Mike Myers Returns to SNL as Elon Musk, Channeling Dr. Evil
Mike Myers reprised his role as Tesla CEO Elon Musk on the latest episode of "Saturday Night Live," injecting a dose of Dr. Evil-esque humor into the portrayal. The cold open featured James Austin Johnson as President Donald Trump attempting to mediate a dispute between Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, played by Marcello Hernández.
Throughout the sketch, Myers’ Musk persona engaged in self-deprecating humor, made childish jokes, and performed a peculiar dance that Trump hilariously deemed his "least unsettling trait." The comedic tension escalated when Musk repeatedly responded with "Polo" after Rubio’s name was mentioned. This prompted Rubio to express disbelief that Musk, a non-elected official, was granted such access to the government. Musk retorted with the classic schoolyard taunt, "I know you are, but what am I?"
Trump intervened, urging the two to come up with more imaginative insults. Myers’ Musk, through an inner monologue voiced over, revealed his grand plan to "ingratiate yourself to the president and take over the media." However, he then questioned the wisdom of his actions, wondering, "Was taking this job a bad idea? A lot of people seem to really hate me, my Tesla stock is crashing, and my personal net worth just dropped by $100 billion." At the mention of "$100 billion," Myers subtly adopted Dr. Evil’s signature pose, raising his pinky to his mouth.
This marked Myers’ second appearance as Musk on "SNL." He debuted the impression the previous week in a sketch where Musk interrupted a meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The performance comes after Dana Carvey, Myers’ "Wayne’s World" co-star, previously played Musk on "SNL" last year. Carvey’s impression drew a critical reaction from Musk, who stated on X that the show "has been dying slowly for years" and is "increasingly out of touch with reality." In response to Myers’ initial sketch as Musk, the billionaire commented on X, "Humor fails when it lies."
Trump’s Inner Monologue and Lady Gaga’s Hosting Debut
Elsewhere in the cold open, Johnson’s Trump also engaged in an inner monologue, poking fun at Adrien Brody’s famously lengthy Oscar acceptance speech. "This guy can’t stop talking," Trump said of Rubio. "I mean, who the hell does he think he is, Adrien Brody?" As the voiceover continued, Trump was surprised to realize he was "thinking something" but "not saying it out loud," describing it as a "whole new thing" for him.
The episode was hosted by Lady Gaga, who used her opening monologue to address the mixed reception to her film "Joker: Folie à Deux." Gaga, who played Harley Quinn in the DC movie, which experienced disappointing box office numbers and critical reviews. "I’ve been very diligent about selecting films that would showcase my craft as a serious actor, films such as Joker 2," she said. "Apparently, people thought it was awesome."
Gaga noted that she and co-star Joaquin Phoenix received the Razzie award for worst screen combo, which recognizes the worst films of the year. "Jokes on them: I love winning things," Gaga said. "And my Razzie brings me one step closer to an EGORT. It’s like an EGOT, but it’s hurtful."
The singer sarcastically stated that "every aspect" of her last "SNL" episode as host, from 2013, "aged amazing," urging viewers not to look up the fact that she performed with R. Kelly, who has since been convicted on sexual abuse charges. "I won’t bring it up because that would be bad," she joked.
Gaga’s "SNL" appearance followed the release of her latest album, "Mayhem." She served as both host and musical guest, performing the album’s songs "Abracadabra" and "Killah." The Grammy winner is engaged to Michael Polansky, and she mentioned her fiancé during her monologue. Gaga recalled receiving a call from her mother, who set them up, telling her that she just "met your husband." She said, "He works in cancer research, and while we were talking, I was literally smoking a cigarette," Gaga quipped. "And then we went on three dates, and I never smoked again, except when I’m drunk."
The episode was a blend of political satire, self-deprecating humor, and musical performances, with Mike Myers’ return as Elon Musk providing a memorable comedic highlight.
