at present:
A biopic based on the biography The Chris Farley Show: A Biography In Three Acts by the late comedian’s brother Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colb is in the works.
With full endorsement from Farley’s family, Richard Jewell star Paul Walter Hauser will play him in the film. It will be the directorial debut of Frozen star Josh Gad, with Scott Neustadter and Michael H Weber writing the screenplay according to Deadline. They previously adapted the surreal true story of Tommy Wiseau’s experience making cult film The Room into 2017 film The Disaster Artist.
A feature film examining the origins of Saturday Night Live is also in production. Jason Reitman is directIng SNL 1975 from a script he wrote with Gil Keenan. It will star Gabriel Labelle as series creator Lorne Michaels,...
A biopic based on the biography The Chris Farley Show: A Biography In Three Acts by the late comedian’s brother Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colb is in the works.
With full endorsement from Farley’s family, Richard Jewell star Paul Walter Hauser will play him in the film. It will be the directorial debut of Frozen star Josh Gad, with Scott Neustadter and Michael H Weber writing the screenplay according to Deadline. They previously adapted the surreal true story of Tommy Wiseau’s experience making cult film The Room into 2017 film The Disaster Artist.
A feature film examining the origins of Saturday Night Live is also in production. Jason Reitman is directIng SNL 1975 from a script he wrote with Gil Keenan. It will star Gabriel Labelle as series creator Lorne Michaels,...
- 4/15/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Musician Naomi McPherson is joining the star-packed cast of SNL 1975, Jason Reitman’s forthcoming film about the debut night of the long-running NBC sketch series Saturday Night Live.
McPherson, who uses they/them pronouns, will make their acting debut as singer-songwriter Janis Ian, a musical guest on the first episode of SNL that aired Oct. 11, 1975. Reitman is directing the Sony Pictures project that focuses on the behind-the-scenes moments leading up to that initial broadcast. The cast includes Gabriel Labelle as series creator Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman as former NBC exec Dick Ebersol and Rachel Sennott as Michaels’ ex-wife and former SNL writer Rosie Shuster.
McPherson is a member of the Los Angeles-based band Muna and handles production duties for most of the group’s music. Muna has spent the past two years touring in support of the self-titled 2022 album that includes the single “Silk Chiffon” featuring Phoebe Bridgers. The band,...
McPherson, who uses they/them pronouns, will make their acting debut as singer-songwriter Janis Ian, a musical guest on the first episode of SNL that aired Oct. 11, 1975. Reitman is directing the Sony Pictures project that focuses on the behind-the-scenes moments leading up to that initial broadcast. The cast includes Gabriel Labelle as series creator Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman as former NBC exec Dick Ebersol and Rachel Sennott as Michaels’ ex-wife and former SNL writer Rosie Shuster.
McPherson is a member of the Los Angeles-based band Muna and handles production duties for most of the group’s music. Muna has spent the past two years touring in support of the self-titled 2022 album that includes the single “Silk Chiffon” featuring Phoebe Bridgers. The band,...
- 4/12/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Women’s Cancer Research Fund hosted its flagship fundraising event, “An Unforgettable Evening” Gala, in Beverly Hills on Wednesday night. Demi Moore received the Courage Award and philanthropist Wallis Annenberg was honored with the Unsung Hero Award.
The fundraising dinner – held at the Beverly Wilshire – was hosted by comedian Tig Notaro. The dinner marked the 25th anniversary of the event benefiting the Wcrf, which is a program of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson acted as the night’s honorary chairs, alongside gala chairs businesswoman and philanthropist Jamie Alexander Tisch, environmentalist Kelly Chapman Meyer, philanthropist Quinn Ezralow, and Anastasia Beverly Hills CEO and founder Anastasia Soare.
Following opening remarks from Notaro and Wcrf co-founder Tisch, Michael Douglas spoke to the crowd through a pre-recorded video as a tribute to his late stepmother Anne Douglas, a co-founder of Wcrf. Douglas announced to the crowd that the...
The fundraising dinner – held at the Beverly Wilshire – was hosted by comedian Tig Notaro. The dinner marked the 25th anniversary of the event benefiting the Wcrf, which is a program of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson acted as the night’s honorary chairs, alongside gala chairs businesswoman and philanthropist Jamie Alexander Tisch, environmentalist Kelly Chapman Meyer, philanthropist Quinn Ezralow, and Anastasia Beverly Hills CEO and founder Anastasia Soare.
Following opening remarks from Notaro and Wcrf co-founder Tisch, Michael Douglas spoke to the crowd through a pre-recorded video as a tribute to his late stepmother Anne Douglas, a co-founder of Wcrf. Douglas announced to the crowd that the...
- 4/11/2024
- by Nicole Fell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Joe Flaherty, the two-time Emmy-winning writer and Second City alumnus who sparkled as Guy Caballero, Count Floyd, Big Jim McBob and Sammy Maudlin as an original castmember on the landmark Canadian sketch comedy series Sctv, has died. He was 82.
His daughter, Gudrun Flaherty, told the Canadian Press he died Monday after a brief illness.
“Dad was an extraordinary man, known for his boundless heart and an unwavering passion for movies from the ’40s and ’50s,” she said in a statement. “His insights into the golden age of cinema didn’t just shape his professional life; they were also a source of endless fascination for me. In these last few months, as he faced his health challenges, we had the precious opportunity to watch many of those classic movies together — moments I will forever hold dear.”
A native of Pittsburgh, Flaherty also was known for his stint as A-1 Sporting Goods...
His daughter, Gudrun Flaherty, told the Canadian Press he died Monday after a brief illness.
“Dad was an extraordinary man, known for his boundless heart and an unwavering passion for movies from the ’40s and ’50s,” she said in a statement. “His insights into the golden age of cinema didn’t just shape his professional life; they were also a source of endless fascination for me. In these last few months, as he faced his health challenges, we had the precious opportunity to watch many of those classic movies together — moments I will forever hold dear.”
A native of Pittsburgh, Flaherty also was known for his stint as A-1 Sporting Goods...
- 4/2/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Joe Flaherty, the actor, writer and comedian known for his roles on the Canadian sketch comedy series “Second City Television” and “Freaks and Geeks,” died on Monday. He was 82.
Flaherty’s daughter, Gudrun, confirmed the news to Variety in a statement through the Comedic Artists Alliance, which had previously raised funds for Flaherty to obtain a 24-hour care provider.
“After a brief illness, he left us yesterday, and since then, I’ve been struggling to come to terms with this immense loss,” Gudrun said. “Dad was an extraordinary man, known for his boundless heart and an unwavering passion for movies from the ’40s and ’50s. His insights into the golden age of cinema didn’t just shape his professional life; they were also a source of endless fascination for me. In these last few months, as he faced his health challenges, we had the precious opportunity to watch many of...
Flaherty’s daughter, Gudrun, confirmed the news to Variety in a statement through the Comedic Artists Alliance, which had previously raised funds for Flaherty to obtain a 24-hour care provider.
“After a brief illness, he left us yesterday, and since then, I’ve been struggling to come to terms with this immense loss,” Gudrun said. “Dad was an extraordinary man, known for his boundless heart and an unwavering passion for movies from the ’40s and ’50s. His insights into the golden age of cinema didn’t just shape his professional life; they were also a source of endless fascination for me. In these last few months, as he faced his health challenges, we had the precious opportunity to watch many of...
- 4/2/2024
- by Jaden Thompson and Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan conducted an extensive series of interviews with the living cast, writers and crew of the first-ever episode of Saturday Night Live, which aired on October 11, 1975 on NBC and has been going ever since. The result of their efforts is Sony Pictures’ upcoming SNL 1975, a movie retelling the story of that night.
The pic, which Reitman and Kenan co-wrote and which Reitman is directing, tells the chaotic behind-the-scenes story of what happened that first night, just before the live cameras clicked on to launch a late-night institution and a slew of eventual stars among the young, mostly unknown troupe of comedians including John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase and Gilda Radner, all under the watchful eye of creator Lorne Michaels.
Related: Who’s In The Season 49 Cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’
Some of the fun with SNL 1975 is following as the cast assembles to...
