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SNL cold open brings iconic characters and current issues to life

Mike Myers Revives Elon Musk Impression in SNL's Latest Sketch

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Mackenzie Ferguson

Edited By

Mackenzie Ferguson

AI Tools Researcher & Implementation Consultant

Mike Myers made a triumphant return as Elon Musk during SNL's March 8, 2025, cold open. The sketch hilariously portrayed a fictional mediation by Donald Trump between Musk and Marco Rubio over Dogecoin. Laden with pop culture allusions and playful jabs at Musk's recent controversies, including declining Tesla stocks, Myers' performance was a comedic highlight. Lady Gaga hosted and was the musical guest on an episode that added a pinch of laughter to a week filled with significant events like the Oscars and Trump's congressional address.

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Introduction to the SNL Episode

The March 8, 2025, episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) marked a memorable return for Mike Myers, who reprised his beloved portrayal of tech mogul Elon Musk in a comedic cold open. The sketch whimsically explored a scenario where Donald Trump played the mediator in a fictional conflict between Musk and politician Marco Rubio. Full of satirical references, the segment cleverly included nods to pop culture touchstones like 'Dogecoin' and hit series 'White Lotus,' while Myers' performance infused a touch of his classic 'Dr. Evil' from the Austin Powers franchise. This sketch was particularly timely, airing on a week characterized by significant news events, including the Oscars and Trump's much-anticipated congressional address. The episode was further accentuated by the charismatic presence of Lady Gaga, who pulled double duty as the host and musical guest, enhancing the evening's entertainment value. For more details on this episode, see the original report by Deadline.

    Mike Myers' Portrayal of Elon Musk

    Mike Myers' return to Saturday Night Live as Elon Musk brought an unexpected yet refreshing take on the tech mogul's persona. Known for his versatility in characters, Myers infused his portrayal with a blend of humor and satire, adeptly capturing the eccentricity often associated with Musk. The sketch, which aired during a high-profile episode hosted by Lady Gaga, presented a fictional scenario where Donald Trump was mediating a dispute involving Musk, Marco Rubio, and the controversial Dogecoin. This choice amplified the comedic narrative while subtly referencing real-world events surrounding Musk's business dealings and political associations. [Deadline]

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      In his portrayal, Myers lent a manic energy that mirrored both Musk's public awkwardness and the underlying confidence that defines his real-life persona. A particularly striking moment was Myers' adoption of Dr. Evil's iconic pinky gesture, a nod to his Austin Powers legacy, which was cleverly used to convey Musk's internal monologue about his wealth and Tesla stock's volatility. This parody smartly intertwined reality with comedy, keeping audiences entertained while providing an understated commentary on Musk's current challenges in both the corporate and political arenas. [Rolling Stone]

        Review of the Cold Open Sketch

        The March 8, 2025 episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) opened with an engaging and high-profile sketch featuring Mike Myers as Elon Musk, marking a triumphant return of Myers to the show's cold open. The sketch cleverly portrayed a fictional mediation scenario where former President Donald Trump attempted to resolve a manufactured dispute between Musk and political figure Marco Rubio. The comedic setup was filled with timely references, including those to Dogecoin and the popular TV series "White Lotus," interwoven with Myers' characteristic humor and wit. His portrayal also included a humorous internal monologue reflecting on Musk's real-world struggles, such as his declining net worth and fluctuating Tesla stock, adding layers of relatability and depth to the character. With Lady Gaga hosting the episode, the sketch set a compelling opening tone amid a bustling news week, deftly blending entertainment with topical commentary. [source]

          Lady Gaga's Dual Role

          Lady Gaga's appearance in the March 8, 2025, episode of Saturday Night Live showcased her remarkable ability to juggle both hosting and performing duties with flair and charisma. As the show's host and musical guest, Gaga brought a unique duality to the episode, enhancing its entertainment value and seamlessly intertwining her musical prowess with comedic elements. This SNL appearance marked yet another milestone for Gaga, underscoring her versatility and enduring appeal as a multifaceted entertainer. Her involvement in the sketches highlighted her capacity to adapt and thrive in a live comedy environment, contributing significantly to the episode's cohesive and energetic atmosphere. Notably, her performance intertwined with comedic sketches that addressed the pressures faced by female pop stars, providing a satirical yet insightful commentary on her own experiences in the entertainment industry [Los Angeles Times].

