Given that it took place almost 12 years ago, you may not remember much from Natalie Portman’s first guest-hosting gig on Saturday Night Live. But if you remember anything, odds are it’s the S.N.L. Digital Short she collaborated on with Andy Samberg where sweet, intellectual, child star Portman transformed herself into a gutter-mouthed rap star. Well, Portman, Samberg, and the Viking helmet are all back for another go at, well, basically the same thing. In other words: once more, with Jar Jar.
With Beck Bennett in the Chris Parnell role as an interviewer both bemused by and scared of Portman’s rap persona, the Annihilation star takes us all on a tour of what she’s been up to in the intervening years. (As Bennett’s character notes, it’s pretty much the same sketch as before—with more current references.) Black Swan, Portman’s kids, and her ballerino husband all get a shout-out in this updated sketch. The sequel may not be quite as successful as the first attempt (mostly because it lacks the element of surprise), but a Samberg cameo is always welcome.
The most topical reference of all, however, is Portman’s fierce, violent respect for the controversial Star Wars prequels. Defending them is all the rage these days.
