AceShowbiz - Jason Reitman's new film, "Saturday Night," promises to be a thrilling ride through the tumultuous 90 minutes leading up to the iconic first episode of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) on October 11, 1975. Set to hit theaters on October 11, 2024, the film debuts as the beloved NBC show celebrates its 50th anniversary season.

The trailer has already captured the frantic atmosphere, hinting at the blend of tension and comedy that Reitman, alongside co-writer Gil Kenan, has infused into the screenplay.

Describing the movie as "a thriller-comedy, if you can call that a genre," Reitman explained to Vanity Fair that the film plays out in real time, covering the minutes before the live broadcast that forever changed television.

Reitman has assembled an impressive young cast to portray the original "SNL" alums. Gabriel LaBelle stars as the determined executive producer Lorne Michaels, who battles both unruly cast members and meddling executives to get the show off the ground.

The cast is rounded out by Dylan O'Brien as Dan Aykroyd, Lamorne Morris as Garrett Morris, Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner, and Kim Matula as Jane Curtin.

Nicholas Braun takes on the dual roles of Andy Kaufman and Jim Henson, highlighting Henson's early contributions to the show. Willem Dafoe appears as David Tebet, J.K. Simmons embodies Milton Berle, and Matthew Rhys steps into the shoes of George Carlin, the host of the premiere episode. Also worth noting is Jon Batiste, who portrays musical guest Billy Preston while also providing the film's score.

This deep dive into the chaos behind the scenes is not just star-studded but meticulously detailed. In Reitman's vision, the tension of the 90 minutes leading up to the broadcast is palpable, capturing the essence of a high-stakes, live television production. His film is poised to become a major contender in the awards circuit, backed by an engaging story and a revered filmmaker who has already garnered two Academy Award nominations for Best Director.

"Saturday Night" encapsulates the nerve-wracking excitement and raw creativity that defined the original "SNL" crew. As young people today continue to discover the enduring appeal of "SNL", this film offers a peek behind the curtain at the trials and tribulations that paved the way for five decades of groundbreaking comedy. Mark your calendars for October 11, 2024, and prepare to relive a night that transformed television history.