            Political Context Surrounding the Episode

            The political context surrounding the March 8, 2025 episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) is deeply intertwined with the broader socio-political landscape in the United States. The episode, which prominently featured Mike Myers reprising his role as Elon Musk, comes at a time of heightened media scrutiny and public interest in Musk's political involvements, particularly his controversial alignment with President Trump. Musk's political maneuvers have often captured headlines, notably his interactions with political figures like Marco Rubio, leading to intense public debate and widespread discourse. This backdrop makes SNL's comedic take on these tensions particularly timely and reflective of the ongoing narrative about Musk's dual identity as a technology magnate and political influencer .

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              President Trump's administration, on the other hand, continues to grapple with internal challenges amid external pressures. The comedic sketch of Trump mediating between Musk and Rubio is a satirical nod to the real-world complexity and unpredictability of Trump's political circle. This presentation highlights the ongoing rhetorical and strategic dynamics at play, as Trump navigates his relationships with influential business leaders and politicians. During this SNL episode, Trump's political decisions, such as his tariff policies that led to market volatility, further underscore the intricate web of political alliances and confrontations that define his administration's current phase .

                Furthermore, the portrayal of these political figures amidst real-world events like the Oscars and Trump's congressional address adds layers to the narrative, reflecting the multiplicity of media narratives vying for public attention. By placing Musk into this satirical context, SNL effectively comments on the role of celebrity influences in politics, capturing public fascination and skepticism alike. The particular timing of the episode, amid such significant news events, also points to the strategic use of comedy as both a form of entertainment and a tool for political engagement, illustrating how broadcast media can frame and influence public perception of political and economic narratives .

                  Public Reactions to the Sketch

                  The March 8, 2025, episode of Saturday Night Live, featuring Mike Myers' portrayal of Elon Musk, sparked a wide range of public reactions, reflecting the deepening divisions in public sentiment. While some viewers relished Myers' comedic timing and creative incorporation of Dr. Evil's iconic mannerisms during Musk's internal monologue, many others expressed dissatisfaction. This sketch was well-received by those who appreciated its satirical edge, especially in light of current events such as Musk's fluctuating Tesla stock and political antics. On platforms like Twitter, memes abounded, humorously highlighting Myers' pinky-to-lips gesture with captions referencing Tesla's market performance [1](https://deadline.com/2025/03/snl-mike-myers-elon-musk-returns-trump-1236319555/).

                    However, the portrayal was not without its detractors. Supporters of Elon Musk, particularly within technical and SpaceX-focused communities on Reddit, voiced concern over what they perceived as an unfairly negative depiction, accusing SNL of targeting Musk during a challenging period for his businesses. The sketch's proximity to Donald Trump's congressional address also fueled accusations of political bias, especially among conservative audiences, who felt the SNL portrayal unfairly lampooned Musk and Trump [1](https://deadline.com/2025/03/snl-mike-myers-elon-musk-returns-trump-1236319555/).

                      Entertainment critics, on the other hand, mostly viewed the sketch favorably. Variety lauded Myers' performance as a standout return to form, commenting on how well the piece captured the complex dynamics between Musk, Trump, and political figures like Rubio. The Hollywood Reporter echoed this sentiment, highlighting the sketch's ability to deftly handle the nuanced intersection of celebrity, politics, and media. However, despite this critical acclaim, Lady Gaga's involvement as both host and musical guest stole some of the spotlight, though viewers eagerly anticipate the return of Myers' Musk for future sketches [1](https://deadline.com/2025/03/snl-mike-myers-elon-musk-returns-trump-1236319555/).

                        Expert Opinions on the SNL Episode

                        The March 8, 2025 episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL), featuring Mike Myers as Elon Musk in a stimulating cold open, captured significant attention both for its comedic brilliance and its sharp commentary on current events. Myers, renowned for his ability to blend character acting with satire, reprised his role as Musk in a skit that set Donald Trump in the unlikely position of mediator between Musk and Marco Rubio. This setup allowed the sketch to humorously explore complex themes like cryptocurrency volatility and political maneuvering. According to a comprehensive report from Deadline, the cold open deftly combined pop culture references with smart political satire, earning acclaim from various critics and audiences alike.

