As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of Saturday Night Live (SNL) since its early days, I can confidently say that this year is shaping up to be an unforgettable one for the legendary comedy sketch series. With the 50th season premiering soon and the upcoming release of “Saturday Night,” a movie chronicling the show’s origins, it feels like I’ve stumbled upon a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
2024 marks a significant milestone for “Saturday Night Live” as they prepare for their 50th season on television and delve into their origins in the upcoming movie, “Saturday Night,” set to release in theaters next month. Notably absent from the story of how SNL came into existence is Lorne Michaels, who conceived and continues to produce the comedy sketch series today. As he talks about his latest film, which recounts the evening the program’s first episode aired, director Jason Reitman shares insights on collaborating with the “genius” Michaels.
But let’s get something out of the way first: no, Lorne Michaels has not seen Saturday Night yet. Reitman addressed this in an interview with Deadline, saying:
Lorne has not seen the movie yet.
Indeed, that matter has been resolved now. As Jason Reitman mentioned, it’s uncertain if Lorne Michaels will watch Saturday Night Live due to his private nature, a testament to his farsighted approach towards the projects he engages with. Reitman elaborated on this:
He might never disclose his feelings towards me since he’s quite mysterious. In fact, he was the initial contact I made. We’ve been in communication during this entire journey. Lorne, as you may know, is always looking ahead. It’s one of his distinctive traits, and I believe it contributes to his genius. From the get-go, when he started this project, he would complete an episode, then move on to the next, thinking about what’s next. That’s why, despite being at an advanced age and having worked on this show for five decades, he continues to innovate.
Following a five-year stint at Saturday Night Live during its early broadcast years, Michaels chose to explore other career paths. However, he returned in 1985 and has been a constant presence since then. Given the natural evolution of comedy over time, it’s crucial for SNL to adapt along with its audience, and Michaels has been praised for skillfully managing this transformation.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the fact that he conceived this remarkable show not just once, but three or four times before “Lonely Island” or “Please Don’t Destroy” graced our screens. He constantly pushes the boundaries of comedy, a testament to his forward-thinking approach and unwillingness to be tethered by past successes. Every five to ten years, he redefines what comedy means, always keeping his gaze fixed on the horizon rather than dwelling in the rearview mirror.
Jason Reitman concluded the interview, expressing his eagerness for the time when Lorne Michaels gets to see the final outcome of Saturday Night, though the exact timing remains uncertain; as he put it.
We’ll all be honored when he watches it, but that will be on Lorne’s time.
Gabrielle LaBelle portrays Lorne Michaels in “Saturday Night,” having gained prominence in 2022 as the main actor in Steven Spielberg’s “The Fablemans.” Notable cast members include Rachel Sennott as Rosie Shutter, Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase (particularly impressive in the “Saturday Night” preview), Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner, Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd, Emily Fair as Laraine Newman, Matt Wood as John Belushi, Lamorne Morris as Garrett Morris, and Kim Matula as Jane Curtin, among others. Alongside his directorial responsibilities, Jason Reitman collaborated on the script with Gil Kenan.
Starting next Saturday, I’ll be counting down the days to catch the premiere of “Saturday Night Live” season 50 in Los Angeles, New York City, and Toronto. It kicks off on September 27, and more cities will join in the following week. The grand nationwide release is set for October 11. For those who can’t make it to the cinemas, don’t worry! You can stream the episodes afterward with a Peacock subscription.
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2024-09-14 04:07