Scarlett Johansson said her husband, comedian and writer Colin Jost, is "going back to work" at Saturday Night Live, offering one of the clearest public signs yet that Jost remains on the program after a period of high-profile departures.
Johansson made the remark while promoting her new film, Eleanor the Great, at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, telling Entertainment Weekly in an exclusive interview that Jost would return to work. Jost himself has not publicly confirmed his status or addressed whether he will resume his role at the Weekend Update desk alongside longtime co-anchor Michael Che.
Jost joined Saturday Night Live in 2005, later serving as the show's head writer for several years, and began co-anchoring Weekend Update in 2014. His potential return comes after an announced period of renovations to SNL's cast and creative team. Lorne Michaels, the show's creator and longtime executive producer, told Puck in July that Season 51 would bring significant changes, saying he felt "pressure to reinvent this season." Michaels said such shifts could not have been allowed to distract from Season 50, which coincided with a major milestone for the show and an election year.
The program has seen a string of departures and reported firings, prompting public scrutiny and speculation about who will remain in front of and behind the camera. Among those discussed in the public sphere is cast member Heidi Gardner, who has been with SNL for eight years. Dana Carvey, an SNL alum, told his podcast Fly on the Wall that, based on what he knew at the time of recording, Gardner was asked to leave and that it "was not her idea to leave," while adding he could be wrong.
Producers and cast routinely recalibrate the show between seasons, particularly after landmark years. Officials at NBC and representatives for SNL have not issued a detailed public roster for the coming season, and Jost has not commented directly to reporters about his future on the series.
Johansson's confirmation represents a rare direct comment from a family member on the matter and may assuage questions from viewers about whether Jost will continue in his high-profile roles on the show. Further clarification about the extent of Season 51's changes and whether any shifts will affect Weekend Update will likely come as SNL announces its official lineup and promotional schedule for the fall season.