Paul Mescal, the rising star from the upcoming “Gladiator II,” made an impressive hosting debut on the iconic 50th season of “Saturday Night Live.” Dressed in all black and sporting a mustache, Mescal took the stage at Studio 8H with enthusiasm, expressing his excitement to be part of such a historic show he has always admired.
Originating from Maynooth, Ireland, Mescal humorously reflected on his unexpected journey to hosting SNL, remarking, “Growing up back home I never expected to be here.” He played on the contrast between his dramatic acting background and his new comedic role, stating, “I’m not really known for comedy, which is funny to me because I think I’ve given a lot of really funny performances.” Clips from his notable work in “Normal People” sparked laughter, showcasing his range beyond dramatic scenes.
Mescal went on to embrace his Irish heritage, addressing both proud moments and stereotypes. He candidly commented on the history of the Irish and shared a lighthearted take on the misconception that all Irish people have relationships with their cousins, jokingly clarifying, “We have sex with our second cousins.” He also tackled the narrative of animosity towards British people with humor, suggesting, “We just don’t consider them people.”
In a comic twist, he disrupted the stereotype of Irish attire, asserting that traditionally, “The Irish wear short shorts,” followed by a playful image of himself in tiny shorts, sparking laughter in the studio. He concluded his monologue by celebrating an endearing stereotype—“the luck of the Irish”—expressing gratitude for his surreal experience hosting SNL in New York City.
During his first skit, Mescal took part in a musical rendition of “Gladiator II,” adding a creative spin to the dramatic storyline, with a humorous touch of music included.
The episode also featured Grammy-nominated artist Shaboozey as the musical guest, complementing a night of captivating performances.
In summary, Paul Mescal’s debut on SNL showcased not only his charisma and comedic timing but also provided a delightful journey through his Irish roots, all while poking fun at stereotypes. His performance left audiences entertained and brought a fresh perspective to the intersection of drama and comedy in entertainment.
This episode is a hopeful reminder that actors can successfully branch out into new genres, further enriching their career paths while entertaining audiences across different platforms.