Quick Breakdown of Who's Who (And Who's Playing Them) In 'Saturday Night'!

Saturday Night, directed by Jason Reitman, is a comedy-drama that revists the chaotic and revolutionary beginnings of one of television’s most iconic shows, "Saturday Night Live". Set in 1975, the movie captures the anxious yet hilarious lead-up to the debut of the first ever episode. Reitman captures this frenetic energy with an ensemble cast of characters and long, busy takes, where the camera sweeps rapidly through the set. Everything appears to be shot in real time, beginning an hour-and-a-half before the show airs and ending right when it does. The film’s release coincides with the 50th anniversary of "Saturday Night Live" and has been met with praise from critics and audiences alike.

The movie features a broad ensemble of characters, each of whom played a crucial role in shaping the early days of "SNL". Below is a breakdown of the key figures, their real-life counterparts, and the actors who portray them in Saturday Night.

1. Lorne Michaels

Gabriel LaBelle (The Fabelmans) portrays Michaels, the mastermind behind "SNL", with a mix of anxiety and determination, showcasing the pressures he faced as he brought together a diverse and often conflicting group of comedians and writers. After launching "SNL", Michaels became one of the most influential producers in television, continuing to helm the show and producing hit films and series throughout his career like "30 Rock" and "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon".

2. Dan Aykroyd

Portrayed by Dylan O’Brien ("Teen Wolf", The Maze Runner), Aykroyd is a crucial cast member whose eccentric characters and improvisational skills helped define "SNL"’s early comedy voice. After leaving "SNL", Aykroyd's career took off with films like The Blues Brothers and Ghostbusters, solidifying his place as one of Hollywood's most versatile comedians.

3. Chevy Chase

Cory Michael Smith (May December) takes on the role of Chase, "SNL"’s first big breakout star. Smith's portrayal captures Chase's confident and sometimes aloof demeanor, which helped make him an instant favorite as the original anchor of "Weekend Update". Chase left "SNL" after one season but went on to have a successful film career with hits like Caddyshack and National Lampoon’s Vacation.

4. John Belushi

Newcomer Matt Wood plays John Belushi, one of the most unpredictable and iconic members of the early "SNL" cast. Belushi’s wild energy and offbeat humor made him a standout, but his behind-the-scenes antics and personal struggles are also explored in the film. Post-"SNL", Belushi found success in films such as Animal House before his untimely death in 1982.

5. Gilda Radner

Ella Hunt (Horizon: An American Saga) brings to life the beloved Gilda Radner, whose vivacious comedy and physical humor made her an early star on "SNL", particularly through characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna. After leaving "SNL", she found further success in stand-up and one-woman shows. She tragically passed away from cancer in 1989.

6. Laraine Newman

Emily Fairn ("Mary & George") portrays Laraine Newman, who, along with Dan Aykroyd, was the youngest member of the original "SNL" cast. Known for her improvisational skills as one of the founder members of the iconic improv troupe The Groundlings, Laraine created many memorable characters such as Connie Conehead and a parody of Linda Blair's character from The Exorcist. After "SNL", Laraine's unique voice has led to a number of voice-acting roles in Pixar films such as WALL-E, Finding Nemo, and Inside Out. Her daughter, Hannah Einbinder, currently stars in the Emmy-winning HBO comedy "Hacks".

7. Jane Curtin

TV actress Kim Matula plays Jane Curtin, whose dry delivery and deadpan comedic style led her to being a straight-woman for much of her tenure on "SNL", including as co-anchor on "Weekend Update" for two seasons. Post-"SNL", Curtin found success in the sitcom world, starring in shows like "Kate & Allie" and "3rd Rock From The Sun".

8. Garrett Morris

Lamorne Morris ("Fargo") steps into the role of Garrett Morris, the first Black cast member on "SNL". Known for his versatility and ability to navigate racially charged material, Morris paved the way for future Black comedians on the show. After "SNL", Morris continued his acting career with roles in television shows like "2 Broke Girls".

9. Rosie Shuster

Rachel Sennott (Bottoms) plays Rosie Shuster, one of the original "SNL" writers and a close collaborator with Lorne Michaels. Shuster was instrumental in shaping many of the early sketches, though her contributions are often overlooked in comparison to the more prominent cast members. Post-"SNL", Shuster continued to write for television with projects like "The Larry Sanders Show".

10. Dick Ebersol

Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza) portrays Dick Ebersol, the NBC executive who co-created "SNL" with Lorne Michaels. While he initially worked behind the scenes, Ebersol later took over the show during Michaels’s brief hiatus in the early 1980s, helping to keep it afloat during a difficult transition period.

11. Jim Henson

Nicholas Braun ("Succession") takes on the role of Jim Henson, the famed puppeteer behind The Muppets. Henson's Muppets appeared on "SNL" in its early episodes, though they were not initially well-received. Henson would go on to redeem the muppets with "The Muppet Show".

12. Andy Kaufman

In a dual role, Nicholas Braun also portrays the comedian Andy Kaufman, who became known for his bizarre yet hysterical performances on "SNL". Kaufman’s post-"SNL" career remained unconventional, with legendary performances in comedy and on shows like "Taxi" before his death in 1984.

Saturday Night serves as a nostalgic tribute to one of television’s most significant cultural moments, but any movie-goer can find enjoyment in this expertly crafted film, in theaters now!