A reboot of “The Munsters” and a series adaptation of the 1976 Universal Pictures comedy “Car Wash” are among the projects Universal Studio Group (Usg) currently has in development, Variety has learned. In addition, Universal International Studios (Uis) and Carnival Films are developing a drama series about a newlywed woman accused of murdering her husband on their honeymoon.
The “Munsters” reboot is currently titled “1313,” a reference to the fictional family of monsters’ address at 1313 Mockingbird Lane. It is not currently set up at any network or streaming service.
The new show is described as a horror series that “lives and breathes within the Universal Monsterverse,” per the official logline. The project was developed by James Wan, Lindsey Anderson Beer, and Ingrid Bisu. Anderson Beer will serve as showrunner and executive producer via Lab Brew, with Wan, Michael Clear, and Rob Hackett executive producing via Atomic Monster. Bisu will be a co-executive producer.
The “Munsters” reboot is currently titled “1313,” a reference to the fictional family of monsters’ address at 1313 Mockingbird Lane. It is not currently set up at any network or streaming service.
The new show is described as a horror series that “lives and breathes within the Universal Monsterverse,” per the official logline. The project was developed by James Wan, Lindsey Anderson Beer, and Ingrid Bisu. Anderson Beer will serve as showrunner and executive producer via Lab Brew, with Wan, Michael Clear, and Rob Hackett executive producing via Atomic Monster. Bisu will be a co-executive producer.
- 5/22/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
The cult classic 1976 Universal Pictures film Car Wash is getting the small-screen treatment from producer Malcolm D. Lee (“The Best Man” franchise) and writer Opey Olagbaju. A comedy series of the same name is in development at NBC from Universal Television.
Set at a modern-day DC car wash, the TV series focuses on an immigrant family’s generational and cultural clashes between father and son and their eclectic group of employees.
The logline reveals many similarities to the original film while using the TV format to make the story much bigger. The Michael Schultz-directed film follows the lives of a group of friends from Los Angeles who work at the Dee-Luxe Car Wash and the interesting characters they interact with one Friday in July.
Many notable names were part of the large ensemble cast including Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Franklyn Ajaye, Bill Duke, Pepe Serna,...
Set at a modern-day DC car wash, the TV series focuses on an immigrant family’s generational and cultural clashes between father and son and their eclectic group of employees.
The logline reveals many similarities to the original film while using the TV format to make the story much bigger. The Michael Schultz-directed film follows the lives of a group of friends from Los Angeles who work at the Dee-Luxe Car Wash and the interesting characters they interact with one Friday in July.
Many notable names were part of the large ensemble cast including Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Franklyn Ajaye, Bill Duke, Pepe Serna,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
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
Lorne Michaels is an expert at celebrating the legacy of “Saturday Night Live.” The show’s creator has produced variety specials for the NBC program’s 15th anniversary, 25th anniversary and 40th anniversary, so the upcoming 50th season should have a highly entertaining spectacle. Nothing less than a three-hour event would be expected, but how else should “SNL” celebrate the golden anniversary season, which would begin in the autumn of 2024 and continue through May, 2025?
Here is our exciting, fun suggestion for a way to go above and beyond for the live special. Over the course of a 20-22 episode season, NBC would certainly have almost every episode featuring the current cast along with hot guest hosts and musical guests. However, for the other five episodes spread out over several months, devote an entire 90 minutes to each previous decade. Invite back the biggest cast members from a decade along with well-known guest hosts and music stars.
Here is our exciting, fun suggestion for a way to go above and beyond for the live special. Over the course of a 20-22 episode season, NBC would certainly have almost every episode featuring the current cast along with hot guest hosts and musical guests. However, for the other five episodes spread out over several months, devote an entire 90 minutes to each previous decade. Invite back the biggest cast members from a decade along with well-known guest hosts and music stars.
- 4/3/2024
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
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
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
30 Rockefeller Plaza underwent something of a time warp Sunday as cameras began rolling on Jason Reitman’s upcoming Saturday Night Live origin film, SNL 1975.
The film’s director and co-writer posted a pair of images to Instagram Monday, including a photo of a clapboard for the film and another of a 70s-era New York checker cab parked outside 30 Rock.
Reitman captioned his post, “the story of opening night.”
Scheduled for release in 2025 to coincide with the show’s 50th anniversary, SNL 1975 is set on the night of October 11, 1975, chronicling the events leading up the show’s very first broadcast.
Jason Reitman/Instagram
Jason Reitman/Instagram
Recent weeks have seen a slew of cast announcements, with the film set to be led by Gabriel Labelle (who starred in Steven Spieberg’s The Fabelmans) as Lorne Michaels. Other names attached to the film include Nicholas Braun (playing Jim Henson), Dylan O’Brien...
The film’s director and co-writer posted a pair of images to Instagram Monday, including a photo of a clapboard for the film and another of a 70s-era New York checker cab parked outside 30 Rock.
