Everyone wants to be in Star Wars, to break off a piece of J.J. Abrams’ sweet The Force Awakens action. Not everyone is talented enough to make the cut, though. The director appeared on Saturday Night Live this weekend to introduce a montage of some "failed" screen tests, and while they are fake (and funny), they make great use of the fact that every celebrity in the industry likely pulled strings to get in the room to read for Abrams. Also, there’s a sweet Aloha burn from Emma Stone. It’s worth watching just for that.
These SNL audition reels have been a hit in the past, primarily because they allow cast members to break out celebrity impersonations that they have worked on over the years. Jay Pharoah crosses his eyes and does a mean Shaquille O’Neal (as Chewbacca). Cecily Strong is getting better as Modern Family beauty Sofia Vergara. Chris Tucker seems like a dated joke to make in 2015, but we’ll allow it. I think we can all agree, though, that the all-star impersonation from the cast HAS to be Bobby Moynihan’s lurking George Lucas, who’s really not ready to hand over his beloved creation because he thinks they’ll get everything wrong. Sure, one only needs jeans and a blue plaid shirt to get into character as Lucas, but Moynihan nails Lucas's passive-aggressive nature. He needs to play Lucas more often in skits as Star Wars: The Force Awakens approaches.
After that, it’s fun to marvel at the actual A-listers coaxed into coming in and recording a bit for the video. Star Wars: The Force Awakens stars Daisy Ridley and John Boyega screen test with a few of the SNL regulars, in character as people like Michael Buble. Jon Hamm appears dressed as "Hamm" Solo. And as promised, Emma Stone pokes fun at her summer disaster, Aloha, by telling casting agents that she can play "a very convincing part-Asian woman." Finally, something about Aloha manages to be funny!
Sadly, Chris Tucker, Michael Buble, Danny DeVito and a screaming Leslie Jones didn’t make it into Star Wars: The Force Awakens. We’re just going to have to make due with original cast members Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and, allegedly, Mark Hamill. The latest Star Wars movie opens in the U.S. on December 17. Do you have your tickets yet?
