The Search for SNL’s Next Joe Biden: Jim Carrey’s Departure and Potential Replacements

The iconic sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live is once again at a pivotal moment, as news broke that celebrated actor Jim Carrey, 58, will no longer be portraying President-elect Joe Biden, 78, in upcoming episodes. Carrey’s distinctive take on Biden graced the screens of millions during the first six installments of the show’s 46th season, culminating in a memorable election night portrayal. While his absence leaves a significant void, the show’s creator, Lorne Michaels, and the production team are already actively considering a “long list” of talented actors to step into this high-profile comedic role. This development, while surprising to some fans, aligns with the original plan for Carrey’s limited engagement, setting the stage for an intriguing casting decision that will undoubtedly shape the comedic landscape of the Biden presidency on television.

Jim Carrey’s Brief but Impactful Tenure as SNL’s Joe Biden

Jim Carrey’s portrayal of Joe Biden began with much anticipation, especially given the crucial timing of the 2020 presidential election. His unique comedic style, known for its exaggerated facial expressions and physical humor, brought a distinct energy to the role. Viewers witnessed Carrey’s Biden navigate the debates, the election results, and the transition period, often alongside Maya Rudolph‘s acclaimed impression of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. His performance during the election coverage skits garnered significant attention, perfectly capturing the anxious wait for results and the eventual celebration of Biden’s victory. Carrey himself expressed his satisfaction with his performance, stating that he “nailed that shit” in a farewell tweet, underscoring the passion and dedication he brought to the character, even for a brief period.

Though my term was only meant to be 6 weeks,I was thrilled to be elected as your SNL President…comedy’s highest call of duty. I would love to go forward knowing that Biden was the victor because I nailed that shit. But I am just one in a long line of proud, fighting SNL Bidens!

— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) December 19, 2020

Carrey’s tweet perfectly encapsulated his brief yet memorable run, referring to the role as “comedy’s highest call of duty.” He acknowledged that his “term was only meant to be 6 weeks,” confirming that his departure was not unexpected by the production team. This temporary arrangement is not uncommon for A-list guest stars on SNL, especially for roles that require a significant commitment during a high-stakes period like an election. Carrey also paid homage to the lineage of actors who have played Biden on the show, recognizing himself as “just one in a long line of proud, fighting SNL Bidens,” a nod to the show’s rich history of political impersonations. His commitment to the show, while brief, left an indelible mark and set a high bar for whoever steps into the shoes of the 46th President on the comedic stage.

Lorne Michaels’ Vision and the Challenges of Casting During a Pandemic

However, the current global health crisis has introduced unprecedented hurdles to the casting process. The source elaborated, stating, “Lorne has been looking to see if they could get another big-name celeb to take on the role but with Covid restrictions that has become much harder than originally expected.” Travel limitations, strict safety protocols on set, and the general complexities of coordinating schedules with A-list actors during a pandemic have significantly narrowed the pool of potential external candidates. Usually, SNL might pursue another major film star or an acclaimed television personality for such a prominent and long-term role. However, the current environment necessitates minimizing external contacts and travel, making it incredibly difficult to secure an outside talent who can commit to weekly live television under these conditions. This means that while SNL might typically pursue another major star for such a prominent role, the practicalities of the current environment make internal casting a more viable and efficient option. Michaels and his team are faced with the task of finding someone who can not only deliver a compelling impression but also integrate seamlessly into the show’s existing production framework, which is already operating under heightened restrictions and a “bubble” environment.

Leading Contenders from the Current SNL Cast for the Biden Role

Beck Bennett: The Frontrunner with a Proven Track Record in Political Impressions

Beck Bennett, a seasoned performer on Saturday Night Live since 2013, is reportedly “in the driver’s seat to get the part as he has been practicing being Biden.” Bennett’s impressive history of impersonating political figures makes him an ideal candidate. His past roles have included memorable takes on former President Bill Clinton, former Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush, and former Vice President Mike Pence. Bennett’s strength lies in his ability to capture the mannerisms and vocal inflections of his subjects while infusing them with his distinct comedic timing. His performances as figures like Pence were particularly sharp, highlighting his capacity for nuanced, yet hilarious, political satire. He has a knack for finding the subtle comedic hooks in a character and magnifying them without resorting to mere caricature. A shift to Joe Biden would allow Bennett to showcase a different facet of his impressionistic talents, moving from the more subdued figures he has played to the potentially more expressive and grandfatherly persona of the incoming President. His experience within the show’s demanding environment, coupled with his familiarity with the political sketch format and the pressure of live television, would ensure a smooth transition into the role. His commitment to perfecting the impression through practice further solidifies his position as a top contender for the coveted role.

