Hanks Reprises David S Pumpkins Character in Surprise Appearance During SNL Cold Open
Pumpkins returns to SNL
Hanks appeared during the October 31 cold open, once again playing David S Pumpkins. Mikey Day and Bobby Moynihan joined him in the sketch. The character was created by Day, Moynihan and Streeter Seidell for a 2016 Halloween sketch. That segment parodied the viral “Little Superstar” video.
A ride brings him onscreen
The sketch opened with new cast member Grace Reiter and Jeremy Culhane boarding a ride called “Fright Nights.” Hanks appeared roughly a minute into the scene as one of the figures they met along the way. Hanks had played David S Pumpkins again in 2022, during season 48. Jack Harlow hosted that episode.
Political parody in the cold open
The cold open also mocked recent comments by President Donald Trump. James Austin Johnson played Trump, while Saidah Belo-Osagie portrayed Nicki Minaj, who had recently appeared with Trump at a rally.
In character, Johnson’s Trump referred to both himself and Pumpkins as loud, orange and annoying. He also made a remark about admiring Hanks’ physique and joked about possibly being gay.
Key points
- Tom Hanks returned as David S Pumpkins in the October 31 SNL cold open.
- Mikey Day and Bobby Moynihan joined Hanks in the sketch.
- The character debuted in a 2016 Halloween segment created by Day, Moynihan and Streeter Seidell.
- The cold open also featured James Austin Johnson as Trump and Saidah Belo-Osagie as Nicki Minaj.