Saturday Night (2024) Movie: Complete Cast List and Details

The biographical comedy-drama, Saturday Night, premiered in theaters on September 27, 2024, with producers including Jason Blumenfeld, Peter Rice, Jason Reitman, and Gil Kenan.

This captivating film explores the tumultuous and entertaining moments that unfolded in the 90 minutes leading up to the very first episode of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, which aired on October 11, 1975. Released on the 49th anniversary of this groundbreaking event, the movie intricately portrays its significant impact on the landscape of television comedy.

According to the synopsis provided by Rotten Tomatoes:

“At 11:30 PM on October 11, 1975, a dynamic group of young comedians and writers transformed television and culture forever.”

The synopsis goes on to elaborate:

“Saturday Night recounts the true story of the chaotic preparation that preceded the inaugural broadcast of Saturday Night Live. Overflowing with humor and the transformative essence of a revolution that almost didn’t happen, we experience the countdown to hear those iconic words…”

Stellar Cast of Saturday Night

1) Gabriel LaBelle as Lorne Michaels

Gabriel LaBelle portrays the creator of SNL (Image courtesy of X/@Saturday Night Movie)

In this film, Gabriel LaBelle takes on the role of Lorne Michaels, the legendary showrunner and producer behind SNL.

Gabriel gained significant attention for his performance as Sammy Fabelman, a character inspired by Steven Spielberg’s early life, in the semi-autobiographical film The Fabelmans. He has also appeared as young Julian Kaye in the series American Gigolo.

2) Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase

Cory Michael Smith featured in an Instagram photo from 2024 (Image via Instagram/@corymichaelsmith)

The role of Chevy Chase, the inaugural anchor of the iconic ‘Weekend Update’ segment, is fantastically portrayed by Cory Michael Smith. Chase’s comedic prowess earned him two Emmy awards for his work on the show. He left SNL at the beginning of the second season and subsequently starred in several notable comedies throughout the 1980s.

Cory’s television credits include playing Edward Nygma/The Riddler in Gotham, Dr. Kevin Coulson in Olive Kitteridge, and roles in Utopia and Transatlantic. His filmography boasts titles like Carol, First Man, Wonderstruck, 1985, and May December.

3) Matt Wood as John Belushi

Matt Wood embodies the incomparable comedian John Belushi in Saturday Night, who was famous for roles like Jake Blues, Pete Dionisopoulos, Samurai Futaba, Henry Kissinger, and James T. Kirk during his celebrated time on the show.

An accomplished stage actor, Matt has also landed roles in television series such as Officer Kenneth Parker in Law & Order: SVU, Dan in The Michael J. Fox Show, and Justin in Instinct. He has appeared in the film Sunset Park as Rocco Lombardi.

4) Rachel Sennott as Rosie Shuster

Rachel Sennott portrays Rosie Shuster, a member of the original writing staff for SNL, who married Lorne Michaels during the show’s launch in 1975.

Her film credits include Shiva Baby, Bodies Bodies Bodies, and I Used to Be Funny. Additionally, she has made appearances on television in Call Your Mother, The Idol, and Ayo and Rachel Are Single.

5) Matthew Rhys as George Carlin

Matthew Rhys as comedian George Carlin in Saturday Night (Image via Instagram/@satnightmovie)

Welsh actor Matthew Rhys portrays George Carlin, who was SNL’s inaugural host. Notably, Carlin did not participate in any sketches during the episode, opting instead for stand-up performances throughout the night.

Rhys is acclaimed for his starring role in the spy drama The Americans alongside Keri Russell. His other celebrated performances span shows like Brothers & Sisters, Perry Mason, and Girls. Additionally, he has acted in films such as Cocaine Bear, Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, The Post, and The Edge of Love.

6) Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd

Dylan O’Brien steps into the role of Dan Aykroyd, a cast member who contributed to SNL for four seasons from 1975 to 1979. His unforgettable impressions of Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, and Julia Child remain iconic. Aykroyd also created popular recurring sketches like the Blues Brothers and the Coneheads.

Among Dylan’s notable works are Stiles Stilinski from Teen Wolf, Thomas from the Maze Runner series, Caleb Holloway in Deepwater Horizon, Mitch Rapp in American Assassin, and Joel Dawson in Love and Monsters.

Other notable cast members include: