Ella Hunt Embodies Gilda Radner's Spirit for "SNL 1975

Ella Hunt has delved deep into the persona of the late Gilda Radner, meticulously studying the comedian's iconic performances for her upcoming role in "SNL 1975." Hunt shares her preparation process, revealing how she spent months emulating Radner's mannerisms and engaging in conversations with the comic's former friends.

Ella Hunt's portrayal of Gilda Radner in the forthcoming film "SNL 1975" is a testament to her dedication and admiration for the comedy legend. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Hunt reveals the meticulous preparation she undertook to capture Radner's essence, which included countless hours of studying her performances and engaging in conversations with her friends.

Ella Hunt Embodies Gilda Radner's Spirit for "SNL 1975

"I honestly just had a wonderful four months, sat at home with my cats watching funny videos of Gilda and trying to copy her, channel some of the spirit," Hunt explains. "I had wonderful conversations with friends of hers, and just tried to get silly."

Hunt's goal was to convey the spirit of Radner's unforgettable characters, such as Roseanne Roseannadanna, Lisa Loopner, and Baba Wawa. Radner's sharp wit and ability to create memorable characters left an enduring mark on the comedy landscape.

Ella Hunt Embodies Gilda Radner's Spirit for "SNL 1975

The film, directed by Jason Reitman, chronicles the historic premiere episode of "Saturday Night Live" on October 11, 1975. Hunt joins a cast of up-and-coming actors and established stars who recreate the iconic night.

Dylan O'Brien portrays Dan Akroyd, Lamorne Morris plays Garrett Morris, Cory Michael Smith embodies Chevy Chase, Kim Matula takes on Jane Curtin, and Broadway star Matt Wood portrays John Belushi. Kaia Gerber plays Jacqueline Carlin, Chevy Chase's ex-wife, while Cooper Hoffman, son of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, portrays NBC executive Dick Ebersol.

Ella Hunt Embodies Gilda Radner's Spirit for "SNL 1975

Hunt's preparation process extended beyond studying Radner's comedy. She also played Juliette Chesney in Kevin Costner's epic Western "Horizon," a role that required her to delve into the diaries of women traveling west in the pre- and post-Civil War era.

"I had a lovely time reading the diaries of women traveling west on the Oregon trail... Their voices are strangely familiar," Hunt says. "Their journeys are extraordinary. It's just so fascinating to me to hear about the boredom of the journey and the struggle."

Ella Hunt Embodies Gilda Radner's Spirit for "SNL 1975

Hunt's dedication to her craft is evident in both her portrayal of Juliette Chesney and her upcoming performance as Gilda Radner. She worked closely with Costner to develop her character in "Horizon," and she spent countless hours studying Radner's performances and engaging with her friends to embody the comedian's spirit in "SNL 1975."

"It just meant so much to me to get to play a character like her and to get to build her with Kevin [Costner]," Hunt confides. "The other thing I did was just try to map out, with Kevin, Juliette's journey, because she does evolve pretty drastically over the course of movie one and movie two, and especially across the second film."

Ella Hunt Embodies Gilda Radner's Spirit for "SNL 1975

Hunt's meticulous preparation is a testament to her respect for the late comedy legend and her determination to honor Radner's memory. "SNL 1975" is set to release in the near future, promising to be a captivating celebration of the groundbreaking comedy show and the unforgettable Gilda Radner.