Reitman captioned his post, “the story of opening night.”
Scheduled for release in 2025 to coincide with the show’s 50th anniversary, SNL 1975 is set on the night of October 11, 1975, chronicling the events leading up the show’s very first broadcast.
Jason Reitman/Instagram
Jason Reitman/Instagram
Recent weeks have seen a slew of cast announcements, with the film set to be led by Gabriel Labelle (who starred in Steven Spieberg’s The Fabelmans) as Lorne Michaels. Other names attached to the film include Nicholas Braun (playing Jim Henson), Dylan O’Brien...
- 3/11/2024
- by Jed Rosenzweig
- LateNighter
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for Love Lies Bleeding, Girls5Eva, Kung Fu Panda 4 and Damsel.
Only Murders in the Building FYC screening
Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez and Meryl Streep took part in an Emmy FYC screening and Q&a on the Paramount lot on March 1, alongside showrunner John Hoffman and songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
Martin Short, Meryl Streep, Benj Pasek, John Hoffman, Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, Jane Lynch and Justin Paul
Damsel premiere
Millie Bobby Brown and Robin Wright walked the carpet on March 1 at the NYC premiere of their new Netflix film. Brown was also supported by fiancé Jake Bongiovi and his parents, Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley.
Millie Bobby Brown and Robin Wright Jake Bongiovi, Millie Bobby Brown, Dorothea Hurley and Jon Bon Jovi
Kung Fu Panda 4 premiere
Jack Black,...
Only Murders in the Building FYC screening
Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez and Meryl Streep took part in an Emmy FYC screening and Q&a on the Paramount lot on March 1, alongside showrunner John Hoffman and songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
Martin Short, Meryl Streep, Benj Pasek, John Hoffman, Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, Jane Lynch and Justin Paul
Damsel premiere
Millie Bobby Brown and Robin Wright walked the carpet on March 1 at the NYC premiere of their new Netflix film. Brown was also supported by fiancé Jake Bongiovi and his parents, Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley.
Millie Bobby Brown and Robin Wright Jake Bongiovi, Millie Bobby Brown, Dorothea Hurley and Jon Bon Jovi
Kung Fu Panda 4 premiere
Jack Black,...
- 3/8/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Taraji P. Henson is going to keep telling her truth.
As she took the stage at the 2024 ABFF Honors on Sunday night, “The Color Purple” star pointed to a tattoo on her left bicep that spells out those words exactly: “The Truth.”
“If you are alive and God blessed you with another day to live, it is your job to tell your truth,” Henson told the crowd gathered for the American Black Film Festival’s marquee gala. “Because by you telling your truth, you set yourself free and somebody else free. When we stay quiet, nothing changes. The squeaky wheel gets fixed.”
That ideology is something Henson’s learned to keep close over the years, particularly when it comes to navigating Hollywood.
Late last year, Henson spoke her truth and sparked an important conversation about the unique challenges Black actresses face. She used her platform during “The Color Purple” press...
As she took the stage at the 2024 ABFF Honors on Sunday night, “The Color Purple” star pointed to a tattoo on her left bicep that spells out those words exactly: “The Truth.”
“If you are alive and God blessed you with another day to live, it is your job to tell your truth,” Henson told the crowd gathered for the American Black Film Festival’s marquee gala. “Because by you telling your truth, you set yourself free and somebody else free. When we stay quiet, nothing changes. The squeaky wheel gets fixed.”
That ideology is something Henson’s learned to keep close over the years, particularly when it comes to navigating Hollywood.
Late last year, Henson spoke her truth and sparked an important conversation about the unique challenges Black actresses face. She used her platform during “The Color Purple” press...
- 3/5/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The 6th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors announced today that Kelvin Harrison Jr. is the recipient of the 2024 Rising Star Award which is presented to a contemporary artist in acknowledgement of their recent success and future promise in the film and television industry. The 2024 ABFF Honors is presented by Nice Crowd and will take place on Sunday, March 3rd at the Sls hotel in Beverly Hills, hosted by actor and comedian Tommy Davidson. Guests at the intimate, non-televised dinner will include ABFF honorees and festival partners.
As previously announced, the ABFF Honors will also celebrate legendary performer Garrett Morris; Academy Award nominated, Emmy nominated and Golden Globe-winning actress Taraji P. Henson; Tony, Emmy, AFI, and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright, and groundbreaking writer and producer Mara Brock Akil. The ABFF Fan Favorite Movie of the Year will also be announced at the show. Nominees in that category include: “A Thousand and One,...
As previously announced, the ABFF Honors will also celebrate legendary performer Garrett Morris; Academy Award nominated, Emmy nominated and Golden Globe-winning actress Taraji P. Henson; Tony, Emmy, AFI, and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright, and groundbreaking writer and producer Mara Brock Akil. The ABFF Fan Favorite Movie of the Year will also be announced at the show. Nominees in that category include: “A Thousand and One,...
