SNL Increases Disappointment for Ghosts’ Alexander Hamilton Episode

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s recent performance on Saturday Night Live has sparked discussions about his decision not to reprise his iconic role as Hamilton in the fourth season of CBS’s Ghosts. While the show’s ensemble of ghosts brings a lively dynamic, the inclusion of guest stars significantly enhances its comedic flavor. For instance, Tara Reid portrayed a humorous version of herself, adding flair to Trevor’s long-awaited funeral, while Mary Holland introduced unpredictability as her character Patience in the initial episodes of season 4.

Despite some supporting characters like Bela being underutilized, the series still has ample opportunities to invite new guest stars. According to TVLine, Nat Faxon is slated to appear as Isaac’s nemesis, Alexander Hamilton, in a season 4 flashback. This casting decision left many fans disappointed, especially since Utkarsh Ambudkar, known for his role in Ghosts, had previously expressed hopes for Miranda to return to the character.

Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Ideal Choice for Alexander Hamilton in Ghosts Season 4

A Familiar Connection: The Hamilton Star’s Past Collaboration

Lin-Manuel Miranda has cemented his legacy as the creator and star of Hamilton, a ground-breaking Broadway musical chronicling the life of the influential American figure. Ambudkar has an established connection to Miranda, having previously played Aaron Burr in early Vassar Workshops for Hamilton. Even after his replacement, the two maintained a close friendship. Following a sustained comedic narrative in Ghosts about Isaac’s faux rivalry with Hamilton, Ambudkar shared at San Diego Comic-Con that he had asked Miranda multiple times to return to the role.

Despite this longstanding setup for a Hamilton appearance, the show opted to feature Faxon. Given Hamilton’s cultural significance, Miranda remains the actor most audiences envision when thinking of the historical figure. With Hamilton’s cultural prominence waning, a cameo in Ghosts could have served as a nostalgic return for Miranda, akin to the role he recently revived in another comedy show.

How SNL Lured Lin-Manuel Miranda Back to His Roots

The Broadway Icon’s Cold Open Comeback

On January 25, Miranda appeared in a cold open of Saturday Night Live, showcasing his return to the role of Hamilton for the first time since July 9, 2016. Although Ghosts could have provided a fitting platform for this character resurgence, the prospect of returning to a live audience on SNL evidently appealed more to Miranda’s artistic inclinations.

During the SNL segment, Miranda displayed his musical prowess in a rap about American history, only to be humorously interrupted by a parody of Donald Trump. This cameo, albeit brief, served as a reminder of Miranda’s enduring popularity while also offering viewers a moment of levity in a political context.

Factors Influencing Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Decision

The Appeal of a Short-Form Role

While Ghosts season 4 has effectively spotlighted its core characters, the potential inclusion of Miranda would have seamlessly integrated into the show’s unique comedic environment. However, there are compelling reasons for Miranda’s choice to favor SNL over Ghosts.

Ghosts Actor	Character Name
Brandon Scott Jones	Isaac Higgintoot
Roman Zaragoza	Sass
Danielle Pinnock	Alberta
Rebecca Wisocky	Hetty
Richie Moriarty	Pete
Asher Grodman	Trevor
Devon Chandler Long	Thor

Ultimately, Miranda’s choice for a SNL cameo allowed for a low-commitment appearance, without the obligation of future character development on a sitcom. This brief return also helped to reinforce his significance in popular culture, contrasting the more serious undertone of Hamilton with the comedic lightness often found in SNL. Ultimately, while his absence from Ghosts may disappoint fans, Miranda’s preference for SNL appears to align logically with his career path.

Sources: TVLine

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