Filmmaker Jason Reitman will be directing a new film for Sony Pictures based on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” Specifically, it focuses on the behind-the-scenes story of the very first episode of the legendary sketch comedy series, which aired in 1975. Reitman will be teaming up once again with his “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” co-writer Gil Kenan for the script.
Set on October 11, 1975, the currently untitled film will follow a group of young comedians and writers as they unknowingly make television history. We’ll see all of the magic and chaos leading up to the iconic intro “Live From New York, it’s Saturday Night.” The very first host for the show was George Carlin, with two musical guests, Billy Preston and Janis Ian.
Cast members who made up the Not Ready For Prime Time Players included Laraine Newman, John Belushi, Jane Curtin, Gilda Radner, Garrett Morris, Dan Aykroyd, and Chevy Chase.
The script is based on a series of interviews conducted by Reitman and Kenan with all the living cast, writers, and crew. Along with writing and researching the pair are also producing the upcoming film. Alongside their longtime partners Jason Blumenfeld and Erica Mills.
Reitman, Kenan, Blumenfeld, and Mills are also all currently working on a follow-up to “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” also for Sony Pictures.
We’ll keep you posted on updates about this untitled “Saturday Night Live” film as they develop.
