A Chris Farley Story: Laughing Through the Pain

Production Details

Title: A Chris Farley Story

Format: Feature Film

Production Begins: Q1 2026

Filming Dates: aka “THE CHRIS FARLEY SHOW”

Producer: Lorne Michaels, Erin David

Writer: Scott Neustadter, Michael H. Weber

Director: Josh Gad

Cast: Paul Walter Hauser

Synopsis: The biopic would tell the story of one of the great comedians of his generation. Getting his start in the heyday of Saturday Night Live where Chris Farley would join an all-time ensemble of SNL greats that would include Adam Sandler, David Spade, Phil Hartman and Rob Schneider. From the start, Farley stood out with his great amazing physical comedy delivering iconic sketches like his “Van Down By The River’ performance or trying out as a Chip N Dales dancer with Patrick Swayze that live in SNL lore. His success on the show would translate over to the big screen where he would soon join the A-list of 90s comedians with hit films such as Tommy Boy, Black Sheep and Beverly Hills Ninja. Tragically, after being sober for three years, he would relapse and fall back in to drugs and alcohol, passing away from an overdose in 1997. His death shook not just the industry but all lovers of film and comedy and immediately drew comparisons to fellow SNL alum John Belushi, who also died way to young in his own life.

Production Companies

Company name:
Broadway Video, INC
9401 Wilshire Blvd Suite 800
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
1619 Broadway 4th Floor
New York, NY 10012
info@broadwayvideo.com
Phone: 310-746-0300 – 212-265-7600

Company name:
New Line Cinema
4000 Warner Blvd Building 76
Los Angeles, CA 91522
dave.neustadter@newline.com
Phone: 818-977-6400

*This production is not yet released.

About A Chris Farley Story

This biopic explores the life of Chris Farley, a prominent figure in comedy known for his work on Saturday Night Live. Joining an ensemble cast that included Adam Sandler and David Spade, Farley quickly made a name for himself with his unique style of physical comedy, highlighted by memorable sketches such as “Van Down By The River.” Transitioning from television to film, Farley starred in popular movies of the 90s, including Tommy Boy and Black Sheep. His sudden passing in 1997 due to a drug overdose left a significant impact on the comedy world and drew parallels to other renowned comedians who faced similar struggles. The film reflects on his brief but impactful career and the legacy he left behind.