- 2/6/2024
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: The American Black Film Festival Honors said Tuesday that Kelvin Harrison Jr. is the recipient of its 2024 Rising Star Award, presented to a contemporary artist in acknowledgement of their success and future promise in the film and television industry.
The 2024 ABFF Honors will take place March 3 at the Sls hotel in Beverly Hills, hosted by Tommy Davidson.
As previously announced, the ABFF Honors will also celebrate Garrett Morris, Taraji P. Henson, Jeffrey Wright and Mara Brock Akil. The ABFF Fan Favorite Movie of the Year will also be announced at the ceremony among nominees A Thousand and One, directed by A.V. Rockwell; American Fiction, directed by Cord Jefferson; Origin, directed by Ava DuVernay; The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule; They Cloned Tyrone, directed by Juel Taylor; and The Equalizer 3, directed by Antoine Fuqua.
“It is amazing to see ABFF honorees,...
The 2024 ABFF Honors will take place March 3 at the Sls hotel in Beverly Hills, hosted by Tommy Davidson.
As previously announced, the ABFF Honors will also celebrate Garrett Morris, Taraji P. Henson, Jeffrey Wright and Mara Brock Akil. The ABFF Fan Favorite Movie of the Year will also be announced at the ceremony among nominees A Thousand and One, directed by A.V. Rockwell; American Fiction, directed by Cord Jefferson; Origin, directed by Ava DuVernay; The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule; They Cloned Tyrone, directed by Juel Taylor; and The Equalizer 3, directed by Antoine Fuqua.
“It is amazing to see ABFF honorees,...
- 2/6/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Watch this exclusive clip from The Tiger’s Apprentice, a heartwarming, fun, and beautifully animated film that the whole family can enjoy for the Lunar New Year.
“Based on the popular children’s book series of the same name by Laurence Yep, The Tiger’s Apprentice follows Chinese-American teenager Tom Lee (Soo Hoo), whose life changes forever when he discovers he is part of a long lineage of magical protectors known as the Guardians… In this clip, Henry Golding’s mythical tiger character meets Tom for the first time.”
Watch the trailer
Lego is celebrating 25 years of Star Wars sets in style, including a very highly-anticipated Knights of the Old Republic mini-figure.
“Today Lego confirmed the first details for a wave of special 25th anniversary Star Wars sets, due to begin releasing in March, drawing from across the Star Wars saga… Several of the kits will also include a bonus minifigure, highlighting...
“Based on the popular children’s book series of the same name by Laurence Yep, The Tiger’s Apprentice follows Chinese-American teenager Tom Lee (Soo Hoo), whose life changes forever when he discovers he is part of a long lineage of magical protectors known as the Guardians… In this clip, Henry Golding’s mythical tiger character meets Tom for the first time.”
Watch the trailer
Lego is celebrating 25 years of Star Wars sets in style, including a very highly-anticipated Knights of the Old Republic mini-figure.
“Today Lego confirmed the first details for a wave of special 25th anniversary Star Wars sets, due to begin releasing in March, drawing from across the Star Wars saga… Several of the kits will also include a bonus minifigure, highlighting...
- 1/31/2024
- by Michael Ahr
- Den of Geek
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
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
Long before the 2019 revival of "The Twilight Zone" dropped on CBS All Access, there was the 1985 revival of the same name. This version was also not quite as well-received as the original series, but it still delivered plenty for fans of the classic series to enjoy: Fun premises, spooky characters, ominous narration, and plenty of actors who'd go on to become extremely famous. Such was the case with a segment in season 1's eighth episode named "Dealer's Choice," which gives us a delightful performance from Morgan Freeman two years before his breakout role in "Street Smart."
The story centers around a group of guys playing poker, who quickly discover that the new guy at the table is actually the Devil himself, here to claim one of their souls. Going into the episode forty years later, you'd expect Freeman to be playing the Devil. He's proven by now that he's great at playing a somewhat aloof,...
The story centers around a group of guys playing poker, who quickly discover that the new guy at the table is actually the Devil himself, here to claim one of their souls. Going into the episode forty years later, you'd expect Freeman to be playing the Devil. He's proven by now that he's great at playing a somewhat aloof,...
- 1/29/2024
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Taraji P. Henson, Jeffrey Wright, Garrett Morris and Mara Brock Akil are the honorees of the 6th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors.
The annual awards ceremony recognizes excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Actor and comedian Tommy Davidson will host the gala set to take place on Sunday, March 3rd at the Sls hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.
Henson will be presented with the Excellence in the Arts Award (Female) for her body of work, which includes Empire, Hidden Figures, and The Color Purple.
Wright will receive the Excellence in the Arts Award (Male) recognizing his body of work, which includes Basquiat, Westworld and American Fiction.
