Alex Moffat, 36, has taken over the role of President-elect Joe Biden, 78. The Saturday Night Live cast member played Joe just hours after Jim Carrey, 58, confirmed he wrapped his stint for the season. Alex’s Joe appeared several minutes into the hilarious cold open, which opened with VP ‘Mike Pence‘ played by Beck Bennett ready to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Pence rocked a short sleeve shirt, he claimed, to show off his bulging muscles. While it appeared he wore the shirt for the vaccine, Beck’s VP was seemingly confused as he went to remove his trousers presumably for a shot back there.
“Before we begin, I just want to assure the American people that the vaccine is safe and harmless. Which is why Donald Trump refused to be here…he sent me to be his…,” he trailed off, as the nurse finished his sentence. “Human shield?” the nurse enquired, prompting SNL‘s Biden to note, “That’s exactly what he sent me.” He went on, “You probably noticed I’m wearing short sleeves — I’ve been lifting weights in my driveway like Kevin Spacey in American Beauty.” Maya Rudolph‘s Kamala Harris then returned, explaining she was allowed into the White House because she “got more votes.”
Get in here, Joe. pic.twitter.com/U9EScBho5V
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) December 20, 2020
“I guess you and Joe will be in here soon IF those election results work out!” Beck’s Pence went on, as Alex then made his unexpected debut. “You look different somehow?” someone on stage inquired, taking a jab at the recast. “I’m like Colonel Sanders. A different guy every time!” Alex’s Joe reasoned, making reference Mario Lopez’s recent KFC film on Lifetime. “You’re about to have a real leader again. The most diverse cabinet in the history of American politics,” he added. Of course, the sketch wouldn’t be complete without a quick appearance by Kate McKinnon‘s Rudy Giuliani, who once again gave an excuse for having his hands down his pants.
Earlier today, Jim Carrey confirmed he wouldn’t be reprising his role as Joe Biden via Twitter. “Though my term was only meant to be 6 weeks,I was thrilled to be elected as your SNL President…comedy’s highest call of duty,” the Canadian born star posted on Dec. 19. “I would love to go forward knowing that Biden was the victor because I nailed that shit. But I am just one in a long line of proud, fighting SNL Bidens!” he added.
"How did you even get into The White House?"
"I won more votes." pic.twitter.com/boCAj5ZCIj
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) December 20, 2020
A source confirmed to us hours later that the show “loved” Jim’s Joe but knew it was only going to be for a short run. “Season 46 is now looking for their new 46. Lorne and the producers loved Jim Carrey in the role of Joe Biden and always expected that they were only going to have him for a limited time,” a source EXCLUSIVELY told HollywoodLife. “Lorne has been looking to see if they could get another big-name celeb to take on the role but with Covid restrictions that has become much harder than originally expected,” they added.
Our insider went on to name some likely replacements, including Alex. “So to get someone from the current cast to do it is now the next best option,” the source continued. “Beck Bennett is in the driver’s seat to get the part as he has been practicing being Biden. They have also considered Alex Moffat and Mikey Day to do it, but Beck is the frontrunner,” they added.