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                          Comedy critic Alan Sepinwall of Rolling Stone praised Myers' energetic portrayal of Musk, emphasizing how he encapsulated both the public persona and underlying megalomania associated with the real-life billionaire. The sketch's use of an internal monologue was particularly lauded, providing a comedic yet poignant lens on Musk's well-publicized financial struggles and the fluctuating Tesla stock. As captured in Alan Sepinwall's review, Myers' performance highlighted his adeptness at merging absurdity with reality, creating a layered comedy moment that resonated with viewers.

                            Meanwhile, Brian Lowry from CNN pointed out the evolving landscape of SNL's political satire, noting how the show's current strategy involves repositioning Donald Trump more as a nuanced character than a direct target for their jokes. This subtle shift in its comedic focus was evident in the cold open, where Trump played a mediator rather than the central figure of ridicule. Lowry highlighted this in his analysis, reflecting on how such comedic choices indicate SNL's adaptability in reflecting ongoing changes in political dynamics.

                              Entertainment Weekly's Kelly Lawler applauded the timing of the episode's cold open, drawing parallels between the sketch and the intense news cycle that week, which included the Oscars and major political events. Lawler's review highlights the episode's impact as it delivered timely comic relief amidst tense circumstances by intertwining contemporary headlines with humor, without sacrificing depth or relevance. The presence of Lady Gaga, who served as both host and musical guest, was also pivotal in enhancing the episode's dynamism, further contributing to its cohesive and entertaining presentation.

                                Economic Implications of the Sketch

                                The March 8, 2025, episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) where Mike Myers stepped back into the spotlight as Elon Musk has stirred substantial discussion on economic fronts. This character portrayal, rich with comedic elements, coincides with real-world occasions that have cast shadows on Musk's business ventures, like Tesla and cryptocurrencies. The sketch highlighted Musk's decreasing net worth, underlining ongoing challenges faced by Tesla. In particular, Tesla's continuous stock decline due to Musk's political entanglements with the Trump administration might gain further traction in public and investor circles as a result of this satirical portrayal.

                                  The inclusion of Dogecoin in the skit brings to attention the unpredictable nature of cryptocurrency markets. Historically, Musk's affiliations with digital currencies, such as Dogecoin, have seen significant impacts following his public comments or appearances. This SNL portrayal could incite renewed volatility in the cryptocurrency markets, shaking investor confidence akin to how previous exposure influenced Dogecoin pricing. It is noteworthy that as a historically influential figure in the crypto world, Musk's portrayals in major media like SNL can lead to swift, albeit temporary, market reactions caused by both investor sentiment and Musk's fanbase.

                                    The traffic of political satire through the comedic lens in SNL can influence public perception of corporate leaders like Musk. As questions grow regarding Musk's dedication to his companies amidst his expanding political activities, the portrayal in SNL might hasten calls for stronger governance at Tesla and potentially other Musk-led enterprises like SpaceX. Shareholder activism could see an uptick as investors lobby for steadier leadership, particularly when public trust in CEOs who dip their toes into political waters is in flux. This perception could provoke boardroom strategies focusing on stabilizing corporate reputations and executive accountability.

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                                      Social and Cultural Impact

                                      The March 8, 2025, episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) featuring Mike Myers as Elon Musk in a cold open sketch had a significant social and cultural impact. The sketch, which saw former President Donald Trump humorously attempting to mediate a dispute between Musk and Marco Rubio, not only entertained audiences but also offered sharp political commentary. The inclusion of elements like Dogecoin and references to ‘White Lotus’ coupled with Myers' use of his iconic Dr. Evil mannerisms provided a satirical lens into the increasingly entwined worlds of politics, business, and entertainment. This episode, airing during a tumultuous week that included major events like the Oscars and geopolitical tensions, became a focal point for discussions on how modern comedy reflects and critiques current affairs. The clever satire from SNL serves as a reminder of comedy's role in offering relief and insight amid a complex world. [source](https://www.nbcnews.com/video/-snl-pokes-fun-at-musk-rubio-during-cold-open-233890885802).

                                        One of the critical social impacts of the SNL episode was its reflection on celebrity involvement in politics, as portrayed through Mike Myers' Musk character. This has sparked discussion about the blurred lines between entertainment figures and political actors, especially in today's media-driven society. Elon Musk’s political engagements, often controversial, were humorously critiqued, fueling debates about the responsibilities and influence of high-profile individuals in political discourse. The sketch highlights the rising public skepticism towards celebrities’ roles in shaping political narratives, an issue that has been gaining traction with increasing complexity in the political arena. [source](https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-recaps/snl-mike-myers-elon-musk-lady-gaga-1234567890/).

