Dan Aykroyd has officially endorsed the new film “Saturday Night.”
The actor, who was part of the original cast of “Saturday Night Live,” shared his thoughts on director Jason Reitman’s latest project via X (formerly Twitter) on Friday. The film focuses on the ninety minutes leading up to the inaugural broadcast of the sketch comedy show in 1975.
Aykroyd expressed his enthusiasm after watching the film at a local theater, stating, “Cracking a Head to applaud Jason Reitman’s triumphant SNL film. Wow! What a propulsive, engaging, funny, beautifully cast and acted, suspenseful, adventurous, music-filled ride. A perfect window into the creative process at its highest level. Pretty accurate too.”
He reminisced, “I was there that night and got to relive it wonderfully again. Congratulations Gil, Jason and Blumie. Don’t miss it whether you know the show or not. It is a stand-alone masterpiece and surefire candidate for Best Picture.”
Set on October 11, 1975, the film captures the moment SNL premiered and follows a group of energetic young comedians and writers who transformed television. The cast includes Dylan O’Brien as Aykroyd, Gabriel LaBelle as Lorne Michaels, and others portraying notable figures such as Chevy Chase and Gilda Radner.
Reitman previously mentioned that casting the role of Aykroyd was particularly challenging, describing the experience as “genuinely scary.” He highlighted that Aykroyd possessed “very unique sex appeal,” and after observing that women appreciated Dylan O’Brien, he felt confident in his casting decision.
Aykroyd also indicated his eagerness to see how the film would unfold, as he was the “only original crew member who had a chance to read the script.”
“Saturday Night” is currently showing in theaters.