Comedian Steve Martin declined to play Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on the forthcoming Saturday Night Live (SNL) season, citing concerns about the ongoing time commitment and his lack of confidence in embodying Walz's character.
"I was picked because I have gray hair and glasses," Martin said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times Wednesday. "I'm not an impressionist," he said.
Social media users drew comparisons between Walz and Martin due to their resemblance, suggesting Martin should portray Walz.
Maya Rudolph will likely reprise her Emmy-winning role as Kamala Harris on SNL for the show's 50th season, potentially impacting her availability due to her Apple TV+ series "Loot" shooting schedule.
Rudolph explained that getting someone's voice is crucial for impersonations.
SNL is still on the lookout for someone to portray Tim Walz on the show, as casting for the 50th season.
Other comedians like Jim Gaffigan, Al Franken, Rick Moranis, Jim O'Heir, John Goodman, and Danny DeVito are being suggested as potential actors for the role.
The season starts on September 28, but representatives have not responded to requests for comment regarding the cast.
Alec Baldwin has portrayed Donald Trump multiple times on SNL after his initial appearance in 2016, setting a precedent for recurring political impressions.
Campaign posters showing Martin as Walz and Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris are circulating on social media.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: AP News, CNN, The Independent, New York Post, Fox News, HuffPost, CBC, Yahoo, Notiulti, ComicBook, HeadTopics, Greenfield Reporter, NJ.com, Market Research Telecast, Just Jared, ET Online, Today.