The pic, which Reitman and Kenan co-wrote and which Reitman is directing, tells the chaotic behind-the-scenes story of what happened that first night, just before the live cameras clicked on to launch a late-night institution and a slew of eventual stars among the young, mostly unknown troupe of comedians including John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase and Gilda Radner, all under the watchful eye of creator Lorne Michaels.
Related: Who’s In The Season 49 Cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’
Some of the fun with SNL 1975 is following as the cast assembles to...
- 3/29/2024
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The currently in production film about Saturday Night Live’s first broadcast, SNL 1975, has cast Jon Batiste in the on-screen role of Billy Preston, the sketch show’s first-ever musical guest.
The Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning Batiste will also compose the score for the film, which is being directed by Jason Reitman.
Others cast in the Sony Pictures film include Gabriel Labelle as Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman as NBC late-night executive Dick Ebersol, Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner, Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd, Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, Matt Wood as John Belushi, Kim Matula as Jane Curtin, Emily Fairne as Laraine Newman, Nicholas Podano as Billy Crystal, Taylor Gray as Al Franken, Finn Wolfhard as an NBC page, and J.K. Simmons as Milton Berle.
Batiste’s participation in SNL 1975 represents a late-night return of sorts for Batiste, who lead the in-house band for CBS...
The Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning Batiste will also compose the score for the film, which is being directed by Jason Reitman.
Others cast in the Sony Pictures film include Gabriel Labelle as Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman as NBC late-night executive Dick Ebersol, Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner, Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd, Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, Matt Wood as John Belushi, Kim Matula as Jane Curtin, Emily Fairne as Laraine Newman, Nicholas Podano as Billy Crystal, Taylor Gray as Al Franken, Finn Wolfhard as an NBC page, and J.K. Simmons as Milton Berle.
Batiste’s participation in SNL 1975 represents a late-night return of sorts for Batiste, who lead the in-house band for CBS...
- 3/29/2024
- by A.J. Katz
- LateNighter
Jon Batiste is tackling dual responsibilities with Jason Reitman’s forthcoming feature that will focus on the opening night for NBC’s long-running sketch series Saturday Night Live.
Batiste will compose the score for the Sony Pictures film SNL 1975, and he will also appear in the movie as keyboardist and singer Billy Preston, who was the show’s first musical guest when it debuted Oct. 11, 1975. Centering on the behind-the-scenes moments leading up to that initial broadcast, Reitman’s film stars Gabriel Labelle as series creator Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman as former NBC exec Dick Ebersol and Rachel Sennott as Michaels’ ex-wife and former SNL writer Rosie Shuster.
Reitman and Gil Kenan wrote the screenplay based on their interviews with living cast, scribes and crew about the launch of the show that is currently airing its 49th season. Reitman, Kenan, Jason Blumenfeld and Peter Rice serve as producers on SNL 1975...
Batiste will compose the score for the Sony Pictures film SNL 1975, and he will also appear in the movie as keyboardist and singer Billy Preston, who was the show’s first musical guest when it debuted Oct. 11, 1975. Centering on the behind-the-scenes moments leading up to that initial broadcast, Reitman’s film stars Gabriel Labelle as series creator Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman as former NBC exec Dick Ebersol and Rachel Sennott as Michaels’ ex-wife and former SNL writer Rosie Shuster.
Reitman and Gil Kenan wrote the screenplay based on their interviews with living cast, scribes and crew about the launch of the show that is currently airing its 49th season. Reitman, Kenan, Jason Blumenfeld and Peter Rice serve as producers on SNL 1975...
- 3/28/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
J.K. Simmons has joined the cast of Jason Reitman’s SNL 1975, and not only will the Oscar winner be playing Hollywood legend Milton Berle, but he’ll have the notable distinction of becoming the first actual SNL host to join the cast of the Sony movie.
Simmons hosted the Jan. 31, 2015 episode of Saturday Night Live, which featured D’Angelo as the musical guest. At the time, Simmons was riding high off an Oscar nomination for Whiplash, and he would go on to win the Academy Award following his SNL hosting stint.
Meanwhile, Berle hosted SNL on April 14, 1979, and Ornette Coleman was his musical guest. It’s unclear where Berle fits into Reitman’s movie at this moment in time.
SNL 1975 is a behind-the-scenes account of the very first episode of Saturday Night Live. The film will reportedly unfold in real-time.
On the heels of playing Steven Spielberg in The Fabelmans,...
Simmons hosted the Jan. 31, 2015 episode of Saturday Night Live, which featured D’Angelo as the musical guest. At the time, Simmons was riding high off an Oscar nomination for Whiplash, and he would go on to win the Academy Award following his SNL hosting stint.
Meanwhile, Berle hosted SNL on April 14, 1979, and Ornette Coleman was his musical guest. It’s unclear where Berle fits into Reitman’s movie at this moment in time.
SNL 1975 is a behind-the-scenes account of the very first episode of Saturday Night Live. The film will reportedly unfold in real-time.
On the heels of playing Steven Spielberg in The Fabelmans,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Jeff Sneider
- LateNighter
In a career on stage, screen and television that has endured for more than 50 years, writer, actor and comedian Martin Short got his start in a 1972 Canadian production of the stage musical “Godspell” in a cast that included Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Victor Garber, Dave Thomas and Gilda Radner, all of whom would work with Short on subsequent projects in the years to come.
Short’s first exposure to American audiences was as a member of the Second City troupe in the sketch show, “Sctv Network 90,” which aired on NBC from 1981-83 and earned Short his first Emmy for writing. There he created such signature Short characters as Ed Grimley and Jiminy Glick. He went on to be cast in Season 10 of “Saturday Night Live” (1985-86) along with Billy Crystal, Harry Shearer and Christopher Guest. Short then began his starring roles in films with 1986’s “¡Three Amigos!” alongside Steve Martin...
Short’s first exposure to American audiences was as a member of the Second City troupe in the sketch show, “Sctv Network 90,” which aired on NBC from 1981-83 and earned Short his first Emmy for writing. There he created such signature Short characters as Ed Grimley and Jiminy Glick. He went on to be cast in Season 10 of “Saturday Night Live” (1985-86) along with Billy Crystal, Harry Shearer and Christopher Guest. Short then began his starring roles in films with 1986’s “¡Three Amigos!” alongside Steve Martin...
- 3/26/2024
- by Tom O'Brien and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
In a career on stage, screen and television that has endured for more than 50 years, writer, actor and comedian Martin Short got his start in a 1972 Canadian production of the stage musical “Godspell” in a cast that included Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Victor Garber, Dave Thomas and Gilda Radner, all of whom would work with Short on subsequent projects in the years to come.
Short’s first exposure to American audiences was as a member of the Second City troupe in the sketch show, “Sctv Network 90,” which aired on NBC from 1981-83 and earned Short his first Emmy for writing. There he created such signature Short characters as Ed Grimley and Jiminy Glick. He went on to be cast in Season 10 of “Saturday Night Live” (1985-86) along with Billy Crystal, Harry Shearer and Christopher Guest. Short then began his starring roles in films with 1986’s “¡Three Amigos!” alongside Steve Martin...
Short’s first exposure to American audiences was as a member of the Second City troupe in the sketch show, “Sctv Network 90,” which aired on NBC from 1981-83 and earned Short his first Emmy for writing. There he created such signature Short characters as Ed Grimley and Jiminy Glick. He went on to be cast in Season 10 of “Saturday Night Live” (1985-86) along with Billy Crystal, Harry Shearer and Christopher Guest. Short then began his starring roles in films with 1986’s “¡Three Amigos!” alongside Steve Martin...
- 3/25/2024
- by Tom O'Brien and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Plot: The life and career of Gene Wilder are remembered by his friends and colleagues.
Review: Gene Wilder was a one-of-a-kind talent. While it seems like he’s mostly remembered these days for playing Willy Wonka (with his performance inspiring Timothee Chalamet’s recent take), there was a lot more to him than just that one film. For one thing, his cinematic partnership with Mel Brooks resulted in three all-time classics: The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. Plus, he and Richard Pryor made an iconic mismatched duo in a slew of films (some better than others), while Wilder directed several highly successful films on his own.
