Furthermore, the trailer showcases the immense pressure Michaels was under as he juggled conflicting demands and navigated an environment filled with doubt, skepticism, and high expectations. While his dream of creating a groundbreaking sketch comedy show seemed on the verge of collapsing, his unrelenting drive and resilience began to shine through. Through the chaos and uncertainty, the trailer hints at the monumental challenge Michaels faced to bring together the disparate elements of what would eventually become Saturday Night Live, a show that redefined television comedy and cemented its place as an enduring institution in American culture.

The Plot 

The film delves into the chaotic 90 minutes leading up to the first-ever broadcast of Saturday Night Live on October 11, 1975, a pivotal moment that forever changed television. Furthermore, Jason Reitman, directing from a script he co-wrote with Gil Kenan, brings the real-time story to life. The trailer for Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night showcases an impressive lineup of actors stepping into the roles of SNL’s original cast. Additionally, Dylan O’Brien plays Dan Aykroyd, Lamorne Morris portrays Garrett Morris, Cory Michael Smith takes on Chevy Chase, and Ella Hunt embodies Gilda Radner. 

Moreover, the ensemble also features Emily Fairn as Laraine Newman, Kim Matula as Jane Curtin, and Matt Wood as John Belushi, with Nicolas Braun tackling dual roles as both Andy Kaufman and Jim Henson. Supporting performances include Cooper Hoffman as Dick Ebersol, Rachel Sennott as writer Rosie Shuster, Matthew Rhys as George Carlin, Jon Batiste as Billy Preston, and Finn Wolfhard as an NBC page. Additionally, talent includes Taylor Gray as Al Franken and Nicolas Podany as Billy Crystal, rounding out the star-studded cast.

Produced by Jason Blumenfeld, Peter Rice, Reitman, and Kenan, the film’s release coincides with SNL‘s 50th anniversary this fall, making it a timely tribute to the iconic show’s origins.