Actors and filmmakers often find themselves at the intersection of creativity and culture, but few have navigated it quite like Ryan Gosling and James Cameron did following Gosling's memorable sketches on Saturday Night Live (SNL). The comedic depiction of the Papyrus font, used for the logo of Cameron's 2009 blockbuster hit, Avatar, has become both a critically acclaimed piece of sketch comedy and a curious conversation starter about art and design.
The hilarity began back on September 30, 2017, when Gosling hosted Season 43 of SNL, accompanied by musical guest Jay-Z. It was during this premiere episode where Gosling introduced viewers to Steven, a character obsessively haunted by the artistic choice to use Papyrus as the logo's font for Avatar. Sprinkled throughout the sketch were elements of Gosling’s exaggerated frustration, such as, "I was up all night. I can't eat, I can't sleep. It haunts me." Steven's increasingly absurd antics sparked laughter as he traversed the depths of his psychological turmoil. He visited therapists, flipped tables, and raged against the perceived laziness of the font selection.
Fast forward to 2024, and Gosling returned for Season 49 of SNL, where he resurrected his character for what many dubbed the sequel to the original sketch. This new portrayal found Steven still grappling with the fallout of the font choice, as he discovered Avatar 2's updated logo was merely Papyrus but bolded. The connection to Gosling's character allowed for humorous reflection on obsession and artistic decisions, driven home by Julio Torres, the writer behind the sketches. Torres recalled, "He was like, 'Should we make a sequel?' and at first I was like, why? But then I started thinking about it."
The Papyrus saga didn’t just provide comic relief. It also caught the attention of Cameron himself. During various interviews, the acclaimed director humorously described how the sketches continue to haunt him, admitting, "It's haunted me… I just thought the art department had come up with this cool font." After witnessing the sketches, Cameron even told his team to embrace the sentiment by proclaiming, "Let's double down! We’re using Papyrus for everything!" This playful banter underscored the light-hearted relationship between Gosling’s comedic work and Cameron’s serious filmmaking.
This interaction exemplified how humor could illuminate and engage with heavy narratives. Cameron's candid acknowledgment from interviews captured this sentiment perfectly. He admitted, “Are we going to keep the same font, the highest-grossing film in history, or are we going to change it? Mess with the formula. It’s like, ‘F--- it, we’re using the font.’” This not only highlighted the cultural significance of the sketches but also the ability of comedy to amplify artistic reflections.
The SNL sketches initially started as lighthearted takes, yet they evolved over time. Fans and critics alike began to recognize their influence, engaging with discussions around font choices from both artistic and branding perspectives. One might wonder: how did such a small, humorous concept about typography manage to resonate so deeply with audiences? The answer lies partly within the craft of comedy itself, where absurdity can spark larger dialogue.
The celebration of these sketches ties back to SNL's 50-year legacy, aiming to showcase iconic moments from each season. The Papyrus sketch selected to represent Season 43 is featured as part of NBC's SNL 50 series, allowing new generations of viewers to discover its whimsical nature. The influence of the sketches continues, leading to the release of Peacock's upcoming docuseries, SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, which reflects on the transformative history of SNL through episodes focused on seminal sketches, including insights from notable alumni.
Indeed, the interaction between Gosling and Cameron showcased the unique space where dramatic filmmaking meets the lightheartedness of sketch comedy. Gosling's portrayal of Steven reveals not only personal obsession but the broader societal obsession with branding and icons. He artfully blends humor with dramatic tension, bringing to life the mind of someone unreasonably fixated. With the resurgence of interest and cultural commentary, the legacy of the Papyrus sketches is set to remain as potent as the film itself.
SNL's comedic exploration of the Papyrus font not only entertained viewers but highlighted the sometimes ridiculous nature of artistic processes. It prompts questions about how little decisions can impact broader narratives within the realms of film and culture. The comic events leading from two short sketches reflect how unexpected moments of creativity can capture audience imagination and provoke meaningful conversations.