In this loving tribute to the late icon, director Ron Frank pulls back the curtain to dip into both Wilder’s creative process and sometimes tragic life. Pulling from an audiobook he recorded of his memoirs, the film is distinguished because Wilder himself tells much of the story.
Review: Gene Wilder was a one-of-a-kind talent. While it seems like he’s mostly remembered these days for playing Willy Wonka (with his performance inspiring Timothee Chalamet’s recent take), there was a lot more to him than just that one film. For one thing, his cinematic partnership with Mel Brooks resulted in three all-time classics: The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. Plus, he and Richard Pryor made an iconic mismatched duo in a slew of films (some better than others), while Wilder directed several highly successful films on his own.
In this loving tribute to the late icon, director Ron Frank pulls back the curtain to dip into both Wilder’s creative process and sometimes tragic life. Pulling from an audiobook he recorded of his memoirs, the film is distinguished because Wilder himself tells much of the story.
- 3/22/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Things were going badly on Saturday Night Live‘s 1980-1981 season, even before producer Jean Doumanian realized than the January 10, 1981 episode was headed towards disaster.
The previous season had seen the departure of Lorne Michaels and the entire cast, including founders Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, and Laraine Newman, as well as Bill Murray and Harry Shearer. Doumanian had tried to pitch her incoming group of comedians as the next generation for the hit series, but the performers quickly gained reputations as also-rans. Charlie Rocket was a less funny Chevy Chase, Gail Matthius an off-brand Jane Curtin, and so on.
But on that Jan. 10, 1981 episode, hosted by actor Ray Sharkey, things were going particularly badly. The skits went faster than anticipated and the show had five extra minutes to fill. So in an act of desperation, Doumanian followed the advice of writer Neil Levy and pushed 19-year-old featured player...
The previous season had seen the departure of Lorne Michaels and the entire cast, including founders Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, and Laraine Newman, as well as Bill Murray and Harry Shearer. Doumanian had tried to pitch her incoming group of comedians as the next generation for the hit series, but the performers quickly gained reputations as also-rans. Charlie Rocket was a less funny Chevy Chase, Gail Matthius an off-brand Jane Curtin, and so on.
But on that Jan. 10, 1981 episode, hosted by actor Ray Sharkey, things were going particularly badly. The skits went faster than anticipated and the show had five extra minutes to fill. So in an act of desperation, Doumanian followed the advice of writer Neil Levy and pushed 19-year-old featured player...
- 3/20/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Who ya gonna call? Well, if you’re one of the next generation of Ghostbusters, you can probably ring up one of the Og crew, as it turns out they’ve been more than receptive to the younger cast of Frozen Empire. Finn Wolfhard and Dan Aykroyd living together? Mass hysteria!
As Wolfhard told The Hollywood Reporter in promotion for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (and some TV show called Stranger Things – the dude is busy!), the original cast has been welcoming to the new blood, saying, “We spent so many days together on set, and we hung out a few times outside of set as well. Dan [Aykroyd], Annie [Potts] and everyone are such open books, and you can ask them anything about their lives and their industry stories. You can ask Dan about SNL in 1975, and he just remembers it all off the top of his head. So it’s really surreal...
As Wolfhard told The Hollywood Reporter in promotion for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (and some TV show called Stranger Things – the dude is busy!), the original cast has been welcoming to the new blood, saying, “We spent so many days together on set, and we hung out a few times outside of set as well. Dan [Aykroyd], Annie [Potts] and everyone are such open books, and you can ask them anything about their lives and their industry stories. You can ask Dan about SNL in 1975, and he just remembers it all off the top of his head. So it’s really surreal...
- 3/16/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: The legendary 1972 Toronto production of the musical Godspell – a staging that launched the careers of Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Gilda Radner, Victor Garber, Paul Shaffer, Andrea Martin and Dave Thomas, among others – will be the subject of a feature length documentary exec produced by Judd Apatow.
“As a bona fide comedy nerd,” said Apatow in a statement, “I’ve long wondered what exactly brought that amazing group of people together to produce not just a fantastic theatrical event, but what came after: Second City Toronto, Sctv, and of course Saturday Night Live – not to mention a host of movies and TV from Splash to The Three Amigos to Schitt’s Creek and Only Murders in the Building. None of that would have happened in the way that it did without the Toronto Godspell.”
The film will be produced, directed and co-written (with Jane Mendelsohn) by Nick Davis, whose most recent film,...
“As a bona fide comedy nerd,” said Apatow in a statement, “I’ve long wondered what exactly brought that amazing group of people together to produce not just a fantastic theatrical event, but what came after: Second City Toronto, Sctv, and of course Saturday Night Live – not to mention a host of movies and TV from Splash to The Three Amigos to Schitt’s Creek and Only Murders in the Building. None of that would have happened in the way that it did without the Toronto Godspell.”
The film will be produced, directed and co-written (with Jane Mendelsohn) by Nick Davis, whose most recent film,...
- 3/14/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2007 John C. Reilly comedy Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story has become a cult hit in recent years, largely as a result of the skill with which it dissects and eviscerates the genre it satirizes.
The film so deftly laid bare the tropes and cliches of the rock star biopic that many predicted it would forever change the way filmmakers approached stories about dead celebs.
And for a while, it seemed like the trick had worked.
Leaving aside for a moment any discussion about the quality of these films, there's no denying that Elvis, Blonde, Maestro, Jackie, Priscilla, and Oppenheimer all offered new takes on a very familiar subgenre.
(That last one, admittedly, is a bit of an outlier, as we're not sure if a theoretical physicist -- even one who altered the course of world history -- can properly be called a celebrity.)
But in recent years, the...
The film so deftly laid bare the tropes and cliches of the rock star biopic that many predicted it would forever change the way filmmakers approached stories about dead celebs.
And for a while, it seemed like the trick had worked.
Leaving aside for a moment any discussion about the quality of these films, there's no denying that Elvis, Blonde, Maestro, Jackie, Priscilla, and Oppenheimer all offered new takes on a very familiar subgenre.
(That last one, admittedly, is a bit of an outlier, as we're not sure if a theoretical physicist -- even one who altered the course of world history -- can properly be called a celebrity.)
But in recent years, the...
- 3/7/2024
- by Tyler Johnson
- TVfanatic
Nicholas Braun has been cast as Jim Henson in SNL 1975, the Sony Pictures project set to tell the story of the earliest days of Saturday Night Live.
Henson’s Muppets were a regular part of SNL’s first season, appearing in a total of 13 episodes.
Braun joins a cast that includes Gabriel Labelle, who is portraying SNL creator Lorne Michaels, as well as Rachel Sennott (as Rosie Shuster), Dylan O’Brien (as Dan Aykroyd), Cooper Hoffman (as Dick Ebersol), Ella Hunt (as Gilda Radner), Kim Matula (as Jane Curtin), Cory Michael Smith (as Chevy Chase), and Matt Wood (as John Belushi).
Deadline has also confirmed that stage actor Nicholas Podany is set to portray Billy Crystal, while head writer Michael O’Donoghue will be played by Tommy Dewey.
SNL 1975 will be directed by Jason Reitman, who co-wrote the project with Gil Kenan and reportedly interviewed all living cast members and...
Henson’s Muppets were a regular part of SNL’s first season, appearing in a total of 13 episodes.
Braun joins a cast that includes Gabriel Labelle, who is portraying SNL creator Lorne Michaels, as well as Rachel Sennott (as Rosie Shuster), Dylan O’Brien (as Dan Aykroyd), Cooper Hoffman (as Dick Ebersol), Ella Hunt (as Gilda Radner), Kim Matula (as Jane Curtin), Cory Michael Smith (as Chevy Chase), and Matt Wood (as John Belushi).
Deadline has also confirmed that stage actor Nicholas Podany is set to portray Billy Crystal, while head writer Michael O’Donoghue will be played by Tommy Dewey.
SNL 1975 will be directed by Jason Reitman, who co-wrote the project with Gil Kenan and reportedly interviewed all living cast members and...
