In an exciting development, a biopic on the legendary comedian Chris Farley is in progress, with Josh Gad stepping in to direct. Emmy, Critics’ Choice, and Golden Globe Award winner Paul Walter Hauser is set to star in the hot package currently being circulated. The project is expected to draw significant interest from potential buyers.
Adaptation of Biography
The film will be based on the best-selling biography “The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts” by Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby. SNL’s very own Lorne Michaels, who famously cast Farley on “Saturday Night Live,” is producing the biopic through his company ‘Broadway Video’.
Oscar and Emmy nominees Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber are tasked with writing the screenplay. Their notable works include “The Disaster Artist” and “Daisy Jones & the Six.”
Farley’s Legacy
Chris Farley, known for his tenure on “Saturday Night Live,” left an indelible mark on comedy. His iconic sketches, including “Lunch Lady Land” and “Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker,” are still celebrated today.
His time on SNL was considered by many to have had the best line-up in SNL history with greats like Adam Sandler, Sarah Silverman, Dana Carvey, Darrell Hammond, and even Norm Macdonald.
Farley transitioned to the big screen with hits like “Tommy Boy” and “Black Sheep,” often co-starring alongside David Spade. He met his tragic death in 1997 after a drug overdose.
SNL Tributes
Still, his work remains to be highly-celebrated – check out this clip from SNL of one of his most iconic characters “Motivational Speaker Matt Foley”. The sketch first aired in 1993, was uploaded to YouTube in 2014, and is still one of SNL’s most viewed sketches with over 60 million views.
His impact on SNL on the public and especially the cast was undeniable. Melissa McCarthy once said that she cried after meeting him and on a Hot Ones interview said that portraying the character Matt Foley for the 40th anniversary special of SNL was one of the most nervous times she’s ever been in.
Speaking of the 40th Anniversary special, Adam Sandler took out a guitar with his very own song as a tribute to the life of Chris Farley. With clips and pictures of both of them playing behind him.
Backlash For the Biopic
People on X or Twitter, had something to say about the news and are all mostly doubting the result of this movie. Some saying that Hollywood was not kind to Farley and that they should respect his memory and not use it for profit.
Chris Farley Biopic:
Bound to happen, but I’m not opposed to the idea.PWH:
Hell yeah! Perfect casting! This is going to rule!Josh Gad to Direct: https://t.co/K84mj4gJG9 pic.twitter.com/BIqyXIVj6o
— Rolo Tony (@PoorOldRoloTony) April 12, 2024
Some people were also commenting that this would be Josh Gad’s directorial debut and he might not have enough experience to retell the story of such a huge icon in comedy, preferring instead to bring Bob Odenkirk along, the one who wrote some of Farley’s most iconic characters or Adam Sandler, one of Farley’s closest friends.
Support For the Film
Emmy-winning actor, and the one who is set to portray Farley, Paul Walter Hauser said in a comment that the biopic would be,
A glory story. Not a tale from the crypt. Ready to honor Christopher.
Hauser said that portraying Farley has been at the tippy-top of his wish list for a long time now. He even submitted a pitch back in 2021 about a Chris Farley biopic which was reportedly different than the one being produced now, since it’s based on the best-selling book ‘The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in 3 Acts by Tom Farley Jr.
I wanted to do a Chris Farley movie where he’s in rehab for half of the film, and for the other half of the movie, he’s doing his SNL stuff and his movies.
Speaking of Tom Farley Jr. He was the one to confirm the news and has outright said that he is supporting the film. He says that the film has a clear vision of what to do, incredible talent, and lots of support and backing from Lorne Michaels himself.
We love ALL things comedy, and having the opportunity to learn more about this comedic icon is certainly a win in our books. For more hilarious comedians, head on over to Big Belly Comedy Club! We’ve got tons of comedy shows lined-up for you all from some of London’s finest comedians so join in on the fun!
