Saturday Night Live, better known as SNL, is not only one of the longest-running but also one of the most beloved live sketch comedy shows of all time. It has been almost half a century since the first episode of the show aired on NBC. Keeping up with the changing times seems to be what has ensured its longevity throughout the years.
Considering how legendary the show is, it is only fair that a documentary is now going to recount the story of how it all began before it came to be what it is today. This documentary titled Saturday Night, a homage to the show’s initial name, is directed by Jason Reitman, who found casting one particular actor quite tricky to cast.
Saturday Night Director Revealed the One Actor He Struggled with Casting
Saturday Night Live usually begins with a celebrity host delivering the opening monologue. Then, this celebrity performs with the show’s cast members in the sketch. These sketches are usually short comedy segments that parody various aspects of pop culture, politics, and everyday life. It is their sharp humor and ability to comment on topical issues that have resulted in the kind of success this show enjoys.
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The late-night show was created and produced by Lorne Michaels, who also produced the Late Night series and The Tonight Show. He parted ways with SNL in 1980 only to return in 1985 and he continues to do it even today. He was the one who assembled the initial cast which featured Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, and several others.
Jason Reitman, the director of the documentary Saturday Night, recently revealed to CBR which of the actors was the hardest to cast.
The role of Dan Aykroyd was the trickiest to cast. It was very funny to me, of course, because I had just directed Dan Aykroyd in Ghostbusters, and now I was casting someone as Dan Aykroyd in this film. I know Dan very well, I feel like I can write Dan’s voice really well, and we were having a very hard time finding an Aykroyd, and then Dylan O’Brien walked in and just nailed it.
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Reitman further said that Aykroyd has not seen the movie yet, but he has read the script. They have discussed it quite a bit and the director is hoping that the Chaplin actor will be impressed with what is in store for him in the film, especially with Dylan O’Brien starring as him.
Jason Reitman Claimed That the Overall Casting Process Was Difficult
This movie is unlike others in the fact that there are not just a couple of lead characters whose arcs to deal with. There are quite a few bit characters and all of their arcs need to be paid off. Not to mention that many small characters are well-known celebrities in real life.
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When asked if it was his most difficult project to cast, Reitman confirmed that it was. He also explained the reason behind this, saying:
[You have] all these known quantities, and every character gets an arc. Most movies, you have three, four characters who have an arc. Everybody has an arc in this film. Every bit character gets paid off, and we have a relationship with Jim Henson, Billy Crystal, Andy Kaufman, Billy Preston, and not to mention the stars of Saturday Night Live.
Interestingly, this movie will see Nicholas Braun in the roles of two celebrities- Jim Henson and Andy Kaufman. The Academy Award-nominated filmmaker said that Braun seemed to be suitable for both characters and they did not see the harm in doing so because even in SNL, one actor plays multiple characters.
Saturday Night is now in select theatres.
Frequently asked questions
Which SNL role was the trickiest to cast in the Saturday Night film?
According to the article, director Jason Reitman told CBR that Dan Aykroyd was the trickiest role to cast in his film Saturday Night. Reitman said, “The role of Dan Aykroyd was the trickiest to cast,” adding that Dylan O’Brien “walked in and just nailed it.” O’Brien ultimately played Aykroyd in the ensemble drama, which Reitman noted was especially fitting since he had just directed the real Aykroyd in Ghostbusters.
What is the movie Saturday Night about, and who directed it?
Saturday Night is a film directed by Jason Reitman that takes its title from the original on-air name of Saturday Night Live, the long-running NBC sketch comedy show created and produced by Lorne Michaels. The article reports that it dramatizes the launch of the show, featuring portrayals of original cast members such as Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, and Garrett Morris.
Has Dan Aykroyd seen the Saturday Night film about his casting?
The article reports that Dan Aykroyd had read the script but had not yet watched the finished film. Director Jason Reitman said he hoped Aykroyd would appreciate Dylan O’Brien’s portrayal of him once he sees it. The piece notes the movie was showing in select theaters at the time of publication.