- 3/7/2024
- by Mary Siroky
- Consequence - Film News
Exclusive: Nicholas Braun, Tommy Dewey and Nicholas Podany have joined the cast of Sony Pictures’ SNL 1975, which will be directed by Jason Reitman and based on the real-life behind-the-scenes accounts of the opening episode of Saturday Night Live.
Braun will play Jim Henson, Dewey will play Michael O’Donoghue, and Podany will play Billy Crystal. The original screenplay is by Reitman and Gil Kenan.
On October 11, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. SNL 1975 is the true story of what happened behind the scenes that night in the moments leading up to the first broadcast of NBC’s Saturday Night Live. It depicts the chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t, counting down the minutes in real time to the infamous words, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”
The screenplay is based on an extensive series of interviews conducted by...
Braun will play Jim Henson, Dewey will play Michael O’Donoghue, and Podany will play Billy Crystal. The original screenplay is by Reitman and Gil Kenan.
On October 11, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. SNL 1975 is the true story of what happened behind the scenes that night in the moments leading up to the first broadcast of NBC’s Saturday Night Live. It depicts the chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t, counting down the minutes in real time to the infamous words, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”
The screenplay is based on an extensive series of interviews conducted by...
- 3/7/2024
- by Justin Kroll and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Individuals like Andy Kaufman, Richard Pryor, John Candy, Sam Kinison, Bill Hicks, Robin Williams, Gilda Radner, George Carlin, and Gene Wilder come to mind in a list of late comedic greats who changed the comedy landscape. Their influence remains a part of the art, with up-and-coming joke-slingers citing them as sources of inspiration. Sometimes, it’s good to reflect on the contributions of comedy’s titans. So Kino Lorder is proud to present Ron Frank’s Remembering Gene Wilder trailer, celebrating the life and career of the curly-haired clown alongside notable friends.
Remembering Gene Wilder is a heartfelt documentary and entertaining portrait of the life and career of the beloved actor, featuring an extensive array of highlights from Wilder’s most memorable films and interviews with his closest friends, family, and fellow comics.
Here’s the official description for Remembering Gene Wilder:
Remembering Gene Wilder is a loving tribute to...
Remembering Gene Wilder is a heartfelt documentary and entertaining portrait of the life and career of the beloved actor, featuring an extensive array of highlights from Wilder’s most memorable films and interviews with his closest friends, family, and fellow comics.
Here’s the official description for Remembering Gene Wilder:
Remembering Gene Wilder is a loving tribute to...
- 3/5/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Jason Reitman is staying mighty busy these days. Less than 24 hours after the release of the latest trailer for "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire," four major casting announcements were made for his next project, "SNL 1975." The film will attempt to tell the true story of what went on behind the scenes before the broadcast premiere of "Saturday Night Live" on NBC, highlighting the real-time bedlam with some of the most legendary names in American comedy. Reitman co-wrote the script with his "Ghostbusters" collaborator Gil Kenan and is basing the story on the firsthand accounts of those who were there. Lest we forget, Reitman's father is the legendary Ivan Reitman, so these comedy titans were the friends and colleagues of the family. If anyone can get serious insight, it's Reitman.
The first wave of cast announcements included some serious heavy hitters, with "The Fabelmans" star Gabriel Labelle landing the role of Lorne Michaels,...
The first wave of cast announcements included some serious heavy hitters, with "The Fabelmans" star Gabriel Labelle landing the role of Lorne Michaels,...
- 1/30/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
While they've been focused on their Ghostbusters films of late, with the newest, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire less than two months away now, Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan have also been putting the pieces together for something that draws on no little amount of nostalgia (not to mention a connection to Dan Aykroyd): SNL 1975, about the fraught first night of Saturday Night Live. The duo (with Reitman directing and Kenan writing) have built the cast and are now adding Lamorne Morris, Dylan O’Brien, Cory Michael Smith and Matt Wood to the line-up.
Here's the official synopsis: "On October 11, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. SNL 1975 is the true story of what happened behind the scenes that night in the moments leading up to the first broadcast of NBC’s Saturday Night Live. It depicts the chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t,...
Here's the official synopsis: "On October 11, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. SNL 1975 is the true story of what happened behind the scenes that night in the moments leading up to the first broadcast of NBC’s Saturday Night Live. It depicts the chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t,...
- 1/30/2024
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Live, from New York, it’s… filmmaker Jason Reitman’s new feature about the launch of “Saturday Night Live.”
Co-written by Reitman and his frequent collaborator Gil Kenan and directed by Reitman, “SNL 1975” will dramatize the events of October 11, 1975, when the venerable sketch comedy series debuted on television. According to Deadline, which has broken numerous stories about the forthcoming film, “SNL 1975” tells “the true story of what happened behind the scenes that night in the moments leading up to the first broadcast of NBC’s ‘SNL.’ It depicts the chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t, counting down the minutes in real-time to the [famous] words, ‘Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!’”
Reitman and Kenan based their screenplay on an “extensive series of interviews conducted by Reitman and Kenan with all the living cast members, writers, and crew.” The project will start production soon,...
Co-written by Reitman and his frequent collaborator Gil Kenan and directed by Reitman, “SNL 1975” will dramatize the events of October 11, 1975, when the venerable sketch comedy series debuted on television. According to Deadline, which has broken numerous stories about the forthcoming film, “SNL 1975” tells “the true story of what happened behind the scenes that night in the moments leading up to the first broadcast of NBC’s ‘SNL.’ It depicts the chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t, counting down the minutes in real-time to the [famous] words, ‘Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!’”
Reitman and Kenan based their screenplay on an “extensive series of interviews conducted by Reitman and Kenan with all the living cast members, writers, and crew.” The project will start production soon,...
- 1/30/2024
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
The cast of Sony Pictures’ upcoming movie, SNL 1975, is rounding out!
The Jason Reitman-directed movie will have actors playing real life individuals from the original opening night cast of Saturday Night Live.
Some of the stars who will be portrayed include Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Jim Belushi, Gilda Radner, and more.
SNL debuted on October 11, 1975, and the script is based on real life accounts of what happened that night.
Keep reading to see who is playing who…...
The Jason Reitman-directed movie will have actors playing real life individuals from the original opening night cast of Saturday Night Live.
Some of the stars who will be portrayed include Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Jim Belushi, Gilda Radner, and more.
SNL debuted on October 11, 1975, and the script is based on real life accounts of what happened that night.
Keep reading to see who is playing who…...
- 1/30/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Hold onto your sides and prepare yourself for stitches because the SNL 1975 cast is ready to welcome four new players to the stage. Lamorne Morris, Dylan O’Brien, Cory Micheal Smith, and Matt Wood will play Garrett Morris, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, and John Belushi, respectively. They join previously announced cast members Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner, Emily Fairn as Laraine Newman, and Kim Matula as Jane Curtin.
Jason Reitman will direct SNL 1975 and co-write the screenplay with Gil Keenan. SNL 1975 explores the evening of October 11, 1975, when “a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. SNL 1975 is the true story of what happened behind the scenes that night in the moments leading up to the first broadcast of NBC’s Saturday Night Live. It depicts the chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t, counting down the minutes in real-time to the infamous words,...
Jason Reitman will direct SNL 1975 and co-write the screenplay with Gil Keenan. SNL 1975 explores the evening of October 11, 1975, when “a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. SNL 1975 is the true story of what happened behind the scenes that night in the moments leading up to the first broadcast of NBC’s Saturday Night Live. It depicts the chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t, counting down the minutes in real-time to the infamous words,...
- 1/30/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Live from New York, it’s… Jason Reitman’s SNL 1975.
The film, which was written by Reitman (who also will direct) and Gil Kenan based on first-hand accounts of the first-ever Saturday Night Live taping, has enlisted Gabriel Labelle to play SNL honcho Lorne Michaels, our sister site Deadline reports.
More from TVLineSNL Video: Dakota Johnson Destroys Please Don't DestroySNL: A Family's Home Videos Binge Takes a Maury Povich-y TurnArrow's Emily Bett Rickards and Stephen Amell Reunite... for an Old West Shoot-'Em-Up? Watch Movie Trailer
Best known for starring in Steven Spielberg’s 2022 film The Fabelmans, Labelle also has...
