Netflix Heartthrob's SNL Debut

Actor Jacob Elordi faced humorous criticism for his role in the Netflix teen film trilogy, The Kissing Booth, during his debut as the host on Saturday Night Live. The NBC comedy sketch show returned on January 20, 2024, with Elordi taking the stage alongside musical guest Renée Rapp.

In his opening monologue, Elordi playfully acknowledged his recent starring role in Emerald Fennell’s film Saltburn, known for its viral graphic scenes. The movie is set on a luxury estate owned by the aristocratic Felix Catton (Elordi), who invites his Oxford University friend Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) to spend the summer.

Elordi humorously introduced himself: “You might know me from 'Saltburn.' Not from watching the film, but from the TikToks,” referring to a viral scene featuring his co-star. He playfully added, “If you saw the movie, thank you. If you saw it with your parents, I’m sorry. If you watched it with your girlfriend, you're welcome.”

The monologue transitioned to fan questions, with SNL cast member Sarah Sherman jokingly calling Saltburn “absolutely gross.” Elordi engaged in banter about the film not being for everyone, prompting laughter from the audience.

Before his roles in Saltburn, Euphoria, and Sophia Coppola’s Priscilla, Elordi gained fame as Noah Flynn in The Kissing Booth Netflix franchise. The trilogy, adapted from Beth Reekles’s young adult novel, follows Elle (played by Elordi’s ex-girlfriend Joey King) as she starts a relationship with Noah after a carnival kiss.

Reflecting on his teen heartthrob role, Elordi, in a November GQ interview, described The Kissing Booth movies as "ridiculous" and admitted, “They’re not universal. They’re an escape.”

Critically, The Kissing Booth trilogy has mixed reviews, with Rotten Tomatoes scores of 15% for the first, 27% for the second, and 25% for the third installment.

The SNL episode also featured Renée Rapp, who recently released her debut album, Snow Angel, and stars in the musical movie remake of Mean Girls as bully Regina George. Making a humorous appearance in an early sketch, she joked about needing media training after “going off in every interview.” Rachel McAdams, who played Regina George in the original Mean Girls, introduced Rapp during her second performance.