Walton Goggins hosts penultimate 'SNL' episode with Cecily Strong comeback and Arcade Fire performance
Walton Goggins took the stage at Studio 8H for his first Saturday Night Live hosting gig on 10 May, as the show approached the finale of its landmark 50th season.
Known for his roles in The White Lotus, The Righteous Gemstones, and Fallout, Goggins embraced the comedy sketch format with character-driven performances and a few personal nods, including a dance tribute to his mother in the audience.
Cecily Strong made a surprise appearance, reprising her popular impression of Fox News host Jeanine Pirro during the cold open, which also featured James Austin Johnson's satirical take on Donald Trump. Weekend Update continued its sharp commentary, with Colin Jost and Michael Che addressing political headlines, including Trump-related developments and upcoming tariffs.
Arcade Fire returned as the musical guest, marking their sixth appearance. They performed 'Pink Elephant,' the title track of their latest album. Their longstanding connection with SNL was highlighted through archival nods and references to past collaborations, including their memorable 2013 sketch with Tina Fey.
The evening's sketches included a satirical look at the Second Amendment's origin, a surreal Cinderella parody in "Baby Shoes," and a service dog theatre audience scenario that struggled for laughs. Goggins leaned into his Southern Gothic flair, especially in roles reminiscent of his HBO characters.
SNL veteran Patrick Weathers provided commentary throughout, praising standout cast members and speculating on Colin Jost's potential departure. With just one episode left this season, viewers were left wondering if more cast exits are imminent.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
19 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Trump-inspired Cantonese opera in Hong Kong aims to bring love and peace
HONG KONG: In a Cantonese opera inspired by U.S. President Donald Trump, a Chinese actor donning a blond wig spars on a Hong Kong stage with a man playing a double of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy - ridiculing his outfit and firing a water gun at him. The sold-out show, 'Trump, The Twins President', was performed in the territory's Xiqu Theatre as Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a one-hour-long call on Thursday. Written by Edward Li, a Feng Shui master-turned-Cantonese opera playwright, the comedy made its Hong Kong debut in 2019. The three-and-a-half hour show has been through several iterations since with the latest version featuring Trump's attempted assassination and his quarrel with Zelenskiy in the White House. Cantonese opera is a centuries-old Chinese art form blending singing, acting, martial arts, and elaborate costumes, and is traditionally performed during special occasions. Li's latest production begins with a dream by Trump's daughter, Ivanka, where her father has a twin brother named Chuan Pu, living in China. When Trump is kidnapped by aliens from Mars, Ivanka asks Chuan to pretend to be Trump for a day. In another act, Trump has a dramatic fight with Zelenskiyy's presidential double over his clothing in the White House, and shoots him with a water gun from Chinese online shopping site Taobao while Zelenskiy pretends to have been shot. The actors perform against a backdrop of photos from the actual events. Li said he chose Trump as the main character because his tariffs and policies had affected everyone's daily life. 'I think this opera is quite a special medicine for the whole world,' Li said. 'If people see this opera they will feel very happy because they think of love and peace.' Cantonese opera actor Lung Koon-tin, who portrayed Trump, said the U.S. president was unique. 'He increased tariffs and made the whole world speak out.' What to watch this June: 'Titan: The OceanGate Disaster' Lung said China and the U.S. should be good friends. 'We are Chinese and he is American, but friendship always lives long. That's why we talk about Sino–U.S. friendship in the play.' The audience erupted in laughter throughout the performance, breaking into enthusiastic applause at the end. Many of them were younger people, including 28-year-old Thomas Lo. He said that modern youth often felt disconnected from traditional Cantonese opera but the Trump-themed show, infused with contemporary events, offered a refreshing twist. 'It's fun and really something special,' Lo said.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood address feud rumours after 'The White Lotus' season 3
After The White Lotus Season 3 wrapped up, rumours of a feud between Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood began circulating. Fans noticed the two stars, who played Rick and Chelsea, weren't following each other on Instagram, leading to speculation about tension between the co-stars. In a joint interview with Variety, both actors addressed the rumours head-on, clarifying there was no bad blood between them. Goggins became emotional as he expressed his deep admiration for Wood, stating, "There is no feud. I adore, I love this woman madly, and she is so important to me." Wood echoed similar sentiments, dismissing the social media focus as "irrelevant." The Instagram unfollow, Goggins explained, was part of his emotional process after filming. "I needed to begin to process saying goodbye to Rick and Chelsea," he said, revealing he needed some space after wrapping the show. Wood supported his decision, saying she understood completely. Both actors laughed off the feud rumours, with Goggins even re-following Wood on Instagram during the interview. "It's all so ridiculous," he added, emphasising their enduring friendship. They also shared a bittersweet moment, recalling a tender love scene between their characters that was cut from the final edit. Despite the rumours, it's clear that Goggins and Wood share a lasting bond, both on-screen and off, proving the reports of a feud were much ado about nothing.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Express Tribune
50 Cent uses Diddy's anti-Trump video to block possible pardon
Rapper 50 Cent is actively working to block fellow hip-hop mogul Diddy from receiving a potential presidential pardon from Donald Trump. On June 2, 50 Cent posted a resurfaced video from 2020 that shows Diddy fiercely criticizing Trump, warning of a 'race war' if he were reelected. The footage, originally aired on Diddy's own Revolt News network, features him stating, 'If Trump gets elected, I really do believe there'll be a race war... White men like Trump need to be banished.' 50 Cent shared the video on Instagram shortly after Trump revealed he might consider granting a pardon to Diddy. Speaking to reporters on May 30, Trump said he had not yet received a formal request but would evaluate it if one came. He also acknowledged the pair's strained relationship, stating, 'He used to really like me a lot... I'd read some nasty statements he made.' Diddy is currently facing multiple felony charges in New York federal court, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. The legal pressure has raised speculation about whether he might seek presidential clemency—something Trump has extended to rappers like Lil Wayne and Kodak Black in the past. 50 Cent, who has a long-running feud with Diddy, made it clear he won't let that happen. In a prior post, he warned Trump: 'He's gonna ask you for a pardon, don't do it. He said things about you.' This latest move intensifies the personal and political rivalry between two of hip hop's most powerful figures, turning their feud into a battle over justice and influence.
