Finn Wolfhard’s "Saturday Night Live" Debut: A New Chapter Post-"Stranger Things"
Fresh off the finale of Netflix’s beloved series “Stranger Things,” Finn Wolfhard took a significant step in his transition from child star to adult actor by hosting “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). This milestone is a rite of passage for many young actors, marking their evolution in the entertainment industry. While Wolfhard’s performance was not a comedic tour de force, it was a noteworthy moment, hinting at the wave of post-”Stranger Things” opportunities that await him and his co-stars.
A Mixed Bag of Sketches
Wolfhard’s SNL debut featured a variety of sketches that showcased his range, albeit with mixed results. He participated in a podcast segment with the preteen crew of “Snack Homiez,” which included fellow guest Sabrina Carpenter. The sketch was light-hearted and aimed at a younger audience, allowing Wolfhard to display his comedic timing. However, some sketches felt awkward, with Wolfhard appearing understated in moments that called for more exuberance.
Among the sketches, he played an indie rock son rebelling against his pop star father, portrayed by James Austin Johnson. This role allowed him to tap into the rebellious spirit of youth, though it didn’t quite land as strongly as intended. In a wacky sci-fi sketch, he embodied a well-fed space emperor, showcasing his ability to adapt to different comedic styles. Yet, it was the parody of “Harry Potter,” titled “Heated Wizardry,” that truly stood out.
The Highlight: "Heated Wizardry"
The parody sketch, “Heated Wizardry,” was a perfect blend of timely humor and clever writing. Set in a world reminiscent of the “Harry Potter” franchise, it featured Wolfhard as Harry and Ben Marshall as Ron Weasley, who find themselves in a romantic entanglement as Quidditch teammates. The sketch cleverly played on the current trend of reboots and sequels, poking fun at the idea of a more adult-themed Hogwarts. With pixelated nudity and a humorous nod to the characters’ ages, it captured the zeitgeist and resonated with audiences, making it the highlight of the night.
Musical Guest: A$AP Rocky
The musical guest for the evening was A$AP Rocky, who performed two tracks: “Punk Rocky” and “Don’t Be Dumb/Trip Baby.” His energetic performance was complemented by Danny Elfman on drums, adding a unique flair to the musical segment. Before the show concluded, a title card honored the late Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir, a poignant moment that reminded viewers of the impact of music on culture.
Cold Open and Monologue
The cold open featured James Austin Johnson’s impression of former President Trump, which, while entertaining, felt like a rehash of previous material. The sketch included Marcello Hernández as a mostly-silent Marco Rubio and Tina Fey returning as Kristi Noem, delivering sharp one-liners. This familiarity in the material highlighted the challenges of keeping political satire fresh.
Wolfhard’s monologue, however, brought a sense of nostalgia as he was joined by his “Stranger Things” co-stars Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin. They shared humorous clips from the show, illustrating Wolfhard’s growth from a child actor to a 23-year-old man. The playful banter among the trio reaffirmed their camaraderie, and Wolfhard’s declaration that they were “child stars who are now ready to do adult films” added a cheeky twist to the moment.
Memorable Sketches and Weekend Update
In addition to “Heated Wizardry,” another notable sketch was “Snack Homiez,” which featured Wolfhard as an enthusiastic “Snack Man” catering to an evil space emperor. The silliness of the sketch, driven by Mikey Day’s antics, provided a lighter tone that contrasted with the more serious sketches.
During the “Weekend Update” segment, Jane Wickline emerged as a standout performer, portraying Tamara, a mysterious woman collecting buttons. Her deadpan delivery and refusal to explain her obsession created a humorous tension with co-host Michael Che. This sketch resonated with audiences, showcasing Wickline’s ability to capture the absurdity of modern trends.
Wolfhard’s debut on SNL may not have been a flawless comedic performance, but it marked an important transition in his career. As he steps away from the shadow of “Stranger Things,” his journey into adult roles is just beginning, and audiences are eager to see where it leads.