Morris, an actor, comedian, writer, singer, and the first Black cast member of Saturday Night Live, will be honored with the Hollywood Legacy Award.
Screenwriter and producer Akil of Girlfriends, The Game and Being Mary Jane, will receive the Industry Visionary Award.
The annual awards ceremony recognizes excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Actor and comedian Tommy Davidson will host the gala set to take place on Sunday, March 3rd at the Sls hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.
Henson will be presented with the Excellence in the Arts Award (Female) for her body of work, which includes Empire, Hidden Figures, and The Color Purple.
Wright will receive the Excellence in the Arts Award (Male) recognizing his body of work, which includes Basquiat, Westworld and American Fiction.
Morris, an actor, comedian, writer, singer, and the first Black cast member of Saturday Night Live, will be honored with the Hollywood Legacy Award.
Screenwriter and producer Akil of Girlfriends, The Game and Being Mary Jane, will receive the Industry Visionary Award.
- 1/25/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has revealed its honorees for its annual awards ceremony: This year, Garrett Morris, Taraji P. Henson, Jeffrey Wright and Mara Brock Akil will be recipients of special awards.
Morris, actor, comedian and first Black castmember of Saturday Night Live, is receiving the Hollywood Legacy Award, which is “presented to a trailblazing artists whose work (four decades or more) has inspired generations and made an enduring contribution to film and television.” Henson, who is a Golden Globe-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress, is receiving the Excellence in the Arts Award (Female), which honors “a highly acclaimed artist in recognition of their body of work and distinguished career achievement.”
The Excellence in the Arts Award (Male) will be awarded to Wright, who is Oscar-nominated this year for his work in American Fiction. The Industry Visionary Award will be presented to screenwriter and producer Akil (Girlfriends, The Game,...
Morris, actor, comedian and first Black castmember of Saturday Night Live, is receiving the Hollywood Legacy Award, which is “presented to a trailblazing artists whose work (four decades or more) has inspired generations and made an enduring contribution to film and television.” Henson, who is a Golden Globe-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress, is receiving the Excellence in the Arts Award (Female), which honors “a highly acclaimed artist in recognition of their body of work and distinguished career achievement.”
The Excellence in the Arts Award (Male) will be awarded to Wright, who is Oscar-nominated this year for his work in American Fiction. The Industry Visionary Award will be presented to screenwriter and producer Akil (Girlfriends, The Game,...
- 1/24/2024
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Taraji P. Henson, Jeffrey Wright, Garrett Morris and Mara Brock Akil will be saluted at the sixth annual ABFF Honors, presented by Nice Crowd.
Founded in 2016, ABFF Honors is the American Black Film Festival’s awards season gala, dedicated to recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. The intimate, non-televised dinner, to be held at the Sls in Beverly Hills on March 3, will be hosted by actor and comedian Tommy Davidson.
Henson and Wright — who sat down last year for Variety’s Actors on Actors series to discuss their turns in “The Color Purple” and “American Fiction,” respectively — will receive the Excellence in the Arts awards, presented in recognition of their body of work and career achievement. News comes a day after Wright earned his first Academy Award nomination for the role, adding to a trophy case that already includes Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony awards; meanwhile, the...
Founded in 2016, ABFF Honors is the American Black Film Festival’s awards season gala, dedicated to recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. The intimate, non-televised dinner, to be held at the Sls in Beverly Hills on March 3, will be hosted by actor and comedian Tommy Davidson.
Henson and Wright — who sat down last year for Variety’s Actors on Actors series to discuss their turns in “The Color Purple” and “American Fiction,” respectively — will receive the Excellence in the Arts awards, presented in recognition of their body of work and career achievement. News comes a day after Wright earned his first Academy Award nomination for the role, adding to a trophy case that already includes Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony awards; meanwhile, the...
- 1/24/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety 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
Clockwise from bottom left: Billy Bob Thornton in Bad Santa (Miramax), Ed Asner in Elf (New Line Cinema), and Edmund Gwenn in Miracle On 34th Street (20th Century Flox)Graphic: The A.V. Club
Tis the season to talk movie Santas. With Christmas upon us, we decided to dig deep into...
Tis the season to talk movie Santas. With Christmas upon us, we decided to dig deep into...
- 12/22/2023
- by Ian Spelling
- avclub.com
Picture: Warner Bros. Television
Created by Bentley Kyle Evans and Jamie Foxx and running on The WB between 1996 and 2001, The Jamie Foxx Show is an often overlooked sitcom. It’s soon going to get its chance to shine as What’s on Netflix has learned that Netflix in the US is set to license multiple seasons of the show in 2024.
With over 100 episodes to its name, The Jamie Foxx Show featured the Hollywood superstar starring as an aspiring musician from Texas who moves to Los Angeles to make it big in the world of entertainment. While he has big ambitions, he has to scrape together an earning together while working at his family’s hotel.