The film, which was written by Reitman (who also will direct) and Gil Kenan based on first-hand accounts of the first-ever Saturday Night Live taping, has enlisted Gabriel Labelle to play SNL honcho Lorne Michaels, our sister site Deadline reports.
More from TVLineSNL Video: Dakota Johnson Destroys Please Don't DestroySNL: A Family's Home Videos Binge Takes a Maury Povich-y TurnArrow's Emily Bett Rickards and Stephen Amell Reunite... for an Old West Shoot-'Em-Up? Watch Movie Trailer
Best known for starring in Steven Spielberg’s 2022 film The Fabelmans, Labelle also has...
- 1/30/2024
- by Andy Swift and Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Lamorne Morris and Dylan O’Brien are among those who are set to play original Saturday Night Live castmembers in Jason Reitman’s feature SNL 1975, about the debut night for the venerable comedy series.
Morris is set to portray Garrett Morris, while O’Brien has landed the role of Dan Aykroyd. Additionally, Cory Michael Smith will play Chevy Chase in the film, while Matt Wood is joining the cast as John Belushi.
Reitman is directing the film for Sony Pictures from a script he co-wrote with Gil Kenan. Based on the screenwriters’ interviews with the show’s living cast, scribes and crew, the film is set to focus on the formative moment in October 1975 for the NBC sketch show that is currently airing its 49th season.
The movie’s previously announced castmembers include Gabriel Labelle (The Fabelmans) as SNL creator Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza) as former NBC executive Dick Ebersol,...
Morris is set to portray Garrett Morris, while O’Brien has landed the role of Dan Aykroyd. Additionally, Cory Michael Smith will play Chevy Chase in the film, while Matt Wood is joining the cast as John Belushi.
Reitman is directing the film for Sony Pictures from a script he co-wrote with Gil Kenan. Based on the screenwriters’ interviews with the show’s living cast, scribes and crew, the film is set to focus on the formative moment in October 1975 for the NBC sketch show that is currently airing its 49th season.
The movie’s previously announced castmembers include Gabriel Labelle (The Fabelmans) as SNL creator Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza) as former NBC executive Dick Ebersol,...
- 1/30/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Canadian actress Catherin O'Hara was bumping up against "Saturday Night Live" for years before she landed a job on the show. Early in her career, O'Hara performed with the Toronto branch of the famed comedy troupe The Second City, serving as an understudy for comedienne Gilda Radner. O'Hara stepped into Rander's shoes when the latter left to get a job on "Saturday Night Live." The remaining Toronotoites stayed back and founded their own sketch comedy series, "Sctv," which debuted in 1976. "Sctv" proved to be fertile ground for upcoming comedy superstars. In addition to O'Hara, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Rick Moranis, Dave Thomas, Andrea Martin, Martin Short, Joe Flaherty, and Harold Ramis all broke through. "Sctv" was huge in Canada, but remained secondary to "Saturday Night Live" down in the United States.
"Sctv" lasted for six seasons and ran 135 episodes, while "Saturday Night Live" (beyond all expectations) persists to this day.
"Sctv" lasted for six seasons and ran 135 episodes, while "Saturday Night Live" (beyond all expectations) persists to this day.
- 1/29/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night Live film SNL 1975 has found its Gilda Radner, as first reported by Jeff Schneider and confirmed by Deadline.
Ella Hunt will play Radner in the upcoming origin film, which is based on the true story of Saturday Night Live’s opening night show in October of 1975. Other newly announced cast members include Emily Fairn as Laraine Newman and Kim Matula as Jane Curtin.
The three actors join an already impressive cast. Gabriel Labelle (The Fablemans) will play SNL creator Lorne Michaels, Rachel Sennott is set to play original staff writer Rosie Schuster, and Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza) will play NBC executive Dick Ebersol. Reitman will direct from a script he co-wrote with Gil Kenan, based on interviews conducted with Saturday Night Live’s inaugural cast, crew, producers, and writers.
The film’s logline reads: “On October 11, 1975, a troupe of young comedians changed TV forever.
Ella Hunt will play Radner in the upcoming origin film, which is based on the true story of Saturday Night Live’s opening night show in October of 1975. Other newly announced cast members include Emily Fairn as Laraine Newman and Kim Matula as Jane Curtin.
The three actors join an already impressive cast. Gabriel Labelle (The Fablemans) will play SNL creator Lorne Michaels, Rachel Sennott is set to play original staff writer Rosie Schuster, and Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza) will play NBC executive Dick Ebersol. Reitman will direct from a script he co-wrote with Gil Kenan, based on interviews conducted with Saturday Night Live’s inaugural cast, crew, producers, and writers.
The film’s logline reads: “On October 11, 1975, a troupe of young comedians changed TV forever.
- 1/26/2024
- by Paolo Ragusa
- Consequence - Film News
Kim Matula has landed an exciting new movie role in the upcoming film SNL 1975 directed by Jason Reitman.
The 35-year-old actress is best known for playing Hope Logan on the soap opera series The Bold and the Beautiful and for appearances in Hallmark Channel movies Ghost of Christmas Always and Checkin’ It Twice.
Kim also played Jeri-Lynn in the WWE movie Fighting with My Family opposite Florence Pugh.
Keep reading to find out more…
SNL 1975 tells the behind-the-scenes story of what happened in the moments leading up to the first-ever broadcast of Saturday Night Live on October 11, 1975. Deadline reports that the “screenplay is based on an extensive series of interviews conducted by Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan with all the living cast members, writers and crew.”
Kim is set to play original cast member Jane Curtin.
It was also just announced that Ella Hunt will play Gilda Radner...
The 35-year-old actress is best known for playing Hope Logan on the soap opera series The Bold and the Beautiful and for appearances in Hallmark Channel movies Ghost of Christmas Always and Checkin’ It Twice.
Kim also played Jeri-Lynn in the WWE movie Fighting with My Family opposite Florence Pugh.
Keep reading to find out more…
SNL 1975 tells the behind-the-scenes story of what happened in the moments leading up to the first-ever broadcast of Saturday Night Live on October 11, 1975. Deadline reports that the “screenplay is based on an extensive series of interviews conducted by Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan with all the living cast members, writers and crew.”
Kim is set to play original cast member Jane Curtin.
It was also just announced that Ella Hunt will play Gilda Radner...
- 1/26/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Live from New York, it’s Saturday night! Are you ready to go behind the scenes of the legendary sketch comedy series? Sony Pictures’ SNL 1975 is thrilled to present three actors for its forthcoming film, and the lineup is outstanding. Playing Gilda Radner for the Jason Reitman-directed feature is Ella Hunt, with Emily Fairn playing the SNL spitfire Laraine Newman, and Kim Matula playing the unstoppable Jane Curtin.
In addition to his directorial duties, Reitman is co-writing the screenplay with Gil Kenan. According to Deadline‘s exclusive report, SNL 1975 explores the evening of October 11, 1975, when “a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. SNL 1975 is the true story of what happened behind the scenes that night in the moments leading up to the first broadcast of NBC’s Saturday Night Live. It depicts the chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t,...
In addition to his directorial duties, Reitman is co-writing the screenplay with Gil Kenan. According to Deadline‘s exclusive report, SNL 1975 explores the evening of October 11, 1975, when “a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. SNL 1975 is the true story of what happened behind the scenes that night in the moments leading up to the first broadcast of NBC’s Saturday Night Live. It depicts the chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Ella Hunt, Emily Fairn and Kim Matula have joined Sony Pictures’ SNL 1975, to be directed by Jason Reitman and based on the real-life behind-the-scenes accounts of Saturday Night Live‘s opening night. Hunt will play Gilda Radner, Fairn will play Laraine Newman, and Matula will play Jane Curtin. The original screenplay is by Reitman and Gil Kenan.
On October 11, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. SNL 1975 is the true story of what happened behind the scenes that night in the moments leading up to the first broadcast of NBC’s SNL. It depicts the chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t, counting down the minutes in real time to the infamous words, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”
The screenplay is based on an extensive series of interviews conducted by Reitman and Kenan with all the living cast members,...
