Saturday Night Live preview with host Jason Momoa

Saturday Night Live is back with an all-new episode for Dec. 8. Here’s what to watch for with host Jason Momoa.

Another week of Saturday Night Live, another first-time host. Following other first timers like Awkwafina, Seth Meyers, and Claire Foy is Aquaman star Jason Momoa. The energy level in Studio 8H has been high since he arrived so it looks like things are shaping up for a great episode.

Momoa is no stranger to being on the big stage. Most people know him as Khal Drogo from Game of Thrones. His profile was raised even more when he was cast as Aquaman for Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. He followed that up with a bigger part in Justice League and now he’s on his own in an origin film dropping Dec. 21.

So yes, Momoa has been in some pretty big projects. But Saturday Night Live is a completely different animal. Momoa will be front and center for an audience that won’t be made up entirely of superhero and fantasy fans, as shown by FanSided’s Fandom 250.

Yet Momoa seems ready. This has been a job he’s wanted his whole life after all. If you’ve seen the behind the scenes videos on his Instagram then you know he’s beyond pumped to be hosting.

Momoa certainly has a different approach than last week’s host Claire Foy. She expressed no nerves and had a very business-like approach to hosting. We’ll see if Momoa’s energy translates, assuming he doesn’t lose his voice from screaming first. Here are three things to look for when he hosts on Dec. 8 with musical guest Mumford and Sons.

A Game of Thrones or Aquaman spoof

It’s hard to imagine that Jason Momoa won’t be asked to reprise one of the two characters he is most well known for. The question is which one will the writers at Saturday Night Live choose?

There are clearly Game of Thrones fans at the show. Plenty of past sketches have used the show, including when Peter Dinklage hosted. True, Momoa hasn’t been on the show in years but his Khal Drogo characters was one of the most popular in the series. This didn’t stop Claire Foy from returning as Queen Elizabeth on last week’s SNL despite being done with the role.

But then again, Momoa is there to promote Aquaman. That movie comes out in just weeks while Game of Thrones fans will be waiting until April 2019. Momoa has been a big part of Aquaman gaining buzz through his social media work and late night spots. 

Considering the criticism Justice League got for being too dark, it wouldn’t hurt Aquaman to have its star poking a little fun at himself ahead of the film’s release. Momoa as Aquaman would join the likes of Chadwick Boseman and Gal Gadot as far as bringing their super alter-egos to SNL.

Is Jason Momoa too big for Saturday Night Live?

Jason Momoa is a big television and movie star. Credits like Game of Thrones, Justice League, and Aquaman will do that for an actor. But that’s not what we mean when say he’s big. We mean he’s a large human being.

Momoa is 6’4″ and around 230 pounds. Those are measurements you see in professional athletes not necessarily actors. It will be interesting to see how Saturday Night Live addresses the elephant in the room that is Momoa.

He certainly won’t be the first guy of his size to host the show. Dwayne Johnson and Chris Hemsworth come to mind as action stars turned Saturday Night Live hosts. And both have had their physical appearances used as the basis for bits and sketches.

Look to see if Momoa’s size is used to portray him as a romantic interest, hero saving the day, or intimidating antagonist in sketches. Those are typically how SNL chooses to use the big, hulking types usually opposite the more “average” built cast members.

A break from the Trump circus

There is no question that the election of President Trump and the insanity of his administration has been a blessing for Saturday Night Live. It’s led to Emmy awards, more viral videos, and even the attention of Trump himself.

Every episode this week has had a politically-charged cold open. They’ve been among the most popular sketches of the year and usually cover a few different stories in one bit. The show is clearly not worried about alienating viewers support of Trump but there is the risk of exhaustion.

It’s been a month since the midterm elections. The holiday season is ramping up if it’s not already in full swing. President George H.W. Bush was recently laid to rest. It seems like this could be the week Saturday Night Live dials back the political humor.

That may be difficult to pull off depending on how Robert Mueller’s twin filings play out on Friday. It doesn’t give SNL too much time to prepare a sketch but that hasn’t stopped the show before. President Trump’s early morning Twitter tirade may be another subject too good to pass up.

So there is what to look for on Dec. 8 when Jason Momoa looks to make a splash hosting Saturday Night Live. Expect musical guest Mumford and Sons to sound incredible live as always. FanSided will have immediate reaction to the episode and then come back to Last Night On to relive all the highlights!