Starring alongside Foxx, the series stars Garcelle Beauvais, Christopher B. Duncan, Garrett Morris, and Ellia English.
The show is available in full on Max, with all five seasons streaming in HD. That’s expected to remain the case,...
Created by Bentley Kyle Evans and Jamie Foxx and running on The WB between 1996 and 2001, The Jamie Foxx Show is an often overlooked sitcom. It’s soon going to get its chance to shine as What’s on Netflix has learned that Netflix in the US is set to license multiple seasons of the show in 2024.
With over 100 episodes to its name, The Jamie Foxx Show featured the Hollywood superstar starring as an aspiring musician from Texas who moves to Los Angeles to make it big in the world of entertainment. While he has big ambitions, he has to scrape together an earning together while working at his family’s hotel.
Starring alongside Foxx, the series stars Garcelle Beauvais, Christopher B. Duncan, Garrett Morris, and Ellia English.
The show is available in full on Max, with all five seasons streaming in HD. That’s expected to remain the case,...
- 12/18/2023
- by Kasey Moore
- Whats-on-Netflix
“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
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
Clockwise from top left: The Breakfast Club (Universal), Fast Times At Ridgemont High (Universal), Grease (Paramount), Superbad (Sony), Carrie (United Artists), Bring It On (Universal)Graphic: AVClub
Few things are more nostalgic than a high school movie to bring back all those frightful and fraught memories of cliques, crushes, mean teachers,...
Few things are more nostalgic than a high school movie to bring back all those frightful and fraught memories of cliques, crushes, mean teachers,...
- 8/14/2023
- by Stacie Hougland
- avclub.com
After 34 seasons and counting, The Simpsons embodies many things. The longest running scripted series in the history of television began as an upstart, and grew to a Methuselah, with the wisdom of a dinosaur, and the prophetic voice of Nostradamus. Every other month, some news item or deleted tweet fulfills a prediction made by The Simpsons. It appears to follow what the kids in South Park knew decades ago: whenever something unexpected happens, The Simpsons already did it. They usually know because they were expecting it, don’t underestimate the studies of the writing team.
Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. Luckily, The Simpsons is constantly being rerun somewhere, reminding us even the most current events are old news in syndication. Most of the gags which have been interpreted as predictions are cases of The Simpsons pouring commentary on existing, if little known, events.
Even the foretelling...
Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. Luckily, The Simpsons is constantly being rerun somewhere, reminding us even the most current events are old news in syndication. Most of the gags which have been interpreted as predictions are cases of The Simpsons pouring commentary on existing, if little known, events.
Even the foretelling...
- 8/13/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
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
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
Garrett Morris was a man amongst brats during the first five seasons of "Saturday Night Live." The Juilliard-trained actor was 10 years older than his Baby Boomer costars, and came from the theater instead of comedy. Though he'd written plays, he had virtually no experience penning sketches, which placed him at an immediate disadvantage; ergo, as the series' inaugural season got underway, he struggled to find screen time.
One of the biggest issues was cultural. Morris was the only Black member of the cast. He couldn't relate to his colleagues' life experiences and vice versa. But there was another significant factor: these guys could be real jerks. This was partially a toxic outgrowth of the hyper-competitive atmosphere encouraged by producer Lorne Michaels. The superstar trio of John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, and Bill Murray were known behind the scenes as "the Bully Boys." They could generate their own material, and were so explosively funny that the writers,...
One of the biggest issues was cultural. Morris was the only Black member of the cast. He couldn't relate to his colleagues' life experiences and vice versa. But there was another significant factor: these guys could be real jerks. This was partially a toxic outgrowth of the hyper-competitive atmosphere encouraged by producer Lorne Michaels. The superstar trio of John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, and Bill Murray were known behind the scenes as "the Bully Boys." They could generate their own material, and were so explosively funny that the writers,...
- 3/18/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Michael Levin, who portrayed the fiery reporter Jack Fenelli on all 13-plus years of the ABC daytime soap opera Ryan’s Hope, has died. He was 90.
Levin died Jan. 6 of natural causes at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, New York, his son Jason Levin told The Hollywood Reporter.
Levin also appeared on Broadway in 1965 in The Royal Hunt of the Sun opposite David Carradine as well as in three 1970 plays: Tennessee Williams’ Camino Real (with Al Pacino), Sam Shepard’s Operation Sidewinder (with Garrett Morris) and Bertolt Brecht’s The Good Woman of Setzuan (with Colleen Dewhurst).
Ryan’s Hope, which ran from July 1975 to January 1989, starred Helen Gallagher and Bernard Barrow as wife and husband Johnny and Maeve Ryan, who run a New York City tavern called Ryan’s across the street from a hospital.