On October 11, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. SNL 1975 is the true story of what happened behind the scenes that night in the moments leading up to the first broadcast of NBC’s SNL. It depicts the chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t, counting down the minutes in real time to the infamous words, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”
The screenplay is based on an extensive series of interviews conducted by Reitman and Kenan with all the living cast members,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
The late night sketch comedy series "Saturday Night Live" is still going strong. The series is currently in the middle of its 49th season, and word on the street is that there's quite the celebration around the corner for the show's 50th anniversary, which will come around this fall. There have been rumblings that series creator and longtime executive producer Lorne Michaels may step down from his post at "SNL" when the 50th season is over, but there hasn't been any confirmation just yet, even though Tina Fey seems to be primed to take the gig if that happens. However, there's another big "SNL" event coming soon too, in the form of a movie about the show's premiere on October 11, 1975.
Last spring, Sony Pictures set director Jason Reitman to direct "SNL 1975," a movie that will chronicle the real-time, behind-the-scenes chaos and miraculous magic leading right up to the show's debut on NBC.
Last spring, Sony Pictures set director Jason Reitman to direct "SNL 1975," a movie that will chronicle the real-time, behind-the-scenes chaos and miraculous magic leading right up to the show's debut on NBC.
- 1/19/2024
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night Live origin pic is gaining a ton of momentum as Gabriel Labelle is set to play Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman is on board to play Dick Ebersol and Rachel Sennott will play Rosie Shuster. Reitman will write and direct.
SNL 1975 is based on the real-life behind-the-scenes accounts of the NBC late-night show’s opening night. Reitman and Gil Kenan wrote the script.
On October 11, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. SNL 1975 is the true story of what happened that night behind the scenes in the moments leading up to the first broadcast of SNL. It depicts the chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t, counting down the minutes in real time to the infamous words, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” The screenplay is based on an extensive series of interviews conducted...
SNL 1975 is based on the real-life behind-the-scenes accounts of the NBC late-night show’s opening night. Reitman and Gil Kenan wrote the script.
On October 11, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. SNL 1975 is the true story of what happened that night behind the scenes in the moments leading up to the first broadcast of SNL. It depicts the chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t, counting down the minutes in real time to the infamous words, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” The screenplay is based on an extensive series of interviews conducted...
- 1/19/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Gene Wilder is rightfully remembered fondly for his performance as Willy Wonka. However, the comedic actor’s career is the stuff of legends, thanks to his collaborations with legendary comedian Richard Pryor, as well as starring in Mel Brooks classics like The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. The beloved actor has a new documentary that tells the story of his life from filmmaker Ron Frank. The film, Remembering Gene Wilder, has just picked up distribution from Kino Lorber, which has planned the movie’s release for this March.
According to Deadline, the documentary “touches on the actor’s Jewish upbringing in Milwaukee, marriage to Gilda Radner, and his final chapter living with Alzheimer’s. It will include never-seen-before home movie footage, narration by Wilder from the audiobook of his memoir, and interviews with collaborators including Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, Carol Kane, and his widow Karen Boyer Wilder.
Directed by...
According to Deadline, the documentary “touches on the actor’s Jewish upbringing in Milwaukee, marriage to Gilda Radner, and his final chapter living with Alzheimer’s. It will include never-seen-before home movie footage, narration by Wilder from the audiobook of his memoir, and interviews with collaborators including Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, Carol Kane, and his widow Karen Boyer Wilder.
Directed by...
- 1/11/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Kino Lorber has acquired all rights worldwide to Ron Frank’s documentary Remembering Gene Wilder, a portrait of the life and career of the beloved actor and comedian.
Featuring highlights from Wilder’s most memorable films as well as interviews with his closest friends, family, and fellow comics, the film will next play as the Closing Night movie of the New York Jewish Film Festival on January 24.
Kino Lorber is planning a theatrical release in March 2024, followed by a home video, non-theatrical, and digital release.
Wilder, who died in 2016, is best known for his collaborations with Mel Brooks in The Producers, Young Frankenstein, and Blazing Saddles, his partnership with Richard Pryor in movies like Silver Streak and Hear No Evil, See No Evil, and his performance as the mysterious chocolatier in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
The doc touches on the actor’s Jewish upbringing in Milwaukee, marriage to Gilda Radner,...
Featuring highlights from Wilder’s most memorable films as well as interviews with his closest friends, family, and fellow comics, the film will next play as the Closing Night movie of the New York Jewish Film Festival on January 24.
Kino Lorber is planning a theatrical release in March 2024, followed by a home video, non-theatrical, and digital release.
Wilder, who died in 2016, is best known for his collaborations with Mel Brooks in The Producers, Young Frankenstein, and Blazing Saddles, his partnership with Richard Pryor in movies like Silver Streak and Hear No Evil, See No Evil, and his performance as the mysterious chocolatier in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
The doc touches on the actor’s Jewish upbringing in Milwaukee, marriage to Gilda Radner,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Prepare for an emotional journey into the life of comedy icon Gilda Radner in Season 2 Episode 10 of “Dark Side of Comedy,” titled “Gilda Radner.” Airing at 10:00 Pm on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, on Vice, this episode delves deep into Radner’s pioneering success and the challenges she faced, transforming trauma, eating disorders, heartbreak, and cancer into comedic gold.
Viewers will witness the highs and lows of Radner’s remarkable career, gaining insights into how she navigated personal struggles and used them as fodder for her humor. The episode promises to offer a poignant exploration of Radner’s indomitable spirit, showcasing her ability to turn adversity into laughter.
For fans of comedy legends and those intrigued by the stories behind the laughter, “Gilda Radner” on “Dark Side of Comedy” is a must-watch. Tune in at 10:00 Pm for a touching tribute to a trailblazing comedian on Vice.
Release Date & Time: 10:00 Pm...
Viewers will witness the highs and lows of Radner’s remarkable career, gaining insights into how she navigated personal struggles and used them as fodder for her humor. The episode promises to offer a poignant exploration of Radner’s indomitable spirit, showcasing her ability to turn adversity into laughter.
For fans of comedy legends and those intrigued by the stories behind the laughter, “Gilda Radner” on “Dark Side of Comedy” is a must-watch. Tune in at 10:00 Pm for a touching tribute to a trailblazing comedian on Vice.
Release Date & Time: 10:00 Pm...
- 12/12/2023
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
As the special-effects makeup chief for “Saturday Night Live,” Louie Zakarian often has interesting demands put on his time. He once transformed Kate McKinnon into an offbeat mermaid. And he worked with Kyle Mooney to create the Baby Yoda character who made frequent appearances on “Weekend Update.”
These days, Zakarian gets even more outlandish asks, thanks to Sarah Sherman, the “SNL” cast member who might, during one week, ask him to devise a fake seagull that can be impaled in her torso while moving its legs, and, in another, order up a costume so she can dress as the oddball Six Flags mascot, but still get back to normal for a subsequent sketch 10 minutes later.
“I’ve been at the show for 29 years now,” says Zakarian. “I get some pretty crazy requests, but some of Sarah’s are really out there.”
So too is Sherman herself, at least during the...
These days, Zakarian gets even more outlandish asks, thanks to Sarah Sherman, the “SNL” cast member who might, during one week, ask him to devise a fake seagull that can be impaled in her torso while moving its legs, and, in another, order up a costume so she can dress as the oddball Six Flags mascot, but still get back to normal for a subsequent sketch 10 minutes later.
“I’ve been at the show for 29 years now,” says Zakarian. “I get some pretty crazy requests, but some of Sarah’s are really out there.”
So too is Sherman herself, at least during the...
- 11/30/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Adam Sandler is heading back to fifth grade for his latest film, Leo.
In the Netflix animated movie, the star voices a 70-year-old lizard named Leo, who for decades has served as a class pet for a rotating group of fifth graders. One day, he learns he only has a year left to live and plans to escape to freedom, but instead has to rescue the students from their mean substitute teacher.
Sandler, who also co-wrote and produced the project, told The Hollywood Reporter at its Los Angeles premiere on Sunday that he was inspired to a do a version of “Grease for the last year of elementary school,” while working with writer-director Robert Smigel to craft a musical comedy. Sandler stars in the voice cast alongside his daughters Sunny and Sadie, as well as wife Jackie, marking the second family collaboration they’ve done this year, after You Are...
