Tag Archives: challengers

Josh O’Connor Says Hosting ‘SNL’ Was an ‘Easy Yes’ but Is Ready for a ‘Panic Attack’ the Day Of: ‘I Spoke to Paul Mescal’ For Advice

Josh O’Connor has mixed feelings about hosting “Saturday Night Live.” “It’s an easy yes because it’s like, iconic and the coolest and the biggest honor ever to be asked,” O’Connor said Monday night at the Los Angeles premiere of “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. “But I’m also, like, shitting myself.” The “Challengers” star is set to host “SNL” on Dec. 13 with musical guest Lily Allen. In preparation for the big night, O’Connor reached out to Paul Mescal, who hosted on Dec. 7, 2024, for advice, and plans to ask his “Wake Up Dead Man” co-star, Josh Brolin, who previously hosted the show three times, for tips. However, O’Connor added he isn’t holding his breath for any Earth-shaking guidance. “Everyone’s been kind of useless in different ways,” O’Connor joked. “Paul started off by being incredibly encouraging and reassuring, and then, I guess, forgot the brief, and by the end was like, ‘Then you have a panic attack.’ I’m just excited, and I’m so honored to be asked.” Brolin told Variety that he’s advised many young stars before they made their “SNL” debut, including Glen Powell, who hosted the show on Nov. 15. He added that one of the only people who didn’t need the help was Timothée Chalamet, who hosted for the first time in 2020. “The only person I didn’t give advice to is Timothée, and Timothée was brilliant. And I thought Glenn was really good,” Brolin shared. “But I’m just like, lend yourself to it entirely. Don’t pull back. Don’t try to be cool. Be stupid. Goes all the way with the stupid, and you’ll have a really good time.” O’Connor stars in “Wake Up Dead Man” as former boxer turned priest Jud Duplenticy, who is sent to help Brolin’s charismatic clergyman Jefferson Wicks. Wick’s circle includes churchgoer Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close), groundskeeper Samson Holt (Thomas Haden Church), lawyer Vera Draven (Kerry Washington), aspiring lawmaker Cy Draven (Daryl McCormack), local physician Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner), concert cellist Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny) and writer Lee Ross (Andrew Scott). Series star Daniel Craig returns as debonair detective Benoit Blanc, who must solve a murder mystery in the church community.
https://variety.com/2025/film/news/josh-oconnor-snl-easy-yes-panic-attack-paul-mescal-advice-1236584323/

“When RCB won, I went crazy” – Bollywood actress’ stunning claim on love for Virat Kohli ahead of IPL 2026 retention

Bollywood actress Shehnaaz Gill expressed her admiration for veteran batter Virat Kohli, admitting that she went crazy when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the IPL 2025 title. In the final, RCB defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Ahmedabad by six runs to claim their maiden championship.

During her appearance on the YouTube podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia, released on Monday, November 11, Shehnaaz revealed her conflicted emotions. She said she had wanted Punjab Kings to win, as she belongs to that state, but found herself being partial to Kohli.

The 31-year-old shared,
“When RCB won, I went crazy. I went completely crazy. I mean, I’m from Punjab, but a little bit because of my connection with Virat Kohli. Otherwise, there was nothing else. I wanted Punjab to win anyway, but because of Virat Kohli, I had to be a little partial.”

Shehnaaz also spoke about the special bond between Virat Kohli and his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. She noted that there’s something about the Delhi-born batter and his aura that makes so many people love him.

She said,
“I like his style and the bonding he has with Anushka, which we get to see in the stadium too. His focus is always there. I think the connection between them is a really sweet, pure bond. Also, the way he plays, his style, his attitude, and the way he gets into arguments in between—it looks good, the fight. I like him; there’s just something about him, the aura, everyone in the world likes him. Of course, everyone has their own preferences, but I like him.”

In addition to Kohli, Shehnaaz mentioned that she also admires the attitude of India batter and Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer. She said,
“I also like him from Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer. He’s good too. I like his attitude.”

In the 2025 IPL edition, Shreyas Iyer became only the second Punjab Kings captain to lead the franchise to the IPL final, after George Bailey achieved the feat in the 2014 season.

### “RCB belongs to him” – Shehnaaz on Supporting RCB Post-Kohli

During the same conversation, Shehnaaz was asked if she would continue supporting RCB after Virat Kohli retires. She replied,
“Why wouldn’t I? After all, RCB belongs to him. And they won after so many years, of course one feels proud.”

As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, it will be intriguing to see which players RCB retains ahead of the November 15 retention deadline.

Stay tuned for more updates on IPL 2025 including live scores, match schedules, points tables, and player news.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-when-rcb-won-i-went-crazy-bollywood-actress-stunning-claim-love-virat-kohli-ahead-ipl-2026-retention