According to IMDb, Levin appeared on 1,074 episodes of the soap, including the first one and the last one.
Levin died Jan. 6 of natural causes at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, New York, his son Jason Levin told The Hollywood Reporter.
Levin also appeared on Broadway in 1965 in The Royal Hunt of the Sun opposite David Carradine as well as in three 1970 plays: Tennessee Williams’ Camino Real (with Al Pacino), Sam Shepard’s Operation Sidewinder (with Garrett Morris) and Bertolt Brecht’s The Good Woman of Setzuan (with Colleen Dewhurst).
Ryan’s Hope, which ran from July 1975 to January 1989, starred Helen Gallagher and Bernard Barrow as wife and husband Johnny and Maeve Ryan, who run a New York City tavern called Ryan’s across the street from a hospital.
According to IMDb, Levin appeared on 1,074 episodes of the soap, including the first one and the last one.
- 1/14/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Over his decades-spanning career, Mike Myers has crafted some of comedy's most memorable characters. You might know him most fondly as the headbanging hero Wayne of "Wayne's World," whether on "Saturday Night Live" during his '89-'95 tenure or in the celebrated movie adaptations. Perhaps you recall how he dominated the late '90s as both villain and swinging protagonist in the spy-parodic "Austin Powers" movies, and the subsequent inability to walk down the street without hearing a poorly-feigned Dr. Evil impression. Maybe ogres are your bag, making Myers' turn as an unrefined Scottish mean green machine Shrek the zenith of his talents. Or perhaps the name is fairly new for emergent comedy fans, the product of stumbling upon the cult-centric laugh-fest "The Pentaverate" on Netflix. Myers' influence on comedy is well-established, but what influences the influencer?
Speaking with fellow "SNL" alum and "Documentary Now!" co-creator Fred Armisen for The Hollywood Reporter,...
Speaking with fellow "SNL" alum and "Documentary Now!" co-creator Fred Armisen for The Hollywood Reporter,...
- 1/12/2023
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
“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 48 seasons (and counting), who are “SNL’s” longest-running cast members ever? Kenan Thompson currently holds the record at a whopping 20 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 above (or click here for direct access) to see more long-time cast members.
SEE1st ‘Saturday Night Live’ guest hosts for 2023 are Aubrey Plaza, Michael B. Jordan
Kenan Thompson
20 seasons (2003-Present)
Popular characters: Diondre Cole, Steve Harvey, Darnell Hayes, Bill Cosby, Diner Lobster, Lorenzo...
Over the past 48 seasons (and counting), who are “SNL’s” longest-running cast members ever? Kenan Thompson currently holds the record at a whopping 20 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 above (or click here for direct access) to see more long-time cast members.
SEE1st ‘Saturday Night Live’ guest hosts for 2023 are Aubrey Plaza, Michael B. Jordan
Kenan Thompson
20 seasons (2003-Present)
Popular characters: Diondre Cole, Steve Harvey, Darnell Hayes, Bill Cosby, Diner Lobster, Lorenzo...
- 1/7/2023
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Six television legends will be inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame on November 16. Those chosen for the 26th ceremony are: Debbie Allen, Ken Burns, Bob Daly, Robert L. Johnson, Rita Moreno and Donald A. Morgan. In addition, actor Sean Penn will receive the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award. The event will be held in North Hollywood at the Saban Media Center.
The Hall of Fame event will take place Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the Television Academy’s Saban Media Center and includes the unveiling of new busts of previous inductees, the induction of the 2022 Hall of Fame recipients, and the presentation of the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.
Seetv Hall of Fame: Top 50 best choices who should be inducted next
The first induction was held in 1984 and it’s been an annual tradition almost every year. That class of legends consisted of actress/executive Lucille Ball, actor/comedian Milton Berle, writer Paddy Chayefsky,...
The Hall of Fame event will take place Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the Television Academy’s Saban Media Center and includes the unveiling of new busts of previous inductees, the induction of the 2022 Hall of Fame recipients, and the presentation of the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.
Seetv Hall of Fame: Top 50 best choices who should be inducted next
The first induction was held in 1984 and it’s been an annual tradition almost every year. That class of legends consisted of actress/executive Lucille Ball, actor/comedian Milton Berle, writer Paddy Chayefsky,...
- 10/25/2022
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
When “Saturday Night Live” premiered in 1975, its initial cast consisted of seven “Not Ready for Prime Time Players”: Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner. Five of these performers, whose average age was 28, were nominated for acting Emmys during their original tenures on the sketch show, and Chase and Radner pulled off one win each. Belushi was a double nominee on his first of three outings and went home with a writing award, which he shared with Aykroyd and 11 others.
Belushi earned his first of two acting nominations for SNL when he was 28 years old. He was recognized in the Best Variety/Music Supporting Actor category, which no longer exists and has essentially been absorbed by the Best Comedy Supporting Actor one. Compared to the men who had been nominated across both categories at the time, he was the third youngest of all.
