Bill Hader appeared on HuffPost Live on Tuesday to discuss his new role in the indie film “The Skeleton Twins,” but the former “Saturday Night Live” cast member couldn’t get out of the studio without answering one question about “SNL.” Namely, does he have a take on the shakeup to the show’s Weekend Update desk, where Michael Che will replace Cecily Strong for the new season?
“No. It’s interesting because you kind of know how the show works and things like that. But, no, you just kind of go, ‘Okay,'” Hader told host Ricky Camilleri before explaining how Strong’s exit from behind the desk will allow her to take on a more active role in “SNL” sketches.
“Update takes up so much time. You have to go to joke reads, you have to help write it,” Hader said. “I watched Amy Poehler do that forever. […] You’re like when does she have time to sleep? It’s hard. She was an eighth-year cast member when she was doing that. Cecily is in her second season. That’s a lot to ask of somebody, and she’s really, really good in sketches.”
Hader’s comments echo what Strong herself wrote about the move after it was announced last week.
I don’t see this as me leaving update, just as me being on update in a looser, goofier way that is a lot more fun for me and in a way I think I’m better at. And now I get to do features with the very funny and wonderful Michael Che! No point in being angry or sad for me for something I’m genuinely happy about! Unless you are just a person who enjoys being angry or sad. Then I guess play on, playa.
Watch the full interview with Hader on HuffPost Live right here.