Who is who in the new movie ‘SNL 1975’
The 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live” is coming, and with it a movie about the making of the first episode of the show in October 1975. Called “SNL 1975,” and currently filming, it is being directed by Jason Reitman of “Juno” and “Up in the Air.” Reitman has also directed a pair of “Ghostbusters” movies, derived from the franchise originally directed by his father, Ivan, that starred — what! — a pair of “SNL” greats, Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray.
The cast of “SNL 1975” will play young versions of the original behind-the-scenes figures and cast. Some of the actors aren’t all that well known, such as Matt Wood, who’s playing John Belushi, Kim Matula (Jane Curtin), Ella Hunt (Gilda Radner), and Emily Fairn (Laraine Newman). But here are some of the more recognizable actors and the roles they’re playing in the movie.
Lorne Michaels: Played by Gabriel LaBelle, who broke out in 2022 playing a young Steven Spielberg in “The Fabelmans.”
Chevy Chase: Played by Cory Michael Smith, who was the Riddler on “Gotham” for five seasons, and recently appeared as Julianne Moore’s son in “May December.”
Garrett Morris: Played by Lamorne Morris (not related), who was Winston on the sitcom “New Girl.”
Dan Aykroyd: Played by Dylan O’Brien, star of TV’s “Teen Wolf ” and “The Maze Runner” movies.
Rosie Shuster, writer: Played by Rachel Sennott, who starred in “Shiva Baby” and “Bottoms,” which she co-wrote.
Dick Ebersol, NBC exec: Played by Cooper Hoffman, son of Philip Seymour Hoffman, who starred in “Licorice Pizza.”
Jim Henson, whose Muppets appeared in the first season of “SNL”: Played by Nicholas Braun, who was Cousin Greg on “Succession.”
Milton Berle, “SNL” host: Played by J.K. Simmons of “Oz” and “Whiplash,” for which he won an Oscar.
David Tebet, NBC exec: Played by Willem Dafoe, from many, many movies including “Poor Things.”
Billy Preston, first musical guest: Played by Jon Batiste, musician and former “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” bandleader, who is writing the score for “SNL 1975.”