Live from New York…
Famous original “Saturday Night Live” cast member Dan Aykroyd has revealed what he thinks about the “Saturday Night” movie and rumors that Lorne Michaels will be retiring.
Speaking to The Post about his History Channel show “The Unbelievable with Dan Aykroyd” (returning Friday, Nov. 15 at 9 p.m.), the “Ghostbusters” star said of Michaels possibly retiring, “Not that It’s happening. Lorne’s not retiring. He’s got the biggest gig in New York City. And he’s got a job that makes him laugh every day. So why would he want to leave her?”
Michaels, 79, has led “Saturday Night Live” for fifty years, since the inaugural season in 1975, which also included Aykroyd, 72.
Although Michaels has not officially announced retirement plans told Gayle King On “CBS Mornings” in 2021, he said he was “committed to getting the show to its 50th anniversary, which is in three years… I want to see it done, and I think it’s really It’s going to be a great time off.”
The current season is the historic 50th season. There is speculation that Tina Fey may replace her.
“Weekend Update” hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che were recently asked if they would step into the role, and they declined.
“He is completely capable,” Aykroyd told The Post.
He said that without Michaels, the show “wouldn’t have his sensibility. And a significant part of what drives its success is his intelligence and ability to select guests and scenes musically and to do the best his writers could.” He has skill in casting and applying.
Aykroyd said that in theory, there are other people who might be able to take over the show “but it’s not Lorne, and he’s not going to. He loves it. He’s the only person who can do it.” Could, really…it’s his life.”
Aykroyd’s time on “SNL” was also recently dramatized in the 2024 film “Saturday Night,” which is about the events leading up to the show’s inaugural broadcast.
In the film, Dylan O’Brien (“Teen Wolf”) plays Aykroyd.
Of the film, Aykroyd said, “I thought it was like a suspense thriller, and the cast played it beautifully. Honestly, I think it’s a masterpiece. I think it could be best picture (at the Oscars).”
He further added, “Since I was there that night, the portrayal of some of the characters was spot on. And, the tension of whether we are going to broadcast it or not is depicted expertly. I liked it a lot.”
