EXCLUSIVE: Leander Suleiman will play comedy writer Anne Beatts in Sony Pictures’ film SNL 1975 (working title), based on real-life behind-the-scenes accounts of the opening night of Saturday Night Live, Deadline has learned.
Writing for SNL from 1975-1979, Beatts garnered an Emmy and five nominations for her work during that period. Thereafter, she created Square Pegs, the cult classic sitcom starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Amy Linker, which debuted on CBS in 1982.
As previously announced, The Fabelmans breakout Gabriel LaBelle leads the ensemble as Lorne Michaels. Others cast includes Cooper Hoffman, Rachel Sennott, Ella Hunt, Lamorne Morris, Willem Dafoe, Dylan O’Brien, Nicholas Braun, Finn Wolfhard, Kaia Gerber, Billy Bryk, Joe Chrest, and more.
It was on October 11th, 1975 that a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. SNL 1975 tells the true story of what happened that night behind the scenes in the moments leading up to the first broadcast of the late-night sketch series. The chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t, as we count down the minutes in real time to the infamous words, Live From New York, it’s Saturday Night.
Jason Reitman is directing from his script written with Gil Kenan. The duo also produce the pic, which has wrapped production, alongside Jason Blumenfeld and Peter Rice. Exec producers are Erica Mills and Joann Perritano.
Most recently, Suleiman appeared opposite Josh Duhamel in the comedic thriller, Bandit. Other credits include Marvel’s Echo, Paramount+’s The In Between opposite Joey King, and Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias where she recurs as Dr. Manal Ahmed, the show’s first hijabi character.
Suleiman is represented by Brevard Talent Group and Clear Talent Group.