In the Netflix animated movie, the star voices a 70-year-old lizard named Leo, who for decades has served as a class pet for a rotating group of fifth graders. One day, he learns he only has a year left to live and plans to escape to freedom, but instead has to rescue the students from their mean substitute teacher.
Sandler, who also co-wrote and produced the project, told The Hollywood Reporter at its Los Angeles premiere on Sunday that he was inspired to a do a version of “Grease for the last year of elementary school,” while working with writer-director Robert Smigel to craft a musical comedy. Sandler stars in the voice cast alongside his daughters Sunny and Sadie, as well as wife Jackie, marking the second family collaboration they’ve done this year, after You Are...
- 11/20/2023
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fans of thrash metal, folk rock, punk, and hill country blues will be able to find common ground this month in helping to fund support for people with cancer. The Ten Bands One Cause initiative, now in its 10th year, will release records by Anthrax, Lissie, R.L. Burnside, Face to Face, the Gaslight Anthem, and others, pressed on pink vinyl in October and November. One release, a reissue of the Wedding Singer soundtrack, features many more than 10 bands, including the Police, Billy Idol, New Order, and Ellen Dow (the...
- 10/18/2023
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
“Saturday Night Live” premiered October 11, 1975 on NBC with a group of fresh-faced cast members known as the “Not Ready For Prime-Time Players.” None of those original stars lasted for more than five seasons, but they all made their mark on the late night sketch series that is still going strong nearly five decades later.
Over the past 49 seasons (and counting), who are “SNL’s” longest-running cast members ever? Kenan Thompson currently holds the record at a whopping 21 seasons. His closest competition is Darrell Hammond, who starred for 14 seasons before leaving and then returning as the show’s announcer. Scroll through our “Saturday Night Live” photo gallery below to see more long-time cast members. Originally published January 2023.
Over the past 49 seasons (and counting), who are “SNL’s” longest-running cast members ever? Kenan Thompson currently holds the record at a whopping 21 seasons. His closest competition is Darrell Hammond, who starred for 14 seasons before leaving and then returning as the show’s announcer. Scroll through our “Saturday Night Live” photo gallery below to see more long-time cast members. Originally published January 2023.
- 10/13/2023
- by Marcus James Dixon and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
The Second City announced plans Tuesday to open a physical location in New York this November, alongside its first slate of shows and cast.
The improvisational comedy enterprise, which supports live theater and training, will house its new nearly 12,000 square-foot entertainment complex at 64 N. 9th St. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Set to open on Nov. 16, the venue will feature two cabaret-style live theaters, seven Training Center classrooms, and a full-service restaurant and bar.
The Second City currently has two other physical locations, with its Toronto location celebrating its 50th year, followed by a 65th anniversary for The Second City Chicago in 2024. The opening of the New York location arrives as the comedy brand looks to expand content offerings onto new platforms beyond the live stage, according to the company.
“There is no better way to kick off our 65th anniversary celebrations than by opening the doors to The Second City New York in Williamsburg,...
The improvisational comedy enterprise, which supports live theater and training, will house its new nearly 12,000 square-foot entertainment complex at 64 N. 9th St. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Set to open on Nov. 16, the venue will feature two cabaret-style live theaters, seven Training Center classrooms, and a full-service restaurant and bar.
The Second City currently has two other physical locations, with its Toronto location celebrating its 50th year, followed by a 65th anniversary for The Second City Chicago in 2024. The opening of the New York location arrives as the comedy brand looks to expand content offerings onto new platforms beyond the live stage, according to the company.
“There is no better way to kick off our 65th anniversary celebrations than by opening the doors to The Second City New York in Williamsburg,...
- 9/19/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Franne Lee, a Tony-winning costumer and set designer who joined the fledgling Saturday Night Live and created the looks of some of the NBC’s late-night show’s most iconic characters, including the Coneheads, the Nerds, the Killer Bees and the Blues Brothers, died August 27 in Atlantis, Florida, following a brief illness. She was 81.
Her death was announced by her daughter Stacy Sandler.
Lee was one of the top costume designers on Broadway in the 1970s, winning Tony Awards for in 1974 and 1979 for two musicals directed by Harold Prince: Candide and the original production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. She also shared a ’74 Candide Tony for Best Scenic Design with her then romantic and professional partner, the acclaimed set designer Eugene Lee.
Her work on Candide was noticed by Lorne Michaels, who was putting together the original creative team for his new comedy show Saturday Night Live.
Her death was announced by her daughter Stacy Sandler.
Lee was one of the top costume designers on Broadway in the 1970s, winning Tony Awards for in 1974 and 1979 for two musicals directed by Harold Prince: Candide and the original production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. She also shared a ’74 Candide Tony for Best Scenic Design with her then romantic and professional partner, the acclaimed set designer Eugene Lee.
Her work on Candide was noticed by Lorne Michaels, who was putting together the original creative team for his new comedy show Saturday Night Live.
- 9/5/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Vice TV has set the premiere date and released the trailer for “Dark Side of Comedy” Season 2, its “Dark Side” spinoff series that explores the behind-the-scenes stories of iconic comedians.
Season 2 subjects include Robin Williams, Sam Kinison, Joan Rivers, Carlos Mencia, Phil Hartman, Tracy Morgan, the sitcom “Family Matters,” Ellen DeGeneres, Norm MacDonald and Gilda Radner.
“Dark Side of Comedy” Season 2 is narrated by Dave Foley with commentators including Pauly Shore, Marc Maron, Tiffany Haddish, Pamela Aldon, Sally Jesse Raphael, Mike Binder and Rolanda Watts.
In the Season 2 trailer, Binder says Williams was “running with a lot of really scary figures — and Robin himself was kind of a scary figure for a while.” Haddish says Rivers “was a hustler,” and describes her as “mean as hell.” And Watts describes an experience where DeGeneres “sat there as if we weren’t even there.”
Per Vice TV’s description for the new installment: “‘Dark Side of Comedy,...
Season 2 subjects include Robin Williams, Sam Kinison, Joan Rivers, Carlos Mencia, Phil Hartman, Tracy Morgan, the sitcom “Family Matters,” Ellen DeGeneres, Norm MacDonald and Gilda Radner.
“Dark Side of Comedy” Season 2 is narrated by Dave Foley with commentators including Pauly Shore, Marc Maron, Tiffany Haddish, Pamela Aldon, Sally Jesse Raphael, Mike Binder and Rolanda Watts.
In the Season 2 trailer, Binder says Williams was “running with a lot of really scary figures — and Robin himself was kind of a scary figure for a while.” Haddish says Rivers “was a hustler,” and describes her as “mean as hell.” And Watts describes an experience where DeGeneres “sat there as if we weren’t even there.”
Per Vice TV’s description for the new installment: “‘Dark Side of Comedy,...
- 8/22/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Former “Saturday Night Live” star, Jane Curtin, was taken by surprise by the longstanding show’s humourless early episodes.
Curtin, who served as one of the original “SNL” cast members, recently rewatched the award-winning comedy show’s earliest sketches with her family and was shocked by the absent laughter.
“We were sent the five year compilation video of ‘Saturday Night Live”s first five years a few years ago, and I gave one to my daughter,” Curtin, 75, recalled to People. “We were out visiting her daughter one Christmas, and her husband said, ‘Have you ever watched any of these? And I said, ‘God, I haven’t seen them in a long time.’
Read More: Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman Remember The Big Backstage ‘SNL’ Fight Between Bill Murray And Chevy Chase
“He said, ‘would you mind if we watch one?’ And I said, ‘No, great! Pick one!'” she continued,...
Curtin, who served as one of the original “SNL” cast members, recently rewatched the award-winning comedy show’s earliest sketches with her family and was shocked by the absent laughter.
“We were sent the five year compilation video of ‘Saturday Night Live”s first five years a few years ago, and I gave one to my daughter,” Curtin, 75, recalled to People. “We were out visiting her daughter one Christmas, and her husband said, ‘Have you ever watched any of these? And I said, ‘God, I haven’t seen them in a long time.’
