‘Lorne’ Trailer: ‘SNL’ Creator Dodges Retirement Question and Sits Down for Rare Interview in Documentary

Focus Features has released the first trailer for “Lorne,” a documentary chronicling the life and career of Lorne Michaels, the architect of “Saturday Night Live.” The film is set to open exclusively in theaters on April 17.

Directed by Academy Award winner Morgan Neville, the documentary is described as an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes portrait of the producer who built one of television’s most influential comedy institutions. Neville previously helmed the Oscar-winning “20 Feet from Stardom” and the acclaimed “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” both of which explored the lives of creative figures and the cultural impact of their work.

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“Lorne” traces Michaels’ journey from a young Canadian writer to the force behind “Saturday Night Live,” the late-night sketch show that has shaped American comedy and pop culture for more than five decades. The film draws on exclusive archival material, candid interviews, and rare, behind-the-scenes insights into Michaels’ creative process. While dramatizations of” SNL’s” early days have been explored in projects like the 2024 film “Saturday Night,” this documentary offers direct access to Michaels’ story, his perspectives and his reflections in his own words.

Among those appearing in the film are Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, John Mulaney, Andy Samberg, Conan O’Brien and Chris Rock, among others, highlighting Michaels’ enduring influence on multiple generations of performers. In the trailer, Steve Martin asks Michaels about retirement, but the “SNL” creator dodges the question. Since “SNL50” last year, many fans have wondered when Michaels will step down, but the trailer gives no hints about the future of the show.

Watch the trailer below.