Saturday Night Live is gearing up for its landmark 50th season with a fresh infusion of talent. The iconic sketch comedy show has announced the addition of three new cast members: Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline. These talented individuals will join the SNL ensemble as featured players for the upcoming season, which is set to premiere on September 28.
The new additions come as the show prepares to celebrate its golden anniversary. Despite the departures of Punkie Johnson, Molly Kearney, and Chloe Troast from the previous season, SNL’s core cast remains largely intact. Notably, Marcello Hernandez, Michael Longfellow, and Devon Walker have been promoted from featured players to main cast members.
One of the most anticipated aspects of the new season is the return of Maya Rudolph as Vice President Kamala Harris. Rudolph’s portrayal of the Democratic presidential nominee has been a highlight of the show in recent years, and her continued involvement is sure to add to the excitement surrounding the upcoming election.
To commemorate its 50th anniversary, SNL will air a special three-hour primetime event on February 16, 2025. This celebratory episode will offer a retrospective of the show’s history and feature highlights from its five decades on the air.
In addition to the anniversary special, Jason Reitman’s feature film Saturday Night is set to hit theaters in late September. The film dramatizes the events leading up to the series premiere and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of one of television’s most beloved shows.
Ashley Padilla, a member of L.A.’s Groundlings main company since 2021, brings her comedic talents to SNL. She has also made guest appearances on popular shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm and Night Court. Emil Wakim, a stand-up comedian with experience performing at The Tonight Show and the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, is another exciting addition to the cast. His unique perspective and comedic style are sure to make him a valuable asset to the show. Jane Wickline, a member of the ensemble for the sketch show Stapleview, brings her online following and comedic chops to SNL.
As SNL enters its 50th season, the show’s creators and producers are committed to maintaining its tradition of excellence while also embracing new talent and fresh perspectives. The addition of Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline is a testament to this commitment and promises to bring a new energy and excitement to the show.
