Who Should Play Tim Walz on ‘Saturday Night Live’? (POLL)
Kamala Harris has found her running mate in Tim Walz, the Minnesota Governor who’s been top of mind for many voters the last two weeks.
Harris’ campaign announced her decision on Tuesday, August 6. Walz gained fame on social media and beyond for calling Republicans and their policies “weird” on national news programs, making for some truly entertaining soundbites that have energized other politicians on their press tours.
Maya Rudolph is already confirmed to be reprising her role as Harris on Saturday Night Live Season 50 throughout the Presidential election. Now, her running mate needs to be cast. Fans on Twitter/X have been posting their ideas, many of them including Steve Martin. In fact, one Twitter user even posted about wanting Martin to play Walz on the sketch comedy series back in 2020. Other ideas include Sean Astin (OK, that one’s mine) and Rick Moranis (inspired idea).
Can’t wait for Steve Martin to play Gov. Tim Walz in an SNL skit about the passive agressiveness of the Midwest Coalition pic.twitter.com/l9S43P1V5k
— Molly (@notrealMolly) May 3, 2020
I hate trending topics lol. No Steve Martin is not dead. Yes, he will make an excellent Tim Walz on SNL. [Wipes brow.] pic.twitter.com/IaAXRMSxdO
— AnnaMaria LFG (@annamaria1word) August 6, 2024
And everyone saying Steve Martin is the “must play Tim Walz” on SNL, I raise you… Rick Moranis. pic.twitter.com/hMbsy37Fst
— Pigeon (@j_d_fielder) August 6, 2024
I want @KamalaHarris to pick Tim Walz so we can get @JimOHeir to play him on SNL #timwalz #kamala pic.twitter.com/KZKZLe4jBV
— Eddie, Your Friendly Neighborhood DJ (@EddieSaysStuff) August 5, 2024
rooting for Tim Walz for many reasons but mainly because id love to see Danny DeVito play him on SNL for the rest of election season
— abby govindan (@abbygov) August 5, 2024
SNL get Sean Astin on the phone right now pic.twitter.com/jPXxDehlu2
— Kelli Boyle (@kellixboyle) August 6, 2024
Below, see our ideas for who could play Walz on SNL when the variety series returns this Fall, and cast your vote for your pick in the poll at the end of the gallery.
Saturday Night Live, Season 50 Premiere, Saturday, September 28, 11:30/10:30c, NBC
Sean Astin
The Lord of the Rings star is perhaps not your first thought to play Walz, but their resemblance is undeniable! What they also share is an incredibly warm energy that makes them endlessly lovable to anyone watching them. They’re both also big union supporters (Walz’s policies are pro-union, and Astin is a SAG-AFTRA National Board Member who was one of the leaders during the 2023 strikes). Plus, have you seen him in 50 First Dates? He can be funny! Astin is my top pick.
Steve Martin
Steve Martin has a lot of appeal for this role. He resembles Walz, he’s a longtime SNL veteran, and he’s got the warm vibe needed to play the politician. Martin and Rudolph would also be an iconic comedic pair that blends different generations of SNL together.
Paula Pell
The Girls5Eva star has the opportunity to deliver some Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicer-level hilarity as Walz, and pairing the former SNL writer with her pal Rudolph is just too delicious of an opportunity to ignore. Now, imagine Pell as Walz and McCarthy as JD Vance and the comedic gold they would bring to parodies of Vice Presidential debates. SNL, please!
Bobby Moynihan
Moynihan marks another opportunity to bring a beloved SNL alum back for the benchmark 50th season. He’s got the experience, he has that energy you can’t help but love, and seeing him reunited with Rudolph would be a delight. Moynihan would fit right in as Walz over at Studio 8H.
Jim O'Heir
O’Heir basically was Walz in Parks and Recreation, (except Walz doesn’t come with all of those Jerry snafus). Jerry/Larry/Terry/Gary Gergich was so beloved, he became Pawnee, Indiana’s most beloved mayor. Let O’Heir bring that same energy to SNL! He’s worked at NBC before.
Nick Offerman
O’Heir’s Parks and Recreation costar would also be a fun choice. He could pull off the Walz look well enough, and we know he has the comedic chops. Seeing Offerman play a government official again would be a delight for every Ron Swanson lover.
Tom Arnold
The Roseanne alum has hosted SNL before in the ’90s and bears a similar resemblance to Walz. He’d be an easy fit into the role.
Jim Gaffigan
The standup comedian has a goofy and lovable demeanor that’s in the same genre as Astin and Martin and O’Heir. His resemblance to Walz helps make him a good candidate for the role as well.
Rick Moranis
Now THIS would be a pop culture moment! Moranis has long been absent from the entertainment industry, having stepped away from acting to raise his children. Could you imagine the excitement that would break out if Moranis were to return to our screens for the first time in years to play someone as lovable and endearing as him? This would be a fantastic stunt casting befitting the milestone 50th season.
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