Jason Reitman has abruptly exited Apple TV+’s adaptation of “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” starring Jennifer Aniston, just days before cameras were set to roll, leaving the high-profile limited series in limbo and Apple executives scrambling to find a last-minute replacement.
Reitman, fresh off the mixed reception to his SNL origin story “Saturday Night”, had been working behind the scenes for weeks, developing the tone and structure of the project.
Though never officially announced, he was widely considered the creative engine behind the series, based on Jennette McCurdy’s memoir about growing up as a child star under the thumb of an abusive stage mother.
Puck’s sources say Reitman’s departure stemmed from mounting “creative clashes” with McCurdy, who is serving as showrunner alongside Ari Katcher. Reitman reportedly saw the material through a more comedic lens, while McCurdy leaned into the raw emotion that defined her bestselling book. Tensions culminated during a contentious casting session that insiders described as uncomfortable and even “disrespectful” toward Reitman. Within days, he walked.
The loss is a significant blow to a project already under pressure. Aniston, who’s attached as the lead, has limited availability, and Apple has given producers a tight window — no more than two weeks — to secure a new director with comparable clout. If not, the project could be suspended indefinitely.
Once a critical darling off the back of “Juno” and “Up in the Air,” Reitman’s recent efforts have struggled to land. “Saturday Night,” which chronicled the chaotic early days of SNL, premiered to mixed reviews and muted awards chatter.
Whether “I’m Glad My Mom Died” finds its footing without Reitman remains to be seen. As for his next move, and whether he pivots back to film, that remains just as much of a question mark.