Belushi earned his first of two acting nominations for SNL when he was 28 years old. He was recognized in the Best Variety/Music Supporting Actor category, which no longer exists and has essentially been absorbed by the Best Comedy Supporting Actor one. Compared to the men who had been nominated across both categories at the time, he was the third youngest of all.
- 9/7/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
When “Saturday Night Live” premiered in 1975, its initial cast consisted of seven “Not Ready for Prime Time Players”: Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner. Five of these performers, whose average age was 28, were nominated for acting Emmys during their original tenures on the sketch show, and Chase and Radner pulled off one win each. Belushi was a double nominee on his first of three outings and went home with a writing award, which he shared with Aykroyd and 11 others.
Belushi earned his first of two acting nominations for SNL when he was 28 years old. He was recognized in the Best Variety/Music Supporting Actor category, which no longer exists and has essentially been absorbed by the Best Comedy Supporting Actor one. Compared to the men who had been nominated across both categories at the time, he was the third youngest of all.
Belushi earned his first of two acting nominations for SNL when he was 28 years old. He was recognized in the Best Variety/Music Supporting Actor category, which no longer exists and has essentially been absorbed by the Best Comedy Supporting Actor one. Compared to the men who had been nominated across both categories at the time, he was the third youngest of all.
- 9/7/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
A new episode of the Best Horror Movie You Never Saw video series has just been released through the JoBlo Horror Originals YouTube channel, and in this one we’re taking a look back at writer/director Larry Cohen’s 1985 film The Stuff (watch it Here), about a delicious dessert that has a strange effect on the people who consume it. We’ve previously talked about how Cohen made the concept of a killer baby work in It’s Alive, now find out how he made the idea of deadly dessert work by checking out the video embedded above!
The Stuff has the following synopsis:
It’s smooth and creamy! It’s delicious! It isn’t filling! It’s taken the country by storm… and it kills! It’s The Stuff! The newest taste sensation is outselling ice cream two-to-one and merchants can’t keep up with the voracious demand. In...
The Stuff has the following synopsis:
It’s smooth and creamy! It’s delicious! It isn’t filling! It’s taken the country by storm… and it kills! It’s The Stuff! The newest taste sensation is outselling ice cream two-to-one and merchants can’t keep up with the voracious demand. In...
- 9/6/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Actor Paul Walker and singer Jenni Rivera will be posthumously honored with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2023, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce said Friday.
The news was revealed in a statement that announced next year’s two dozen honorees. The selectees were chosen from among hundreds of nominations and ratified by the chamber on Wednesday. Being named doesn’t automatically mean a star will be granted. Honorees have two years to take action on accepting the award, which carries a fee.
“The Selection Panel, made up of fellow Walk of Famers, hand-picks a group of honorees each year that represent various genres of the entertainment world,” chairwoman and Walk of Fame star recipient Ellen K said in a statement, “The panel thoughtfully selected these talented individuals, and we can’t wait to celebrate them as they become part of Hollywood’s history with the unveiling of their...
The news was revealed in a statement that announced next year’s two dozen honorees. The selectees were chosen from among hundreds of nominations and ratified by the chamber on Wednesday. Being named doesn’t automatically mean a star will be granted. Honorees have two years to take action on accepting the award, which carries a fee.
“The Selection Panel, made up of fellow Walk of Famers, hand-picks a group of honorees each year that represent various genres of the entertainment world,” chairwoman and Walk of Fame star recipient Ellen K said in a statement, “The panel thoughtfully selected these talented individuals, and we can’t wait to celebrate them as they become part of Hollywood’s history with the unveiling of their...
- 6/18/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Uma Thurman, Lenny Kravitz, Mindy Kaling and the Jonas Brothers are among those receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2023.
Ludacris, Bill Pullman, Thurman, Vince Vaughn and John Waters will receive stars in the motion pictures category, along with posthumous stars for Juanita Moore and Walker. In the television category, stars will be given to Jon Favreau, Kaling, Martin Lawrence, Ralph Macchio, Garrett Morris and Ellen Pompeo. The music and recording category will see the Jonas Brothers receive a collective star, alongside a posthumous star for Jenni Rivera and stars for Marc Anthony, Irving Azoff, Sheila E, Lenny Kravitz, Blake Shelton and Charlie Wilson. Lang Lang, Melba Moore, and the a cappella group Pentatonix will receive stars in the live theatre and live performance category.
The selections were announced by radio host Ellen K, the chair of the Chamber’s Walk of Fame selection panel, on Friday.
