Jim Carrey will play Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live

Saturday Night Live is bringing in Jim Carrey to portray former Vice President Joe Biden

Saturday Night Live‘s election coverage just got a major boost in star power. Jim Carrey has been tapped to play former Vice President Joe Biden in the upcoming season 46.

Carrey follows in the footsteps of Jason Sudeikis, Woody Harrelson, and John Mulaney, all of who played Vice President Biden in season 45. Sudeikis had been the most likely contender to return to the role given his status as a cast alumnus and with the most experience.

Instead, SNL will go for the headline-grabbing Carrey. He’ll face off against Alec Baldwin’s version of President Donald Trump, ensuring that SNL continues its run of cameos over cast members when it comes to major political players.

The announcement is a bit of a surprise. Most fans expected that Sudeikis would return to the role and the actor said he was open to the idea if asked.

Speaking with Vulture, SNL Executive Producer Lorne Michaels explained how Carrey landed the role. It went beyond just the splash Carrey will make on the show:

"There was some interest on his part. And then we responded, obviously, positively. But it came down to discussions about what the take was. He and Colin Jost had a bunch of talks. He and I as well. He will give the part energy and strength, and …. Hopefully it’s funny."

Carrey has hosted SNL four times with the most recent turn coming in 2014. The former In Living Color star is also no stranger to sketch comedy. And his disdain for President Trump may rival that of Baldwin’s.

Speaking of the two veteran actors, this won’t be the first time they’ve shared the screen together. They co-starred in the 2005 movie Fun With Dick and Jane and Carrey had a guest spot on 30 Rock in 2012.

Jim Carrey joins Saturday Night Live ahead of a very important season

There is no denying that Saturday Night Live does comedy better than anyone during an election year. The show has proven to be very influential and its satirical takes on debates, campaign ads, and speeches can impact the national discussion.

Jim Carrey’s version of Vice President Biden will certainly do just that, similar to how Alec Baldwin’s Emmy-winning impression of President Trump took pop culture by storm. SNL will have a tremendous amount of attention on it this season and Carrey’s addition to the show should help it rise to the occasion once again.

The question is what angle Carrey will take as Joe Biden. He can’t be expected to replicate the goofy, folksy “Uncle Joe” that Jason Sudiekis popularized during his time on SNL. Carrey is known for his over the top brand of comedy and physicality so it will be interesting to see how he dials that back to play the Democratic nominee.

Fans won’t have to wait long. SNL will start season 46 on Oct. 3 and you can be guaranteed that it will open with a debate parody featuring Carrey vs. Baldwin.

What do you think of Jim Carrey playing Joe Biden? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.