What Will Happen to “SNL” When Lorne Michaels Retires? The Director of His New Doc Has Some Thoughts (Exclusive)

What Will Happen to “SNL” When Lorne Michaels Retires? The Director of His New Doc Has Some Thoughts (Exclusive) https://ift.tt/nL3wESb

“I don't know if he's ever really gonna choose to retire because he is the show and the show is him,” Morgan Neville exclusively tells PEOPLE

Lorne Michaels in 'Lorne' documentary.
Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features

NEED TO KNOW

• Director Morgan Neville exclusively reveals to PEOPLE what he thinks might happen if and when Lorne Michaels retires from Saturday Night Live
• Michaels launched SNL in 1975 and has been at the helm of the show for most of its run
• The documentary Lorne, released in cinemas on April 17, pulls back the curtain on the life of the elusive SNL creator and his journey to becoming a legend of modern comedy

Saturday Night Live creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels won't be able to run the show forever.

While speaking with PEOPLE, Morgan Neville, the director of a new documentary about the SNL creator, reflects on how the iconic sketch comedy show might fare if and when Michaels, 81, eventually retires.

“I don't know if he's ever really gonna choose to retire because he is the show and the show is him, but he's not gonna run the show for another 50 years,” Neville says. “I think he cares about the show. He wants the show to continue on into the future.”

Michaels’ Broadway Video recently launched Saturday Night Live UK, with Tina Fey serving as the show’s first host, so, Neville notes, he doesn’t seem to be slowing down at all.

Lorne Michaels in 'Lorne'
Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features

“I think he wants it to continue, but I think it's gonna have to be a couple of people to do his job,” he says of the inevitable end of Michaels' SNL run. “I don't think it's one person because I think he does so many different things.”

“Chiefly, he manages the funny people,” he continues. “It’s the managing down, the writers and the comedians, but he's also managing up. It's all the network people and the sponsors, and that is such a complex game.”

Furthermore, Neville says the “gravitas” Michaels has gained in the industry allows him to call in favors from nearly anyone. 

“Even more than that, often he won't call in the favor, but somebody calls in the favor on his behalf,” he says. “It would be, ‘Lorne would appreciate it if you would do this.’ If Lorne asks, most people say yes.”

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From left: Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins and Lorne Michaels in 'Lorne'
Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features

As for who Neville thinks might take over and run the show once Michaels finally retires? Despite rumors that Tina Fey or Seth Meyers is next in line for the job, he admits he doesn’t know if either of them would even want the gig.

“That's a tough job,” he says. “I know people always float [Fey], and I think she could do a great job. I mean, I think one thing she has, and I think Seth Meyers and other people, a few people could maybe do is they have enough of a profile to be able to defend SNL.”

Tina Fey and Seth Meyers on 'Late Night with Seth Meyers'
Credit: Lloyd Bishop/NBC via Getty Images

“Having somebody with some profile helps the show just protect itself,” he continues. ”I think there are a number of major writers and cast members who could maybe fill that role, but that's very tough shoes to fill. I don't know who wants to take that on, which is why maybe I think it's better for a couple people to take the job on.”

Lorne is currently playing in theaters. Ticket information is available on the Focus Features website.