SNL's "Movie Guy" Skewers Film Fandom in Hilarious Comeback

In the October 26th, 2023 episode of Saturday Night Live, comedian Marcello Hernandez resurrected his popular character "The Movie Guy" during the Weekend Update segment. Appearing alongside co-anchor Colin Jost, Hernandez's character humorously admitted to not having seen recent high-profile genre films like Black Phone 2 (set for release in 2025) and Weapons.

The recurring "Movie Guy" bit, which first debuted in [insert debut date if known], has become a fan favorite for its relatable skewering of film fandom and the pressure to stay current with blockbuster releases. Hernandez's delivery is key, as the character isn't dismissive, but simply unaware of the movies everyone else seems to have seen.

This comedic tension highlights the absurdity of needing to have seen every trending movie to participate in film-related conversations. The success of "The Movie Guy" taps into several cultural anxieties, including FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), the performance of fandom, and the decline of shared cultural experiences as streaming services fragment audiences.

Hernandez's portrayal is subtle yet brilliant, as he doesn't attack film culture but simply exists outside of it. This creates a more nuanced and relatable comedic effect than a straightforward parody. The character's appeal also speaks to a growing fatigue with the constant demands of online engagement and the pressure to have an opinion on everything.