Scarlett Johansson recently opened up about her experience during the infamous joke swap segment on “Saturday Night Live,” where her husband Colin Jost teams up with Michael Che for a comedic exchange that often leaves her both laughing and cringing. This year’s jokes, particularly one written by Che about Scarlett, had her feeling a mix of dread and amusement.
In the segment, Michael Che delivered a sharp quip: “ChatGPT has released a new voice assistant feature inspired by Scarlett Johansson’s AI character in ‘Her,’ which I’ve never bothered to watch, because without that body, what’s the point of listening?” The audience erupted in laughter, but Scarlett’s reaction was one of shock. “Oh God,” she exclaimed, showcasing her typical blend of humor and exasperation.
Scarlett commented on the unique nature of the segment, where Colin and Michael read their jokes live without any prior knowledge of the content. “I love that they do this like Ron Burgundy from ‘Anchorman,’” she said, expressing her admiration for their spontaneity. However, she admitted that the experience can be overwhelming. “I black out for that period of the night. As soon as the picture came up, I was like, ‘[screams].’”
While the joke was relatively tame compared to past years, Scarlett highlighted the potential for even edgier material. “That’s like a tame version. We kept it tame,” she noted, joking about how the humor could push boundaries. “I am absolutely terrified we’re gonna be targeted. It’s so bad.”
Despite the discomfort, Scarlett acknowledged the brilliance of the live format. “Every year it gets worse. It’s just terrible… but also brilliant,” she said, emphasizing the thrill of the unpredictable nature of live television.
The annual joke swap serves as a humorous tradition between Colin and Michael, allowing them to entertain audiences while also solidifying their camaraderie. Scarlett concluded with a laugh, “And they do it at Christmas too. It’s like a little gift to each other.” This playful exchange not only highlights the chemistry among the trio but also keeps fans eagerly anticipating their next comedic installment.