During his recent appearance on Saturday Night Live on December 13, 2023, actor Josh O’Connor addressed fan suggestions for him to portray the character Alfredo Linguini in a live-action version of the beloved animated film Ratatouille. The 35-year-old star, known for his role in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, clarified his disinterest in the potential remake during a lively monologue.
O’Connor recounted that after expressing his admiration for Ratatouille, fans began promoting him as a candidate for the role of Linguini. “I suppose fans started pitching me as Chef Linguini for a live-action Ratatouille remake,” he explained. O’Connor admitted to being somewhat out of the loop regarding online discussions, noting that he only learned about the fan campaign after Disney-Pixar president publicly declared that there would be no live-action adaptation of the film, regardless of his interest.
He humorously elaborated, “Do you know how it feels to be publicly rejected from a job I didn’t even want?” O’Connor emphasized that he has no desire to take on the role, stating, “I don’t have the time for it.” Throughout his monologue, he continued to reference the film, playfully engaging the audience with his thoughts on the casting.
In a light-hearted moment, O’Connor mentioned, “I’m already in the new Knives Out film — saying it out loud sounds like the perfect name for the live-action Ratatouille — but that’s neither here nor there.” He expressed his gratitude for being on SNL, calling the experience “magical and joyous,” especially during the festive season.
O’Connor also took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of casting in a film like Ratatouille. “You can’t make Ratatouille unless you have the perfect cast. There’s just no point,” he remarked. He playfully suggested that if a live-action version were to be made, the character of food critic Anton Ego could potentially be played by actor Jeff Goldblum, joking about the casting possibilities.
The actor’s remarks during his SNL hosting gig not only provided a humorous insight into fan culture but also showcased his charisma and ability to engage with the audience. His playful dismissal of the live-action project resonated well, leaving viewers entertained and eager for more of his performances in the future.
