The documentary 'Lorne,' which delves into the life and career of 'Saturday Night Live' creator Lorne Michaels, noticeably omits former cast member Pete Davidson. Director Morgan Neville addressed this absence, explaining that despite Davidson's significant history with Michaels, various factors contributed to his exclusion from the final cut. Neville's primary goal was to focus on Michaels' personal narrative, a task complicated by the sheer volume of valuable contributions from numerous 'SNL' alumni.
Morgan Neville, the acclaimed filmmaker behind 'Lorne,' recently shed light on why Pete Davidson, a well-known figure from 'Saturday Night Live,' was not featured in his latest documentary. Neville explained that the decision was not a reflection of Davidson's importance but rather a practical consequence of the filmmaking process. During an interview with PEOPLE, Neville mentioned that he had gathered a wealth of material from many 'SNL' veterans, making it challenging to incorporate every perspective. He stated, "I interviewed so many people for the film, and at a certain point, after I'd interviewed [John] Mulaney and he had said everything he had said, I just didn't know where we were gonna put more voices. It just felt like it was full, you know?" This highlights the "embarrassment of riches" Neville faced, with countless individuals eager to share their experiences with Michaels.
Beyond the extensive list of interviewees, Neville also noted that Pete Davidson was occupied with other commitments when production on the documentary began. This scheduling conflict made it difficult to arrange an interview that would fit into the film's timeline. The documentary features candid interviews with iconic 'SNL' personalities such as Tina Fey, Chris Rock, Jimmy Fallon, Conan O'Brien, Maya Rudolph, and Andy Samberg. Neville's intention was to distill Michaels' essence into the film, ensuring that the narrative remained centered on him rather than becoming a general history of 'SNL' or focusing on the individual stories of its cast members.
Neville reiterated his commitment to maintaining a tight focus on Michaels' journey, aiming to avoid diverting into broader 'SNL' anecdotes. He acknowledged that while there are countless stories about the show, his documentary sought to capture "what makes him tick." This approach meant that some compelling stories, like Davidson's, had to be set aside. Davidson had previously spoken about his bond with Michaels in the 2025 documentary 'SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night,' where he recounted asking Michaels to fire him after his first year, feeling he didn't belong among such talented individuals. Michaels, however, encouraged him to stay, explaining that it often takes a few years for cast members to find their footing. Davidson ultimately remained on the show for eight seasons, a testament to Michaels' guidance and belief in his potential. The documentary 'Lorne' is currently screening in theaters.