Key Points
- Josh O’Connor used his Saturday Night Live hosting debut to address rumors linking him to a live‑action Ratatouille film.
- The actor joked about being “publicly rejected” after Disney‑Pixar confirmed no remake is in development.
- O’Connor humorously suggested casting ideas while teasing he would “kill as Linguini.”
- The episode also featured a political cold open and a musical performance by Lily Allen with Dakota Johnson.
- SNL Season 51 will conclude with Ariana Grande and Cher, marking Cher’s first appearance since 1987.
Josh O’Connor Clears the Air — and Has Fun Doing It
Josh O’Connor made the most of his Saturday Night Live hosting debut by addressing a viral rumor head‑on. The Emmy‑winning actor, known for The Crown, Challengers, and the upcoming Knives Out sequel, opened his monologue by poking fun at speculation that he was being considered for a live‑action adaptation of Disney‑Pixar’s Ratatouille.
The rumor began after O’Connor casually mentioned in an interview that he loved the animated film — a comment that quickly spiraled into fan‑driven casting campaigns.
“Rejected From a Job I Didn’t Even Want”
O’Connor joked that he has a reputation as a “soft boy” who just wants a “quiet life,” but even innocent remarks can snowball into headlines.
“You have to be very careful about what you say,” he told the audience, noting how the press misinterpreted his admiration for the movie as a desire to play Chef Linguini.
The speculation ended when the president of Disney‑Pixar publicly confirmed that no live‑action remake is planned. O’Connor laughed off the announcement, saying, “Do you know how it feels to be publicly rejected from a job I didn’t even want?”
Still, he playfully leaned into the fantasy, suggesting actors who could portray food critic Anton Ego and teasing, “I would kill as Linguini.”
A Cold Open Packed With Satire
Earlier in the episode, James Austin Johnson returned with his signature impression of an “exhausted” Donald Trump. The sketch riffed on current headlines, including jokes about a potential Warner Bros. sale and commentary on recently surfaced Epstein photos. Johnson’s Trump dismissed the studio lot tour as unimpressive and labeled the surrounding controversies as a “fake news Democrat hoax.”
A Night of Music and Star Power
The episode also featured musical guest Lily Allen, who performed “Madeline” from her latest album. She was joined by Dakota Johnson for the duet, adding another layer of star power to the night.
O’Connor’s appearance continues a strong run for SNL’s 51st season, which has showcased a wide range of hosts and performers.
What Happens Next?
SNL will close out 2025 with a final episode featuring Ariana Grande and Cher — the latter returning to the show for the first time since 1987. With its diverse lineup and high‑profile guests, Season 51 is shaping up to be one of the show’s most eclectic in recent years.
