Director Morgan Neville Explains Pete Davidson’s Absence from Lorne Michaels Documentary Due to Scheduling and Focus

In the new documentary ‘Lorne,’ director Morgan Neville provides an intimate look into the life and career of Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels. During an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Neville explained why former SNL cast member Pete Davidson does not appear in the film. Davidson, who served on the show from 2014 to 2022 and has publicly described Michaels as a mentor and father figure, was unavailable due to scheduling conflicts when filming began. However, the primary reason was the overwhelming amount of material gathered from other interviewees. Neville noted that after speaking with stars like John Mulaney, Tina Fey, Andy Samberg, Conan O’Brien, and Chris Rock, the film felt complete. He described the process as an ’embarrassment of riches,’ with so many compelling stories from SNL alumni that it became challenging to include additional voices without losing focus. Neville emphasized his goal was to distill the essence of Michaels himself rather than shift attention to the personal anecdotes of the celebrities in his orbit. For instance, the documentary includes Mulaney’s heartfelt account of Michaels supporting him during his 2020 rehab stay. Released on April 17, 2026, ‘Lorne’ aims to pull back the curtain on the elusive producer’s journey to becoming a comedy legend. Neville prioritized keeping the narrative centered on Michaels to avoid turning the project into a broader history of SNL, which has inspired numerous books and extensive coverage. The film is currently playing in theaters, offering fans a rare glimpse behind the scenes of one of television’s most influential figures.