Rishika Shahi
Finn Wolfhard, known for his role as Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things, recently opened up about his aspirations to host Saturday Night Live (SNL) in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. As he promotes his latest film, Saturday Night, which explores the early days of the iconic sketch show, Wolfhard shares his vision for what his dream hosting gig would entail. From beloved sketches to ideal musical guests, the young actor’s passion for SNL is evident as he reflects on the show’s rich history and his desire to contribute to its legacy.
A Nostalgic Sketch: Reviving the Underground Rock Festival
When asked about a specific SNL moment he would love to recreate, Wolfhard pointed to the memorable Underground Rock Festival sketch. He described it as a hilarious concept featuring hosts Jason Sudeikis and Nasim Pedrad announcing a lineup of fictional bands.
“I thought it was so funny because it’s just an excuse to basically name a bunch of random bands,” he remarked, highlighting his appreciation for the show’s unique humor and creativity.
Dream Musical Guests: A Nod to Indie Rock
In addition to sketch ideas, Wolfhard expressed excitement about potential musical guests if he were to host SNL. He mentioned that having an indie rock band or a ’90s alt band would be a thrilling choice, reflecting his personal taste in music. “I think that’d be cool,” he said, emphasizing how music plays an integral role in the SNL experience.
Wolfhard’s involvement in Saturday Night, directed by Jason Reitman, adds depth to his connection with SNL. In the film, which depicts the chaotic moments leading up to the show’s first live broadcast in 1975, he plays an NBC page. “I was lucky enough to be a part of that film and play an NBC page,” he shared, expressing pride in being part of such a significant project that celebrates the history of television comedy.
His Latest project
Jason Reitman is the director of Wolfhard’s most recent film, which is set ninety minutes prior to Saturday Night Live’s debut on October 11, 1975. A plot synopsis for the movie states, “Filled with humor, chaos, and the magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t, we count down the minutes in real time until we hear those famous words.”
Lamorne Morris plays Garrett Morris, Dylan O’Brien plays Dan Aykroyd, Cory Michael Smith plays Chevy Chase, and Gabriel LaBelle plays SNL creator Lorne Michaels. Matt Wood as John Belushi, Emily Fairn as Laraine Newman, Kim Matula as Jane Curtin, and Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner make up the primary cast.
Apart from the cast of Saturday Night Live, the film features notable actors and actresses, including Willem Dafoe as David Tebet, J.K. Simmons as Milton Berle, Rachel Sennott as Rosie Shuster, Kaia Gerber as Jacqueline Carlin, the late Philip Seymour Hoffman’s son Cooper Hoffman as Dick Ebersol, Jon Batiste as musician Billy Preston, and Nicholas Podany as Billy Crystal
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