                                          Furthermore, the cultural impact of the episode extended to discussions around cryptocurrency, as portrayed through the Dogecoin references in the sketch. Historically, Musk’s real-world comments have significantly influenced cryptocurrency markets, and SNL’s parody may further amplify the volatility in public perception and market movements regarding digital currencies. By employing comedy, SNL managed to contribute to the ongoing conversation about market stability and the sometimes unpredictable influence of prominent figures like Musk in economic realms. This use of satire underscores the increasing role of entertainment in addressing serious economic topics, blending humor with financial insights. [source](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/07/tesla-shares-declined-every-week-since-elon-musk-went-to-washington.html).

                                            Political Consequences and Insights

                                            The political landscape in 2025 has been significantly impacted by the intersection of entertainment and political figures, as demonstrated in the recent Saturday Night Live (SNL) episode featuring Mike Myers as Elon Musk. The sketch not only provided comic relief but also highlighted the complex power dynamics within the Trump administration, reflecting on how public figures like Musk navigate the political arena. Myer's portrayal, particularly through the use of Dr. Evil gestures, subtly critiques Musk's political alignment and its repercussions on his corporate interests, such as Tesla's declining stock value due to Musk's involvement in government affairs. This satire illustrates the growing influence of celebrities in politics and the potential backlash when these figures engage in political advocacy, resonating with a divided public that increasingly views political engagement through entertainment lenses .

                                              In analyzing the political ramifications of SNL's portrayal of Elon Musk and Donald Trump, one must consider the broader context of Trump's administration's dynamics and the role of figures like Musk in shaping policy discourse. The sketch's depiction of Trump as a mediator between Musk and Rubio offers insight into the internal challenges faced within the administration as well as the potential influence Musk wields in areas like technology and transportation. Critics argue that this representation could influence public perception, possibly painting the administration as reliant on non-traditional influencers and causing friction among traditional Republican platforms. Moreover, the comedic element of the sketch serves as a reminder of how entertainment mediums can effectively sway public opinion and contribute to the political narrative outside of newsroom boundaries .

                                                Conclusion and Future Outlook

                                                The conclusion of the March 8, 2025, SNL episode, featuring Mike Myers' portrayal of Elon Musk, offers a rich tapestry for understanding the intersection of politics, entertainment, and cultural commentary. The cold open not only delivered comedic relief amid a hectic news cycle but also underscored the increasing role of comedy as a vehicle for political expression. This episode marked a significant moment where parodic representation collided with real-world implications, especially in light of Musk's and Trump’s ongoing public personas.

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                                                  Looking ahead, the future of SNL's portrayals might continue to reflect and influence public perceptions, serving as both a satirical mirror and a litmus test for societal views. Given the ongoing political and social dynamics, future sketches could delve deeper into these characters and situations, resonating with audiences and potentially shaping discourse. The return of iconic characters like Myers’ Musk may also spark further debate and maintain a pulse on current affairs, fostering a dialogue between satire and reality.

                                                    In terms of the broader entertainment landscape, this approach illustrates the enduring power of nostalgic character revivals. It not only captivates long-time fans but also introduces iconic comedy to newer generations. The seamless blending of classic comedy elements with contemporary issues highlights how versatile platforms like SNL are in maintaining relevance, driving cultural conversation, and influencing public opinion through humor. As political landscapes evolve, the importance of such entertainment in shaping narratives and influencing perceptions will undoubtedly grow.

                                                      The sketch’s integration of current events, combined with Lady Gaga’s dynamic presence as both host and musical guest, exemplifies SNL’s commitment to high-energy, thematic programming that resonates with viewers and reflects the societal moment. Whether through the satirical depiction of political figures or the playful nods to pop culture trends, SNL continues to act as a cultural barometer, gauging and guiding public sentiment through creatively engaging content.

                                                        Looking towards future episodes, the potential for reinvigorated interest in political satire through personalities like Myers' Musk is significant. As the political and economic scenarios continue to shift, the resonance of such characters could drive new narratives and insights, blending entertainment with critical commentary on real-world events. This potential for reflection and parody ensures that shows like SNL remain not only a staple of comedy but also a poignant commentary on contemporary issues.

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