‘SNL 1975’ film lands cast to portray Dan Akroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase and Garrett Morris
NEW YORK — “SNL 1975,” a movie about the genesis of “Saturday Night Live,” has rounded out its cast to portray the original stars of the iconic NBC sketch comedy series.
Lamorne Morris has been tapped to portray Garrett Morris, while Dylan O’Brien has landed the role of Dan Aykroyd in the Jason Reitman-helmed film. Meanwhile, Cory Michael Smith is set to play Chevy Chase and Matt Wood has been cast in the role of John Belushi.
The four funnymen were among the original cast members of the long-running Lorne Michaels-created show, which is currently celebrating its 49th season.
Following the moments leading up to the show’s October 1975 debut night, “SNL 1975” was co-written by Reitman and Gil Kenan (“Ghostbusters: Afterlife”), and based on the wide-ranging interviews with living cast, writers and crew members who were there during that time.
Ella Hunt, Emily Fairn and Kim Matula have also been cast to portray other inaugural cast members Gilda Radner, Laraine Newman, and Jane Curtin, respectively.
“The Fabelmans” actor Gabriel LaBelle was previously announced to take on the role of ringleader Michaels.
O’Brien, known for “Teen Wolf” and “The Maze Runner,” currently stars in the film “Ponyboi,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this month. Wood meanwhile served as an understudy for the original Broadway production of “SpongeBob SquarePants.”
Smith, who portrayed The Riddler on “Gotham,” has credits that include “May December” and “Carol,” while Morris recently appeared on the FX series “Fargo.”