Other Internal Options: Alex Moffat and Mikey Day

While Beck Bennett is leading the pack, the production team is also considering other talented cast members, including Alex Moffat and Mikey Day. Both Moffat and Day have demonstrated their versatility and comedic prowess during their time on SNL. Alex Moffat, known for his ability to embody a range of characters, from the serious to the absurd, could bring a fresh perspective to Biden. His past impressions, though not as politically heavy as Bennett’s, show a strong command of character work and an understanding of how to find humor in different personalities. Moffat’s ability to create memorable, often quirky characters, suggests he could find an unexpected angle for his Biden. Mikey Day, another gifted impressionist and sketch performer, is adept at playing both quirky and more grounded characters. His experience in various recurring sketches and his strong presence in ensemble pieces make him a valuable asset. Day often excels at playing earnest, slightly bewildered figures, which could lend an interesting comedic depth to a Biden impression. Either Moffat or Day could potentially surprise audiences with their interpretation of Biden, offering a distinct comedic lens through which to view the presidency. Their consideration underscores Lorne Michaels’ commitment to exploring all internal possibilities before making a final decision, ensuring that the best fit for the long-term role is chosen.

The Lingering Question of Jason Sudeikis’ Potential Return

For many long-time SNL fans, the mention of Joe Biden immediately brings to mind Jason Sudeikis, who delivered an impressively consistent and beloved impression of Biden during his tenure as a cast member and even in guest appearances. Sudeikis’s Biden was characterized by a folksy charm, a tendency for enthusiastic but slightly rambling anecdotes, and a distinctly “Uncle Joe” vibe that resonated with audiences. He captured a more youthful, yet still seasoned, version of Biden during his Vice Presidency. Like Carrey, Sudeikis nailed the essence of the character, particularly during Biden’s time as Vice President, becoming a fan favorite for his nuanced and often understated humor.

However, Sudeikis’s potential return faces a significant obstacle: his commitment to the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ sitcom, Ted Lasso. The show has garnered widespread praise and has demanded a considerable amount of Sudeikis’s time and energy. Sources indicate that Sudeikis has been extensively filming the show in the UK, making a regular return to SNL highly improbable due to logistical constraints and ongoing production schedules. The demands of leading a hit series filming overseas mean that commuting weekly to New York for SNL would be a challenging, if not impossible, feat, especially under current travel restrictions. While a one-off guest appearance might not be entirely out of the question for a special occasion or a particularly significant political event, assuming a recurring role for the duration of the Biden presidency would be a challenging feat. His prior experience, coupled with audience familiarity and affection for his portrayal, makes him a strong “what if” candidate, but the realities of his current career trajectory seem to preclude him from being the ongoing replacement.

The Future of SNL’s Political Commentary and Upcoming Skits

The insider also provided a timeline for the decision-making process, stating, “They have some time to figure it all out to make the final decision since this is the last SNL of the year and there are four years at least of a Biden presidency left.” This suggests that while a new impressionist might debut in the new year, the show isn’t rushing the process. The role of Joe Biden is a critical one for SNL, as political humor often forms the backbone of its cold opens and topical sketches. With a new administration taking office, there will be ample material for satire, and the chosen actor will need to carry that responsibility for the foreseeable future, helping to shape public perception and comedic discourse around the presidency. The long-term nature of this role requires not just a strong impression, but also an actor capable of evolving the portrayal as the real-life Biden’s presidency progresses.

For the final episode of the year, which typically features a celebratory or reflective tone, the showrunners are considering alternative opening sketches. “We might find out tonight, but they are looking to open the show with a Covid vaccine sketch and/or aTom Cruisesketch instead of a political one,” the insider added. A COVID vaccine sketch would be incredibly timely, reflecting the hopeful yet complex rollout of vaccines globally and the public’s keen interest in the topic. This allows SNL to tap into a collective, non-partisan experience, offering humor and perhaps a touch of anxiety relief regarding a major global event. Similarly, a Tom Cruise sketch would capitalize on the widely reported audio clip of the actor’s passionate, expletive-laden rant about on-set safety protocols during the filming of Mission: Impossible 7. Such a sketch would offer a humorous take on a celebrity moment that captured significant public attention, providing a lighter, pop-culture-focused opening before the show delves into more political territory in the new year, when a new Joe Biden impressionist will likely be unveiled.

Conclusion: A New Era for SNL’s Biden Impression and Political Satire

As Saturday Night Live prepares to usher in a new era of political comedy under the Biden administration, the departure of Jim Carrey marks a significant transition. While his brief portrayal was impactful and widely discussed, the show’s resilient nature and deep bench of talent ensure that the search for the next Joe Biden will yield a compelling outcome. The role of the President on SNL is more than just an impression; it’s a commentary on the times, a reflection of the national mood, and often a key cultural touchstone. Whether it’s the experienced hand of Beck Bennett, the versatile talents of Alex Moffat or Mikey Day, or a surprising guest appearance that is yet unforeseen, the anticipation surrounding this casting decision highlights the enduring power of SNL’s political satire. The show continues to adapt to an evolving world, using humor to comment on presidents, pandemics, and pop culture alike, always striving to remain relevant and cutting-edge. Fans eagerly await the announcement of who will embody the 46th President, ready to laugh and reflect as SNL continues its legacy of comedic observation and social commentary in the years to come, ensuring that the legacy of “proud, fighting SNL Bidens” continues.