During his recent appearance on Saturday Night Live on December 13, 2023, actor Josh O’Connor addressed fan suggestions for him to portray chef Alfredo Linguini in a live-action remake of Ratatouille. The 35-year-old, known for his role in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, humorously clarified his lack of interest in such a project.
O’Connor mentioned that his admiration for the animated classic led fans to pitch him for the role. “One time, I said that one of my favorite movies is Ratatouille, which is true, it’s a great film,” he stated. “But I suppose fans started pitching me as Chef Linguini for a live-action Ratatouille remake. And I’m not very online, so I didn’t know that this was a thing until the president of Disney-Pixar publicly declared that there will never be a live-action Ratatouille remake, no matter how much Josh O’Connor wants it.”
Despite the public rejection, O’Connor’s tone remained lighthearted as he continued to engage with the idea throughout his monologue. “Do you know how it feels to be publicly rejected from a job I didn’t even want?” he quipped, further emphasizing his disinterest in the role.
Humorous Reflections on the Role
O’Connor also reflected on his current projects, mentioning his involvement 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 said, blending humor with a nod to his career.
The actor expressed gratitude for being on SNL, especially during the festive season, describing the experience as “magical and joyous.” He elaborated on the importance of casting in a film like Ratatouille, saying, “You can’t make Ratatouille unless you have the perfect cast. There’s just no point.”
He even playfully speculated on potential casting choices for the film’s food critic, Anton Ego, suggesting, “Perhaps Jeff Goldblum. No, no, no, no. I mean, yes, but later.”
O’Connor’s engaging monologue resonated with audiences, showcasing his charisma while dismissing the notion of a live-action Ratatouille. His comments not only entertained viewers but also highlighted the significance of casting in beloved films. As fans continue to celebrate Ratatouille, O’Connor’s reflections add a humorous twist to the ongoing discussions around its legacy.
