In a delightful return to the iconic world of “Papyrus,” Ryan Gosling has reprised his beloved Saturday Night Live character for a sequel sketch, further cementing his status as a comedic genius.
Gosling first graced the SNL stage with the “Papyrus” skit back in 2017, where he played a man obsessed with the fact that James Cameron’s blockbuster “Avatar” used the commonplace Papyrus font for its logo. The original sketch quickly became a cult classic, racking up over 12 million views on YouTube alone.
Now, in Gosling’s third hosting stint on SNL, he’s brought the character back for “Papyrus 2,” and it does not disappoint. In the latest installment, Gosling’s character is triggered once again when, during a dental procedure, he notices that the title of Cameron’s sequel, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” still utilizes the dreaded Papyrus font – only this time, the designer has simply “put it in bold.”
Papyrus 2 pic.twitter.com/PzQRi7W6E2
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) April 14, 2024
This revelation sets the stage for a final confrontation with the font’s designer, as Gosling’s character grapples with the ongoing assault on his sensibilities. The pop culture impact of the original “Papyrus” skit was so significant that Cameron himself acknowledged it, jokingly stating that the filmmakers had considered changing the font for the “Avatar” sequel, lest they “mess with the formula” and incur Gosling’s wrath.
Well, Gosling has now delivered his response, and it’s just as hilariously unhinged as fans have come to expect. The actor’s ability to completely immerse himself in the character’s obsessive fixation is a testament to his exceptional comedic chops, and the sequel sketch is sure to delight longtime SNL viewers.
But Gosling’s comedic prowess was on full display throughout his latest hosting gig. In another standout moment, the actor appeared in a sketch about the dangers of AI, dressed uncannily as the iconic Beavis character from the beloved ’90s cartoon “Beavis and Butt-Head.” The sight of Gosling’s Beavis-inspired look was so absurdly funny that it left the entire SNL cast, save for the ever-steady Kenan Thompson, struggling to keep from breaking character.
Gosling’s return to SNL has been a masterclass in blending beloved cult sketches with fresh comedic brilliance. Whether revisiting the “Papyrus” saga or unveiling his uncanny Beavis impersonation, the actor has once again proven himself to be a master of sketch comedy, effortlessly captivating audiences with his singular brand of humor.
As Gosling continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, from his acclaimed turn in “Barbie” to the upcoming release of “The Fall Guy,” his latest SNL hosting gig serves as a delightful reminder of his undeniable comedic talents. Fans can only hope that this won’t be the last time they see him reprise these beloved characters on the iconic sketch show stage.
