Iconic actor and comedian Steve Martin is finally getting his own documentary after spending more than half a century in the spotlight.
The “Bowfinger,” “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” and “Only Murders in the Building” star is the subject of Oscar-winning documentarian Morgan Neville‘s latest feature, which charts Martin’s personal life to his rise on “SNL” and later, his writing, directing, and acting career.
Titled “STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces,” the film dives into Martin’s extraordinary story from two distinct points of view, with companion documentaries that feature never-before-seen footage and raw insights into Steve’s personal and professional trials and triumphs. The “Then” portion chronicles Martin’s early struggles and meteoric rise to revolutionize standup before walking away at 35. The “Now” section focuses on the present day, with Martin in the golden years of his career, teasing retirement, retracing the transformation that led to happiness in his art and personal life.
Along with Martin, his “Only Murders in the Building” co-stars Martin Short, Selena Gomez, and Tina Fey appear in the film, along with Finn Wittrock, Jerry Seinfeld, Eric Idle, and Diane Keaton.
“Steve! (martin)” is produced by A24 and Tremolo Productions, with “20 Feet from Stardom” and “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” filmmaker Neville directing and producing. Meghan Walsh and Charlise Holmes also produce, with Caitrin Rogers, Ben Cotner, and Emily Osborne serving as executive producers.
Martin addressed his retirement plans in September 2022, telling E! on the Emmys red carpet (via People) that working on “Only Murders in the Building,” publishing a book, and touring with co-star Short is what his “retirement” will look like.
Martin previously told IndieWire while on tour with longtime pal and collaborator Short in 2018 that it took him years to want to do stand-up onstage again.
“When I finished stand-up comedy in 1980, I never wanted to see a live audience again,” Martin said. “I did movies for 10 or 20 years and only occasionally would be found in front of a live audience for, you know, awards shows or charity events or something like that. And now, it’s the only place I want to be.”
He continued, “I like it because, in a way — and this is odd to say — it’s private. You’re not putting something on the internet for every troll to comment on. I think we’re sensitive. I like having the audience there — they’re predisposed to like you because they bought a ticket and predisposed to listen and not judge you every two seconds.”
“Steve! (martin)” premieres March 29 on Apple TV+. Check out the trailer below.
