Paul Walter Hauser Wants Sam Rockwell as Lorne Michaels in Farley Biopic

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Paul Walter Hauser, who is set to play Chris Farley in an upcoming biopic, publicly expressed his desire for Sam Rockwell to take on the role of Lorne Michaels, the legendary creator of “Saturday Night Live.” During the AFI Fest premiere of “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” on October 22, Hauser pitched his casting wish in a conversation with Variety.

“I have some ideas for who to cast for Lorne,” Hauser said. “I really want Sam Rockwell to play Lorne Michaels, which I don’t think I’ve told anyone yet.” Hauser made a direct plea to Rockwell, adding, “Sam Rockwell, please play Lorne Michaels in my Chris Farley movie. You love being around me when I do my Farley impression anyway, so I’ll do Matt Foley all day for you and make you laugh. It’ll be fun.”

If Rockwell accepts the role, it would mark the second collaboration between the two actors, who previously worked together on Clint Eastwood’s 2019 drama “Richard Jewell.” Hauser spoke highly of the latest draft of the script, which was tackled by screenwriters Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. He described it as “the best” yet and mentioned that filming could start in early to mid-2026, pending the studio’s approval.

The biopic has been in development since April 2024 and is based on the New York Times best-selling biography, “The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts,” co-authored by Farley’s brother, Tom Farley Jr., and Tanner Colby. While specific plot details have not been disclosed, the film aims to share both Farley’s comedic brilliance and his larger struggles.

Chris Farley, who passed away at age 33 from a drug overdose, was a major star on “SNL” from 1990 until 1995. His performances remain beloved, and his story is one of both triumph and tragedy, making this biopic highly anticipated among fans of the late comedian.