Glen Powell says hosting SNL is a lifelong dream come true

Glen Powell has officially cemented his A-list status, and according to the star himself, his recent hosting gig on Saturday Night Live was the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition.

The actor, 37, who is currently riding a massive wave of success with films like Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You, finally stepped onto the iconic Studio 8H stage for his hosting debut on November 15, 2025, with musical guest Olivia Dean.

The entire experience, from the week-long writing process to the live show, was described as a truly surreal moment for the Texas native. He has been vocal that being on that stage was a cherished childhood dream, making this career milestone intensely personal.

Here’s a closer look at his big night and what he had to say about the journey.

What Made His Hosting Debut So Meaningful?

Powell hosted the sixth episode of SNL‘s 51st season, and it marked his first time leading the legendary sketch comedy show.

He previously made a brief but memorable cameo in March 2024 during an episode hosted by his Anyone But You co-star, Sydney Sweeney, to playfully address their on-screen chemistry rumors. The significance of his official debut wasn’t lost on the actor, who confessed that he’s been waiting for this opportunity for as long as he can recall.

Speaking at the New York City premiere of his new film, The Running Man, Powell told People that he was “so excited” to be there. He explained, “Hosting SNL has been a thing I’ve wanted to do my entire life.” He genuinely sees the experience as an “iconic rite of passage” for anyone working in comedy and entertainment.

“It’s a really wonderful moment when your childhood dreams get to come true,” the Golden Globe nominee said. He noted that the weeklong preparation process was intensely “surreal,” recognizing the magnitude of joining the ranks of Hollywood’s biggest names who have hosted the show.

Did Powell Address the Massive Success of the “Glenaissance”?

Powell’s recent career trajectory has been dubbed the “Glenaissance” by fans and critics alike, a term he poked fun at during his opening monologue.

The actor’s star power has exploded thanks to a series of back-to-back box office hits that showcase his charisma in action, rom-com, and dark comedy genres. These include the military drama Devotion, the romantic smash Anyone But You, the co-written dark comedy Hit Man, and the disaster movie Twisters.

During the monologue, Powell leaned into the public’s perception of his ubiquity, joking about his recent non-stop visibility. He admitted, “I know some of you are tired of seeing my face, hell, I’m tired of seeing my face too.” He then delivered a perfect, charismatic punchline: “But you know who is not tired of seeing my face? Your mom.”

The actor used this massive opportunity to promote his newest film, The Running Man, an Edgar Wright-directed sci-fi action film that premiered the same weekend. Powell’s ability to balance self-deprecating humor with movie star confidence is exactly what is driving his huge appeal right now.

What Was the Viral Moment from the Monologue?

The most heartwarming moment of the night wasn’t a joke about his career or a quick physical stunt, but a story about a UPS driver named Mitch.

Powell revealed that he was initially slated to host SNL four years earlier during the run of Top Gun: Maverick, before its COVID-related delays put the hosting gig on hold. He recounted how he and his family had celebrated the original news by taking a celebratory selfie with their UPS delivery man, Mitch.

When the hosting spot was rescinded, Powell jokingly worried that the friendly driver was going around town saying Glen Powell was a “liar.” To bring the story full circle, Powell and his sisters tracked down Mitch, flew him out to New York, and brought him on stage at Studio 8H to recreate the original selfie.

The genuinely wholesome moment landed perfectly with the audience and quickly went viral. Powell used the story to share an authentic message about persistence and patience in Hollywood, noting, “The best things in life don’t happen overnight.”

How Did Powell Handle the Sketch Comedy?

Powell’s natural comedic timing and athletic background proved perfect for the demanding world of live sketch comedy.

Fans were already hyped for his episode after a viral promotional clip showed him channeling Christopher Walken’s iconic dance moves from the “Weapon of Choice” music video. He recreated the gravity-defying, strutting walk in the promo, delighting fans and setting high expectations for the night.

The episode was packed with memorable sketches, including a showcase for cast member Marcello Hernández’s Sebastian Maniscalco impression in a bachelor party skit. Powell played the groom, reacting to the comedian’s high-energy, flailing stand-up routine. He also appeared in a surprise return of the fan-favorite MacGruber sketches alongside Will Forte, proving he can hold his own against legendary SNL alums.

Another standout moment was a music video sketch, “I Miss My Ex’s Dad,” where he played one of the cool fathers that a young man desperately misses after a breakup. Powell’s dinner table freak-out as the over-protective dad was praised as one of the highlights of the night, showing off his physical comedy chops.

What’s Next for the Actor?

Even with his first SNL hosting gig under his belt, Glen Powell isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

The actor is clearly in a “happy” and “in the zone” moment in his career, stating back in September that he isn’t tired of the relentless schedule. He views every new opportunity as giving him “more life and more knowledge.”

In addition to promoting The Running Man, Powell is co-creating and starring in the Hulu series Chad Powers, based on the viral football walk-on concept he originated. He’s also attached to a revenge thriller with A24, showcasing a desire to continually diversify his portfolio.

Powell is positioned perfectly as Hollywood’s next versatile leading man, one who can charm audiences while also delivering blockbuster-level action and heartfelt honesty.

TL;DR

• Glen Powell hosted Saturday Night Live on November 15, 2025, calling the experience a “lifelong dream come true” and an “iconic rite of passage.”
• He is currently promoting his new sci-fi film, The Running Man, which premiered the same weekend as his hosting debut.
• Powell’s opening monologue included self-aware jokes about his recent fame, coining a “your mom” joke about his ubiquity in Hollywood.
• The most viral moment involved him flying his family’s UPS driver, Mitch, to New York to recreate a selfie, bringing an unexpected level of genuine sincerity to the show.
• The actor proved his sketch comedy skills in several skits, including a new MacGruber segment and a music video about missing an ex-girlfriend’s dad.
• The “Glenaissance” continues, with Powell confirming he feels energized by his packed schedule and looking ahead to the Hulu series Chad Powers and a new A24 project.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.