2024-08-07 16:49:00
After Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris named Tim Walz her running mate for the 2024 elections, social media called on Steve Martin to play the vice presidential hopeful this fall on Saturday Night Live.
The Only Murders In the Building actor is now weighing in on social media after he was collectively cast to parody Walz on the NBC sketch show.
“I just learned that Tim Walz wants to go on the road with Marty Short,” Martin posted on Threads after fans hoped he would play the Minnesota governor.
Post by @stevemartinreally
View on Threads
CNN debated who should play Walz on SNL, citing Vanity Fair, which suggested Martin, Al Franken, Jim Gaffigan, and Jim O’Heir.
CNN
O’Heir took to social media to respond to suggestions that he should play Walz on the NBC late-night comedy show but had an issue with the photo they used of him on CNN.
“I don’t mind being in the mix,” O’Heir posted on X, the microblogging platform formerly known as Twitter. “But that’s the best pic of me that they could come up with? LOL.”
SNL has not shared who they are contemplating to play Walz when the show premieres this fall.
Deadline recently reported that Maya Rudolph would return to SNL to play Vice President Harris in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential race. Rudolph won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020 for her portrayal of Harris.
SNL premieres its 50th season on September 28 on NBC.
Future Trends in Political Satire and Celebrity Involvement in Elections
With the upcoming 2024 elections approaching, the intersection of political satire and popular culture is becoming increasingly prominent. The recent buzz around Kamala Harris’s choice of Tim Walz as her running mate has sparked discussions on social media, with calls for Steve Martin to parody him on Saturday Night Live. This reflects a trend where celebrities play pivotal roles in shaping political narratives, highlighting the power of entertainment in modern politics.
As social media platforms continue to influence public opinion, the expectation for comedians and actors to engage in political commentary is likely to grow. Platforms like Threads and X (formerly Twitter) serve as new arenas where fans not only demand comedic interpretations but actively participate in shaping these discussions, indicating a shift toward more interactive and participatory forms of satire.
The debate over who might portray Walz on SNL extends beyond the performers themselves. The involvement of personalities like Al Franken or Jim Gaffigan further underscores the increasing democratization of political commentary, as former politicians and established comedians are seen as fitting candidates to critique and satirize government figures.
As SNL gears up for its 50th season, the show’s legacy as a platform for political debate and cultural critique remains strong. The anticipated return of Maya Rudolph—an Emmy winner for her portrayal of Harris—demonstrates how the lines between politics and entertainment continue to blur. Expect to see more of such crossovers in the future, influenced by audience response and the ever-evolving political landscape.
The blending of celebrity culture with election dynamics signals a new era where political engagement is not just a civic duty but also a source of entertainment. This shift could lead to a burgeoning niche of political satire that uses humor to engage and inform voters, creating a more vibrant and participatory political process.