Will Ferrell Returns to SNL as Ghost of Jeffrey Epstein in Season Finale Cold Open

Will Ferrell made his sixth appearance as host of Saturday Night Live for the show's season 51 finale, launching the episode with a memorable cold open sketch.

The 58-year-old comedy veteran took on the role of Jeffrey Epstein's ghost, who visits James Austin Johnson's portrayal of Donald Trump. The sketch played with the supernatural premise as the two characters traded barbs about current events before breaking into song together.

During their exchange, Ferrell's Epstein greets Trump with a casual "How you doing, Donnie baby?" Johnson's Trump responds that his approval ratings have dipped into the 30s. Ferrell's character quips back, "Oh, the 30s. Gross. Call me when it hits 17!"

When Johnson's Trump inquires about conditions in the afterlife, Ferrell describes it as extremely hot but keeps him occupied with regular activities. He mentions playing mahjong on Wednesdays alongside historical figures Stalin and serial killer John Wayne Gacy, noting that the latter is quite the storyteller.

The conversation shifts to Trump's upcoming plans for the summer. Johnson's character references the World Cup, a UFC event on his lawn, and the Patriot Games, which he describes as a nationwide competition for high school athletes.

The sketch concludes with both characters performing a musical number together, bringing the cold open to a close.