Ahead of its 50th season, the creator of “Saturday Night Live,” Lorne Michaels, discussed how they plan to portray Donald Trump in future episodes. In an interview with cast members Michael Che and Colin Jost, Michaels stated that they would need to “reinvent” their Trump impression. He praised James Austin Johnson’s portrayal of a diminished Trump but acknowledged the need for a new approach after the recent debate.
Over the years, various performers have taken on the role of Trump on SNL, most notably Alec Baldwin. However, comedian James Austin Johnson has recently tackled the character in sketches. Michaels emphasized that show business requires constant evolution and reinvention. Characters must be reexamined to ensure relevance and avoid pandering to specific values.
In addition to introducing a new version of Trump, season 50 will also feature beloved SNL alumni returning to celebrate the milestone. Michaels expressed his desire for former cast members who love the show to make appearances throughout the season rather than just hosting episodes. The upcoming election provides an opportunity for these appearances as there will be multiple shows dedicated to it.
While Michaels did not reveal all of the returning stars, it has been confirmed that Maya Rudolph will reprise her role as Kamala Harris during this election season.
As SNL approaches its 50th season, fans can expect fresh takes on familiar characters like Donald Trump while also enjoying appearances from beloved former cast members like Maya Rudolph. The show continues its tradition of evolving with current events and providing comedic commentary on politics and pop culture.