Ludacris, Bill Pullman, Thurman, Vince Vaughn and John Waters will receive stars in the motion pictures category, along with posthumous stars for Juanita Moore and Walker. In the television category, stars will be given to Jon Favreau, Kaling, Martin Lawrence, Ralph Macchio, Garrett Morris and Ellen Pompeo. The music and recording category will see the Jonas Brothers receive a collective star, alongside a posthumous star for Jenni Rivera and stars for Marc Anthony, Irving Azoff, Sheila E, Lenny Kravitz, Blake Shelton and Charlie Wilson. Lang Lang, Melba Moore, and the a cappella group Pentatonix will receive stars in the live theatre and live performance category.
The selections were announced by radio host Ellen K, the chair of the Chamber’s Walk of Fame selection panel, on Friday.
- 6/17/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Consider yourself a “Friends” or “Happy Endings” fanatic? Then “Grand Crew” is the show you need to binge-watch next.
With a bunch of 30-something friends from Los Angeles discussing the ups and downs of life and career in a local wine bar called ‘Wine Down,’ “Grand Crew’s” plot will have you rolling on the floor with laughter.
The show also touches upon some serious themes that men in America face, but it never fails to keep you laughing. It depicts how men can be dismissive of exploring or showing their vulnerabilities; be it therapy, father/son issues, or even bad breakups. Each episode deals with one issue with plenty of doses of wine and humor.
About the Makers of “Grand Crew”
This friendship comedy premiered on December 14, 2021, and is created by writer and producer Phil Augusta Jackson (who also created “Insecure” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”). Dan Goor is the executive producer.
With a bunch of 30-something friends from Los Angeles discussing the ups and downs of life and career in a local wine bar called ‘Wine Down,’ “Grand Crew’s” plot will have you rolling on the floor with laughter.
The show also touches upon some serious themes that men in America face, but it never fails to keep you laughing. It depicts how men can be dismissive of exploring or showing their vulnerabilities; be it therapy, father/son issues, or even bad breakups. Each episode deals with one issue with plenty of doses of wine and humor.
About the Makers of “Grand Crew”
This friendship comedy premiered on December 14, 2021, and is created by writer and producer Phil Augusta Jackson (who also created “Insecure” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”). Dan Goor is the executive producer.
- 6/13/2022
- by Buddy TV
- buddytv.com
Many worthy people are still waiting and waiting for their induction into the Television Academy’s TV Hall of Fame. Each year a small committee makes the selection of just a few people to be inducted. You can visit their busts, statues and tributes at the plaza in North Hollywood, California. Our photo gallery above offers up 50 individuals who easily deserve to be included, so please take a look at these choices, esteemed committee members, and let’s induct even more this year. Also, because of the overwhelming volume of excellent choices, how about raising the induction number from five to eight per year?
Seetv Hall of Fame 2020: Red carpet interviews for inductions of Seth MacFarlane, Cicely Tyson, Bob Iger, Geraldine Laybourne, Jay Sandrich
The first induction was held in 1984 and it’s been an annual tradition almost every year. That class of legends consisted of actress/executive Lucille Ball,...
Seetv Hall of Fame 2020: Red carpet interviews for inductions of Seth MacFarlane, Cicely Tyson, Bob Iger, Geraldine Laybourne, Jay Sandrich
The first induction was held in 1984 and it’s been an annual tradition almost every year. That class of legends consisted of actress/executive Lucille Ball,...
- 4/7/2022
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
The 40th anniversary screening of Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” at the upcoming TCM Film Festival will be a full-blown reunion.
The Turner Classic Movies Film Festival announced on Wednesday that actors Drew Barrymore and Henry Thomas are confirmed to appear alongside Spielberg and producer Kathleen Kennedy at the screening, which will be held on the opening night of the festival on April 21.
In keeping with this year’s festival theme “All Together Now: Back to the Big Screen,” director Michael Schultz and stars Glynn Turman, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Garrett Morris, and Steven Williams will introduce their seminal coming-of-age dramedy “Cooley High” (1975), about a group of teens in Chicago preparing for life after high school. In addition, stars Kevin Bacon, Paul Reiser, Steve Guttenberg and Tim Daly will celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Diner” (1982).
The festival runs from April 21 through April 24 in Hollywood, with TCM Primetime host Ben Mankiewicz...
The Turner Classic Movies Film Festival announced on Wednesday that actors Drew Barrymore and Henry Thomas are confirmed to appear alongside Spielberg and producer Kathleen Kennedy at the screening, which will be held on the opening night of the festival on April 21.
In keeping with this year’s festival theme “All Together Now: Back to the Big Screen,” director Michael Schultz and stars Glynn Turman, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Garrett Morris, and Steven Williams will introduce their seminal coming-of-age dramedy “Cooley High” (1975), about a group of teens in Chicago preparing for life after high school. In addition, stars Kevin Bacon, Paul Reiser, Steve Guttenberg and Tim Daly will celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Diner” (1982).
The festival runs from April 21 through April 24 in Hollywood, with TCM Primetime host Ben Mankiewicz...
- 3/23/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.