Paul Mescal, the star of the upcoming “Gladiator II,” made his debut as host of “Saturday Night Live” during its 50th season, showcasing a mix of humor and self-awareness. Dressed in all black and sporting a mustache, Mescal opened the show by expressing his admiration for SNL’s historic legacy, stating, “I’m Paul Mescal and it is great to be here. I’ve always loved SNL.”
Hailing from Maynooth, Ireland, Mescal humorously reflected on his journey to the iconic studio, admitting he never expected to reach such heights, especially in comedy. Alongside his performances in dramas like Hulu’s “Normal People,” Mescal claimed he has delivered humorous moments throughout his career. Clips from his dramatic roles played, eliciting laughter from the audience.
With his trademark smile, Mescal remarked, “I think it’s clear I’m not afraid to do emotional scenes, or nude scenes, or nude emotional scenes.” He humorously noted his transition to action in “Gladiator II” and teased the audience with a clip of his emotional scene in the upcoming film.
In his monologue, Mescal also took a lighthearted jab at several Irish stereotypes. He dispelled myths about Irish people and humorously commented on the Irish experience with British people, stating, “we just don’t consider them people.” He also addressed misconceptions about the Irish national attire, quipping, “No, that’s the Scottish. Traditionally, the Irish wear short shorts.”
Mescal acknowledged the cliché of the “luck of the Irish,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity to host SNL, stating, “I do feel very, very lucky to be here.”
He kicked off the episode with a comedic skit featuring a musical version of “Gladiator II,” where he sang about being a misunderstood killing machine. The episode also featured Grammy-nominated artist Shaboozey as the musical guest.
In a world often overshadowed by negativity, Mescal’s lighthearted and self-deprecating humor serves as a reminder to embrace opportunities and the joy of laughter. His unique take on Irish culture and his debut hosting gig resonate with many, signaling a promising future in comedy for the talented actor.
This episode not only showcased Mescal’s potential in comedy but also reminded viewers of the power of humor in bridging cultural divides.