Josh O’Connor, the star of “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” recently addressed fan speculation about him taking on the role of chef Alfredo Linguini in a live-action remake of the beloved animated film, Ratatouille. During his monologue on Saturday Night Live (SNL) on December 13, O’Connor humorously clarified his lack of interest in the role.
The conversation began when O’Connor revealed that he had mentioned Ratatouille as one of his favorite films. Following this admission, fans began suggesting him for the role of Linguini in a hypothetical live-action version. O’Connor, who described himself as “not very online,” was unaware of this growing buzz until he learned that the president of Disney-Pixar had publicly stated that a live-action remake will never happen, regardless of fan interest.
“I didn’t even want this job,” O’Connor remarked, adding a touch of humor to his rejection. “Do you know how it feels to be publicly rejected from a job I didn’t even want?” He went on to emphasize that he is too busy with other projects to consider such a role, including his work on the new film in the Knives Out series.
As he continued his monologue, the actor playfully referenced Ratatouille multiple times. “Saying it out loud sounds like the perfect name for the live-action Ratatouille,” he quipped, before expressing his gratitude for being part of SNL during the festive season. “Being here at SNL during Christmas time is magical and joyous,” he shared.
O’Connor also entertained the audience with his thoughts on casting for a potential live-action version of the film, humorously suggesting that iconic actor Jeff Goldblum might be a suitable choice for the role of food critic Anton Ego. “Who would play the food critic? Perhaps Jeff Goldblum. No, no, no, no. I mean, yes, but later,” he joked, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere of the evening.
While O’Connor dismissed the idea of a live-action Ratatouille, his playful engagement with the audience and the topic showcased his charisma and ability to connect with fans. His appearance on SNL not only highlighted his comedic timing but also reaffirmed his commitment to his current projects, steering clear of speculation about future roles.
