After a brief Thanksgiving hiatus, Saturday Night Live returned to screens on Dec. 7, featuring none other than Gladiator II star Paul Mescal as host. The Irish actor, fresh off his box office success, stepped into the comedy spotlight for his hosting debut. Accompanied by musical guest Shaboozey, whose hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has been climbing the charts, the episode promised a mix of humor and musical flair.
Gladiator II Star Paul Mescal Steps Into Comedy
Paul Mescal, best known for his role as Lucius in Gladiator II, brought both gravitas and playfulness to the SNL stage. In a cheeky promo leading up to the show, Mescal humorously referenced his action-hero roots, even “battling” cast member Mikey Day in a nod to his latest film. Fans were eager to see how the actor, known for dramatic roles in Aftersun and Normal People, would handle SNL’s iconic sketches and live comedic timing.
Currently one of Hollywood’s rising stars, Mescal has a full slate of upcoming projects, including the romance The History of Sound, the adaptation Hamnet, and musical drama Merrily We Roll Along. With this SNL appearance now under his belt, Mescal proves he’s not only a versatile actor but also an entertainer ready to explore new creative horizons.
Saturday Night Live rounded out a packed December schedule with hosts like Chris Rock and Martin Short set to close the year. While all episodes stream on Peacock, there’s nothing like catching the excitement of new sketches live. Mescal’s hosting debut brought a unique mix of action-star energy and Irish charm, leaving fans hopeful for more comedic roles in his future.
