SNL 1975 Release Date, Cast, Storyline, Trailer Release, And Everything You Need to Know
Few shows have left as indelible a mark in the annals of television history as Saturday Night Live. This late-night sketch comedy series has been a cultural touchstone for nearly five decades, launching careers, shaping political discourse, and providing countless laughs.
But every legend has its origin story, and SNL begins in 1975 with a group of young, talented performers and writers who would come to be known as the “Not Ready for Primetime Players.”
The upcoming film “SNL 1975” aims to capture the electric atmosphere and behind-the-scenes drama of that fateful first broadcast on October 11, 1975. Directed by Jason Reitman and featuring an ensemble cast of rising stars, this dramatization promises to give audiences an intimate look at the birth of an American institution.
From the last-minute scramble to put together a live show to the personal conflicts and creative sparks that flew backstage, “SNL 1975” is poised to be a must-see for comedy fans and pop culture enthusiasts.
SNL 1975 Release Date:
There is no officially announced release date for “SNL 1975.” The film, which was first revealed to be in development in May 2023, is currently in post-production after wrapping principal photography in early May 2024.
While fans eagerly anticipate the news of when they will see this comedic origin story on the big screen, the filmmakers and Sony Pictures have yet to commit to a specific premiere date. However, speculation is that the studio may be eyeing a strategic release to coincide with Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary in 2025.
This timing would capitalize on the nostalgia and celebration surrounding the show’s half-century milestone and provide a perfect marketing tie-in for both the film and the ongoing series. If this proves the case, we could see “SNL 1975” hitting theaters in the fall of 2025, mirroring the October premiere of the original broadcast it depicts.
SNL 1975 Storyline:
“SNL 1975” promises to be a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes look at the chaotic and exhilarating hours leading up to the very first broadcast of NBC’s Saturday Night (as it was then called). The film will focus on October 11, 1975, chronicling the real-time events of that day as the cast, writers, and crew prepare to go live for the first time.
At the center of the story is Lorne Michaels, the young Canadian producer tasked with creating a new late-night comedy show to fill the timeslot previously occupied by reruns of “The Tonight Show.” Michaels assembles a diverse and talented group of performers and writers, many of whom have roots in improv and stand-up comedy.
The film will likely explore the dynamics between these creative personalities as they work to put together sketches, develop characters, and deal with last-minute changes and network pressures.
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Viewers can expect to see dramatizations of now-famous moments from that first show, including George Carlin’s monologue, musical performances by Billy Preston and Janis Ian, and the debut of iconic characters and segments like “Weekend Update.” But perhaps more intriguingly, the film promises to reveal the unseen moments – the backstage arguments, eleventh-hour rewrites, and nervous energy that permeated Studio 8H as the clock ticked down to showtime.
SNL 1975 List of Cast Members:
The film features an impressive ensemble of young actors taking on the roles of comedy legends:
- Gabriel LaBelle as Lorne Michaels
- Cooper Hoffman as Dick Ebersol
- Rachel Sennott as Rosie Shuster
- Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner
- Emily Fairn as Laraine Newman
- Kim Matula as Jane Curtin
- Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd
- Lamorne Morris as Garrett Morris
- Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase
- Matt Wood as John Belushi
- Nicholas Braun as Jim Henson
- Tommy Dewey as Michael O’Donoghue
- Nicholas Podany as Billy Crystal
- Andrew Barth Feldman as Neil Levy
- Kaia Gerber as Jacqueline Carlin
- Finn Wolfhard as an NBC page
- J. K. Simmons as Milton Berle
- Willem Dafoe as David Tebet
- Jon Batiste as Billy Preston
- Naomi McPherson as Janis Ian
SNL 1975 Creators Team:
Director Jason Reitman, known for his work on critically acclaimed films such as Juno, Up in the Air, and The Front Runner, is at the helm of SNL 1975. Reitman brings a wealth of experience in both comedy and drama to the project and a personal connection to the SNL legacy—his father, Ivan Reitman, worked with several SNL alums on films like Ghostbusters.
Gil Kenan, with whom he previously collaborated on Ghostbusters: Afterlife and its sequel, will join Reitman as co-writer and co-producer. The duo took a hands-on approach to developing the screenplay, conducting extensive interviews with surviving cast members, writers, and crew from SNL’s first season to ensure authenticity in their portrayals of events.
the snl 1975 movie is gonna be oppenheimer but for comedy majors https://t.co/N4x95oRvnx
— brie. (hyperbolically) (@briebxrries) January 31, 2024
Jason Blumenfeld and Peter Rice round out the producing team, bringing their expertise to help bring this ambitious project to life. The film is being made with the cooperation of NBC and Broadway Video, Lorne Michaels’ production company, ensuring access to archival materials and insights that will lend further credibility to the story.
Where to Watch SNL 1975?
As “SNL 1975” is still in post-production, specific viewing options are unavailable. However, given that the film is being produced and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing, we can make some educated guesses about its potential release strategy.
Initially, “SNL 1975” is likely to have a theatrical release. Given the star power of its cast and the cultural significance of its subject matter, Sony will probably aim for a wide release in cinemas across North America and potentially internationally.
The film will eventually reach home video and streaming platforms after its theatrical run. While Sony doesn’t have a dedicated streaming service, it does have existing deals with various platforms.
It’s possible that “SNL 1975” could end up on Netflix, which has a first-look deal with Sony for its theatrical releases, or it might find a home on Peacock, given NBCUniversal’s connection to Saturday Night Live.
SNL 1975 Trailer Release Date:
Currently, there is no official trailer release date for “SNL 1975.” Typically, for a major studio release, the first teaser trailer drops about 4-6 months before the film’s premiere, with a full trailer following 2-3 months later.
Given that the film is still in post-production and hasn’t announced a release date, we will likely not film until at least late 2024 or early 2025. However, Sony might build early buzz by releasing behind-the-scenes photos or short teasers featuring the cast in character.
Fans eager to glimpse “SNL 1975” should watch entertainment news outlets and the social media accounts of the film’s cast and creators. As the project approaches completion, we can expect a gradual rollout of promotional materials, culminating in the release of a full trailer that will give us our first honest look at this recreation of comedy history.
SNL 1975 Final Words:
“SNL 1975” represents a unique opportunity to peek behind the curtain at the birth of an American cultural institution. Focusing on the high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled hours leading up to that first broadcast, the film promises to capture the raw energy and creative spark that would define Saturday Night Live for decades to come.
More than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane, “SNL 1975” has the potential to resonate with modern audiences by exploring timeless themes of artistic collaboration, the pressure of live performance, and the power of comedy to push boundaries and reflect society. As we await further details about its release, one thing is sure: for fans of comedy, television history, or simply great storytelling, “SNL 1975” is shaping up to be a must-see event that will have us all saying, once again, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”