Lin-manuel Miranda Reprises Alexander Hamilton Role in Hilarious ‘SNL’ Cold Open
In a star-studded Saturday Night Live cold open, Lin-Manuel miranda returned to the role that made him a household name: Alexander Hamilton.joined by the Founding Fathers, Miranda’s performance was a nostalgic nod to his Broadway roots, but the skit took a sharp turn when James Austin Johnson, portraying President Donald Trump, crashed the scene.
The sketch began with Miranda and the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration of Independence. Miranda, in character as Hamilton, delivered a powerful rap: “I say our lives matter not if we lose them in the cause of liberty. What matters is the nation we build.” He continued, “‘Cause in America, we’re all created equal. America, not England. We’re doing the sequel. And we will have leaders, but know one thing. In America, we will never have a king.”
Just as the moment reached its crescendo, Johnson’s Trump appeared, quipping, “Never say Never.” He added, “Kidding, of course, but in many ways I’m not,” setting the tone for a series of biting political jokes.
The skit humorously addressed key events from the first week of Trump’s second term. Johnson’s Trump poked fun at the administration’s rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and Melania Trump’s controversial hat choice at the Inauguration, comparing her look to “Kung Lao from ‘Mortal Kombat.’”
Johnson also took aim at Elon musk, joking, “to quote some of his children…I do not want him in my life.” The humor continued with a reference to Trump’s executive order mandating that the US government recognize only two sexes. Johnson’s Trump quipped, “From now on there will be two genders. One to work and one to cook. We’re done with LGBT. No more drag. No more guys in wigs. no more whatever these guys were wearing. What a weird way to dress. A little zesty.” He added, “Women will wear the makeup. No more makeup on men, unless you need it to be president.”
Miranda and the cast stood frozen during Johnson’s monologue, but Miranda broke character when Johnson’s Trump referred to him as “Lin-Manuel miranda Cosgrove,” a playful jab that left the audience in stitches.
The episode, hosted by Timothée Chalamet, who also served as the musical guest, was a standout moment in SNL history.For more highlights and updates,visit CNN.com.
| Key Moments in the ‘SNL’ Cold Open |
|—————————————-|
| Lin-Manuel Miranda reprises Alexander Hamilton role |
| James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump interrupts the Founding Fathers |
| Jokes about Trump’s second term policies,including diversity,equity,and inclusion rollbacks |
| Melania Trump’s Inauguration hat compared to “Kung Lao from ‘Mortal Kombat’” |
| Reference to Trump’s executive order to recognize only two sexes |
| Timothée Chalamet hosts and performs as musical guest |
This SNL cold open was a masterclass in blending ancient satire with contemporary political commentary,leaving audiences both entertained and reflective.
Lin-Manuel Miranda Brings Hamilton Back to Life in a Politically Charged ‘SNL’ Cold Open
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In a recent Saturday Night live episode, Lin-Manuel Miranda reprised his iconic role as Alexander Hamilton in a cold open that blended past satire wiht sharp political commentary. Joined by the Founding Fathers, Miranda’s performance was a nostalgic nod to his Broadway roots. Though, the skit took a humorous turn when James Austin Johnson, portraying former President Donald Trump, interrupted the scene with a series of biting jokes about Trump’s hypothetical second-term policies. Hosted by Timothée Chalamet, this SNL segment left audiences both entertained and reflective. To delve deeper into the episode’s highlights and meaning, we sat down with Dr. Evelyn Harper, a cultural critic and expert in political satire.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Return as Alexander Hamilton
Senior Editor: Dr. Harper, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s return as Alexander Hamilton was a standout moment in the cold open. What did you make of his performance, and how does it compare to his Broadway portrayal?
Dr. Evelyn Harper: Miranda’s return to the Hamilton role was electrifying. He brought the same energy and charisma that made the Broadway production a cultural phenomenon. The rap he delivered—centered on liberty and equality—was a powerful reminder of the themes that resonate in both historical and modern contexts. His ability to switch from serious to comedic, especially when Trump interrupts, showcased his versatility as a performer.It was a seamless blend of nostalgia and contemporary relevance.
James Austin Johnson’s Trump: A Masterclass in Political Satire
Senior Editor: James Austin Johnson’s portrayal of Donald Trump was a highlight of the skit. How effective was his performance in addressing the political undertones of the episode?
Dr. Evelyn Harper: Johnson’s Trump is a masterclass in political satire. his timing, delivery, and ability to capture Trump’s mannerisms are spot-on. The skit’s humor stemmed from its exaggerated yet eerily plausible depiction of a second Trump term. From the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs to the controversial executive order on gender, Johnson’s Trump was both hilarious and unsettling. His jokes about Melania’s Inauguration hat—comparing it to “Kung Lao from Mortal Kombat”—were particularly biting,highlighting the absurdity often associated with the Trump era.
The Role of Satire in Modern Political Commentary
Senior Editor: This SNL cold open is being hailed as a blend of ancient satire and modern political commentary. How does this approach resonate with today’s audiences?
Dr. Evelyn Harper: Satire has always been a powerful tool for political commentary, and this skit is a perfect example of its effectiveness. By juxtaposing the Founding Fathers with a modern political figure like Trump, the writers created a stark contrast between the ideals of the past and the realities of the present. This approach not only entertains but also encourages viewers to reflect on current issues. The humor is accessible,yet it carries a deeper message about the state of American politics. It’s a reminder that satire can be both funny and profoundly impactful.
Timothée Chalamet’s Double Role as Host and musical Guest
Senior editor: Timothée Chalamet hosted the episode and also performed as the musical guest. How did his presence contribute to the overall success of the show?
Dr. Evelyn Harper: Chalamet’s dual role added a unique dynamic to the episode. As host, he brought his signature charm and wit, seamlessly transitioning between sketches. His musical performance was another highlight, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Having someone of Chalamet’s caliber on the show elevated the episode, drawing in a wider audience and adding to its cultural relevance. his presence complemented the political satire, creating a well-rounded and memorable night of television.
conclusion: A Night of Laughter and reflection
Senior Editor: Dr.Harper, what are the key takeaways from this SNL cold open, and why do you think it’s being hailed as one of the best in recent history?
Dr. evelyn Harper: This cold open was a testament to the power of satire in addressing complex political issues. It combined humor, history, and contemporary commentary in a way that resonated deeply with audiences. Miranda’s return as Hamilton,Johnson’s spot-on Trump impersonation,and Chalamet’s dynamic presence all contributed to its success. It wasn’t just funny—it was thought-provoking, reminding us of the importance of critical engagement with our political landscape.This episode will undoubtedly be remembered as a standout moment in SNL history.