Glen Powell Reveals How a Four-Year SNL Hosting Delay Led to an Awkward UPS Driver Feud

Actor Glen Powell finally made his debut as host of Saturday Night Live. The November 15 episode marked the culmination of a long and unexpectedly complicated journey to the Studio 8H stage. His initial offer to host was rescinded years ago, leading to an awkward personal situation.

According to NBC, Powell was originally scheduled to host in 2021 to promote Top Gun: Maverick. The film’s release was delayed, which directly impacted the network’s plans.

Lorne Michaels Delivered a Blunt Cancellation Message

During his opening monologue, Powell explained the situation. He said SNL producer Lorne Michaels personally called to withdraw the offer. Michaels reportedly told him, “Without Top Gun, no one will know who the F you are.”

The actor had already celebrated the news prematurely. He shared a selfie with his family and their UPS driver, Mitch, moments after getting the initial offer.

A Full-Circle Moment on the SNL Stage

For four years, Powell joked that the UPS driver thought he was a liar. To rectify the situation, his sisters tracked Mitch down. The delivery driver was invited to New York City for the actual show.

Powell and Mitch recreated their original selfie live on stage. The moment provided a heartfelt and humorous conclusion to the long wait. Powell noted that the best things in life, much like a delivery, are worth waiting for.

His appearance also included a callback to a previous SNL episode. Powell had made a surprise cameo during his Anyone But You co-star Sydney Sweeney’s monologue earlier in 2024.

Glen Powell’s SNL hosting debut was a testament to patience and the importance of proving yourself to your local delivery driver. The long-awaited event finally put a years-old misunderstanding to rest.

Dropping this nugget your way

Why was Glen Powell’s original SNL hosting gig canceled?

It was canceled because the release of *Top Gun: Maverick* was delayed. According to reports, the show’s producer felt his profile wasn’t high enough without the film’s promotion.

Who is Mitch the UPS driver?

Mitch is the UPS delivery driver whom Glen Powell told about his initial SNL offer. Powell invited him to the show years later to prove the story was true.

Has Glen Powell been on SNL before?

Yes, he made a cameo appearance in 2024 during Sydney Sweeney’s monologue. The bit played on the romance rumors that surrounded the co-stars.

What did Lorne Michaels say to Glen Powell?

According to Powell’s monologue, Lorne Michaels stated that without the *Top Gun* movie, the public would not know who he was, leading to the offer being pulled.

How did Glen Powell prove his story to the UPS driver?

His sisters located the driver, Mitch, and he was invited to the live show. They took a new selfie on the SNL stage to replace the original one.