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Will Ferrell’s Comedic Comeback on SNL

Will Ferrell continues to elicit laughter with his signature physical comedy style, recently showcased on Saturday Night Live during their special 50th anniversary episode.

In the sketch titled “Scared Straight,” Ferrell joined a talented ensemble that included Jason Sudeikis, who played a police officer addressing three teenagers—Marcello Hernández, Mikey Day, and Michael Longfellow—caught shoplifting.

Sudeikis introduces two inmates, portrayed by Kenan Thompson and Eddie Murphy, to share their experiences in prison, hoping to impart a serious message about the consequences of their actions.

As the comedic narrative unfolds, the teens soon recognize that the prisoners’ harrowing tales are humorously recycled from popular films like Harry Potter and The Nutty Professor.

The humor escalates when Ferrell makes a flamboyant entrance, portraying a character reminiscent of Daisy Duke, complete with a mullet and a cheeky attitude.

Ferrell’s character, dubbed Big Red, joins the fun, passionately insisting that prison life can actually be enjoyable. He quips about the unexpected activities he’s engaged in, exclaiming, “Outside, I never used to get laid. Now I’m having sex 50, 60 times a day,” further playing up the absurdity of his character’s situation.

He humorously reveals his backstory, which amusingly references his iconic role: “I was abandoned as a baby by my human parents, so I was forced to grow up at the North Pole… You know what, I’m gonna skip ahead. It’s Elf. I’m talking about Elf.”

The conversation quickly shifts toward irreverent humor, making light of themes addressed in the beloved holiday film. Ferrell’s delivery of cheeky lines, including a particularly provocative quip about getting “Elf’d,” had both Thompson and Murphy struggling to contain their laughter.

The sketch culminates in uproarious punchlines as Murphy’s character follows up with, “And forget about your North Pole, what you’re going to have to worry about is your South Pole,” ensuring the comedic tone remains both outrageous and entertaining.

In a separate interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ferrell reflected on his decision to decline a sequel to his hit film Elf. Despite the potential $29 million payday, he felt the sequel’s plot was too similar to the original, stating, “I would have had to promote the movie from an honest place…which would’ve been, like, ‘Oh no, it’s not good. I just couldn’t turn down that much money.'”

This aspect of his career showcases not only his comedic flexibility but also his commitment to maintaining creative integrity, distinguishing his work in the entertainment industry.

The SNL50: The Anniversary Special aired on February 16 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, celebrating not just the show’s history, but also Ferrell’s enduring influence in comedy.

Source
people.com