SNL star, John Belushi set for new biopic

[HMG] – Despite a life that flamed out before middle-age, John Belushi left quite a mark. Part of the original ‘Saturday Night Live’ cast, he went on to make college life fun in ‘Animal House,’ but died at just 33. Now, finally, his life is a film.

The drug-shortened career of the Chicago-born actor has already been told in two films, and both have been rightly forgotten. But now Steven Conrad [who wrote Will Smith's 2006 hit ' The Pursuit of Happyness,'] and Director Todd Phillips ['The Hangover'] are adapting a film from a biography by someone who really knew John – his wife, Judith Pisano.

John joined SNL for its first season in 1975, but by his thirtieth birthday in 1979 he had the #1 movie [Animal House] the #1 album [the 'Blues Brothers' soundtrack,] and was still a star on SNL – the highest-rated show on TV. So he left to make movies full-time.

John was found dead at the Chateau Marmont on Sunset Boulevard on March 5, 1982. Forensic tests proved the cause of death was a speedball — a lethal blend of cocaine and heroin, injected by his girlfriend Cathy Smith.

At the time of his death, John’s frequent SNL co-star Dan Akroyd was writing Ghostbusters, and originally wrote the Bill Murray part,  ‘Dr. Venkman’ for John. But the Reporter says it’s not known if Dan, Chevy Chase or SNL’s creator, Lorne Michaels will even be portrayed in the film.

One actor seen as a potential fit to play John is Zach Galifianakis. But he’s 40-years old. So is Jack Black, who was also considered in casting. But Jack’s made it clear he was bound to refuse:

“Watching me do an imitation of him doing his ‘Saturday Night Live’ bits won’t be as funny as watching him do his ‘SNL’ bits.” he’s told reporters previously.

Also up for the coveted role are Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen and Tyler Labine – who played Belushi already in a 2005 biopic of ‘Mork and Mindy.’  I think Artie Lange should also be considered.

The movie has no title or a date for release yet, but with John’s evergreen fan-base you can be sure we’ll be told…