Today, Lauren Roseman, a press representative from NBC confirmed that Taran Killam is not coming back to Saturday Nights Live’s season 42. According to his contract, Killam had another year with the show, but apparently, NBC couldn’t wait another year.
Killam was a cast member since 2010. He was one of the most valuable assets of the show being able to impersonate characters such as Senator Ted Cruz, Dane Cook, and Donald Trump.
During an interview with Uproxx’s Mike Ryan, Killam commented he was signed for seven years, but the company ditched him after the sixth season. Moreover, he said NBC hadn’t given him any reasons as to the contract termination.
#SNL's Jay Pharoah calls Taran Killam 'my fam for life' after both stars' abrupt ouster https://t.co/pkQkO8ddqU pic.twitter.com/Qsd5DPhf4O
— People Magazine (@people) August 11, 2016
Ryan asked Killam what was his favorite moment on SNL during the interview. Killam said that working on SNL provides several special moments. Fred Armisen hosted Killam’s last show, and the episode also featured former SNL stars like Andy Samberg, Jason Sudeikis, and Maya Rudolph.
Jon Rudnitsky won’t be on SNL season 42
Killam is currently directing his first movie, and it’s called ‘Why We’re Killing Gunther.’ The film centers on an assassin and how all his other colleagues are trying to kill him.
The director said the name of the main character was Keyser Soze. He described him as the most mysterious, deadliest, incredible, and respected killer. However, all those attributes make all the other professionals jealous.
Arnold in Vancouver to play the world's greatest hitman with a cool surfer haircut! #WhyWereKillingGunther #WWKG pic.twitter.com/BzyyIaSSNs
— The Arnold Fans (@TheArnoldFans) August 7, 2016
‘Why We’re Killing Gunther’ will feature Arnold Schwarzenegger as the leading character. Killam told Ryan that he sent a video offer to Schwarzenegger. He described how he made a video for the former governor at 10:30 with his wife’s help.
“WE’VE ONLY SHOT TWO DAYS WITH HIM AND HE’S ALREADY SO FUNNY. THE FOOTAGE IS SO GREAT AND HE’S TOTALLY GAME,” Killam said during the interview.
SNL could open season 42 with its seasonal political parodies
NBC’s show is renowned for its political sketches, and the current presidential race is full of controversy giving comedians a lot of material to work. Both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were featured on the show last season.
Trump hosted Saturday Night Live on November.,7, 2015 while Clinton appeared along Kate McKinnon in a sketch on October 3, 2015.
Back in 2008 and 2012, NBC broadcasted additional SNL episodes that centered on the presidential race on Thursdays. However, NBC has not confirmed whether is going to happen this year.
The show’s producers are currently scouting for talents to replace Taran Killam and Jay Pharoah, but no one really knows what the studio’s directors have in mind. Saturday Night Live’s season 42 will premiere on October 1st.
Source: Uproxx