Read More: Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman Remember The Big Backstage ‘SNL’ Fight Between Bill Murray And Chevy Chase
“He said, ‘would you mind if we watch one?’ And I said, ‘No, great! Pick one!'” she continued,...
- 8/21/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
“Saturday Night Live” debuted in 1975 with seven cast members: Jane Curtin, Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Laraine Newman, Gilda Radner and Garrett Morris. Curtin recently revealed that she watched a compilation of her five seasons on the show and was disappointed. As she put it, “Not one thing was funny.”
Curtin told People that she was visiting her daughter and son-in-law at Christmas when they suggested watching her old clips. She said, “So we sat around the TV, and I had that sort of anticipatory, open-mouth grin that people have when they’re waiting for something to happen, that they know is going to be really great.”
Unfortunately, things didn’t go as she hoped. Curtin continued, “And … it never happened. It wasn’t funny. Not one thing was funny. There was not one utterance of a laugh or a giggle.”
The actress was quick to add that she...
Curtin told People that she was visiting her daughter and son-in-law at Christmas when they suggested watching her old clips. She said, “So we sat around the TV, and I had that sort of anticipatory, open-mouth grin that people have when they’re waiting for something to happen, that they know is going to be really great.”
Unfortunately, things didn’t go as she hoped. Curtin continued, “And … it never happened. It wasn’t funny. Not one thing was funny. There was not one utterance of a laugh or a giggle.”
The actress was quick to add that she...
- 8/20/2023
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
Actor and comedian Dan Aykroyd has had a long and steady career ever since he first began doing improvisational comedy with the famed Second City troupe in both their Chicago and Toronto theaters.
Fame came to Aykoyd when he was hired for what seemed like a low expectations comedy/variety show NBC was beginning for late Saturday evenings. “Saturday Night Live” became a bit of a phenomenon launching all the original “Not Ready for Prime Time Players” (as the cast was called) into stardom. Aykroyd along with Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman and Garrett Morris suddenly found themselves among the most talked about television stars working in the business.
Aykroyd and Belushi became especially close friends during the series run and began working in films together such as “Neighbors,” “The Blues Brothers” and potentially “Ghostbusters,” but Belushi’s overdose at the age of 33 caused Bill Murray...
Fame came to Aykoyd when he was hired for what seemed like a low expectations comedy/variety show NBC was beginning for late Saturday evenings. “Saturday Night Live” became a bit of a phenomenon launching all the original “Not Ready for Prime Time Players” (as the cast was called) into stardom. Aykroyd along with Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman and Garrett Morris suddenly found themselves among the most talked about television stars working in the business.
Aykroyd and Belushi became especially close friends during the series run and began working in films together such as “Neighbors,” “The Blues Brothers” and potentially “Ghostbusters,” but Belushi’s overdose at the age of 33 caused Bill Murray...
- 6/24/2023
- by Robert Pius, Misty Holland and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Ralph Lee, one of the New York stage’s preeminent mask and puppetry designers perhaps most widely known for his “Land Shark” that ate various cast members of Saturday Night Live during the 1970s, died May 12 at his home in Manhattan following a months-long illness. He was 87.
His death was announced by the Westbeth Artists Housing and Center for the Arts, the Manhattan residential complex where he long resided. His wife Casey Compton told The New York Times that he had been in declining health for several months.
Among his other accomplishments, Lee is credited with having launched New York’s Greenwich Village Halloween Parade in 1974, an event that has grown to become one of the city’s largest and most cherished holiday events.
Ralph Lee with one of his creations at a Halloween event in 2007
The parade – initially billed as a “pageant-parade” associated with the Off Off Broadway venue...
His death was announced by the Westbeth Artists Housing and Center for the Arts, the Manhattan residential complex where he long resided. His wife Casey Compton told The New York Times that he had been in declining health for several months.
Among his other accomplishments, Lee is credited with having launched New York’s Greenwich Village Halloween Parade in 1974, an event that has grown to become one of the city’s largest and most cherished holiday events.
Ralph Lee with one of his creations at a Halloween event in 2007
The parade – initially billed as a “pageant-parade” associated with the Off Off Broadway venue...
- 5/17/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Toronto’s favorite son turns his eye toward New York, and back to 1975 for his next project. Jason Reitman is currently producing the next “Ghostbusters” picture with director and co-writer Gil Kenan and leads Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon, but he’s got his next project lined up at Sony Pictures.
As per Deadline, the “Juno” and “Up in the Air” director will be back behind the camera for an untitled “Saturday Night Live” opening night project. Kenan will co-write the script.
Casting has not been announced, but somebody out there is (probably) going to be playing producer Lorne Michaels and first-episode cast members like Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, and Garrett Morris. Also, potentially, writers like Michael O’Donoghue, Al Franken, Anne Beatts, Alan Zweibel, and others. The first guest on “SNL” was George Carlin so maybe someone will be doing an impression of the comedian during his “Toledo Window Box” era,...
As per Deadline, the “Juno” and “Up in the Air” director will be back behind the camera for an untitled “Saturday Night Live” opening night project. Kenan will co-write the script.
Casting has not been announced, but somebody out there is (probably) going to be playing producer Lorne Michaels and first-episode cast members like Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, and Garrett Morris. Also, potentially, writers like Michael O’Donoghue, Al Franken, Anne Beatts, Alan Zweibel, and others. The first guest on “SNL” was George Carlin so maybe someone will be doing an impression of the comedian during his “Toledo Window Box” era,...
- 5/2/2023
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
"Live from New York, it's Saturday night!" That's the catchphrase that concludes the cold open sketch of every single episode of the iconic late-night sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live." Soon you'll learn about all the chaos and panic that went into the debut of "SNL," launching a pop culture powerhouse that has lasted nearly 50 years.
Deadline reports that "Up in the Air" and "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" director Jason Reitman will be at the helm of a movie telling the behind-the-scenes story about how the premiere of "SNL" actually came together. The report touts the movie as "the true story of what happened that night behind the scenes in the moments leading up to the first 'SNL' broadcast, retelling chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn't, counting down the minutes in real time to the infamous words, 'Live From New York, it's Saturday Night.'"
Before all the fame and laughs,...
Deadline reports that "Up in the Air" and "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" director Jason Reitman will be at the helm of a movie telling the behind-the-scenes story about how the premiere of "SNL" actually came together. The report touts the movie as "the true story of what happened that night behind the scenes in the moments leading up to the first 'SNL' broadcast, retelling chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn't, counting down the minutes in real time to the infamous words, 'Live From New York, it's Saturday Night.'"
Before all the fame and laughs,...
- 5/2/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Jason Reitman has set another feature at Sony Pictures, with the studio ordering a film based on the first broadcast of “Saturday Night Live” in October 1975.
Reitman and his “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” co-writer Gil Kenan penned the original screenplay for the project, drawing from the pair’s series of interviews with living cast, writers and crew members from the original production.
The untitled “SNL” feature continues Reitman and Kenan’s partnership with Sony Pictures, where they are currently in production on a sequel to “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” due to release in theaters this December. Kenan is directing the follow-up to Reitman’s 2021 entry of the sci-fi comedy series. The two collaborators signed an overall producing deal with Sony after the release of “Afterlife,” which grossed $204 million at the global box office against a $75 million production budget.
Reitman and Kenan will also produce the “SNL” feature, alongside regular partners Jason Blumenfeld and Erica Mills.
Reitman and his “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” co-writer Gil Kenan penned the original screenplay for the project, drawing from the pair’s series of interviews with living cast, writers and crew members from the original production.
The untitled “SNL” feature continues Reitman and Kenan’s partnership with Sony Pictures, where they are currently in production on a sequel to “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” due to release in theaters this December. Kenan is directing the follow-up to Reitman’s 2021 entry of the sci-fi comedy series. The two collaborators signed an overall producing deal with Sony after the release of “Afterlife,” which grossed $204 million at the global box office against a $75 million production budget.
Reitman and Kenan will also produce the “SNL” feature, alongside regular partners Jason Blumenfeld and Erica Mills.
- 5/1/2023
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
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