Jim Carrey to play Joe Biden on SNL for season 46

‘He will give the part energy and strength,’ says producer Lorne Michaels

Jim Carrey at a screening of 'Sonic the Hedgehog' on 12 February 2020 in Westwood, California (Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

Jim Carrey will portray Joe Biden in the next season of Saturday Night Live.

NBC shared the news on Wednesday, tweeting simply: "Jim Carrey is our new Joe Biden!”

SNL producer Lorne Michaels gave more details on how Carrey got the part in an interview with Vulture, published on the same day.

“There was some interest on his part. And then we responded, obviously, positively,” Michaels said.

“But it came down to discussions about what the take was. He and Colin Jost had a bunch of talks. He and I as well. He will give the part energy and strength, and … [Laughs.] Hopefully it’s funny.”

Maya Rudolph, who has played Kamala Harris on the sketch show, will return, Michaels said, adding that Alec Baldwin will be back too, presumably as Donald Trump.

SNL will return on 3 October for its 46th season.

The last season ended with three remote episodes amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The entire cast from that past season is returning in October. Lauren Holt, Punkie Johnson, and Andrew Dismukes have also been added as three new featured players.

Michaels told Vulture that the show’s logistics are being adapted in order to comply with safety measures during the coronavirus pandemic.