Former Nintendo Employees Criticize Controversial SNL Sketch Featuring Elon Musk as Wario
- Former Nintendo employees recall backlash against Elon Musk’s SNL portrayal as Wario.
- The sketch included controversial content deemed uncomfortable for Nintendo.
- Recent SNL sketch features characters from The Legend of Zelda and GTA 6.
The American comedy series Saturday Night Live (SNL) has aired a sketch parodying the anticipated November release of Grand Theft Auto 6 and the remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. This sketch prompted former Nintendo employees Krysta Yang and Kit Ellis to recall a previous, controversial SNL sketch featuring Elon Musk.
The earlier sketch depicted Elon Musk dressed as Wario, a character from Nintendo, who was on trial for evil acts. It controversially included themes such as Mario taking drugs and displayed blurred images purportedly of Luigi’s explicit content, all while Musk’s Wario attempted to claim he was misunderstood.
“That did not go over well,” Yang stated on the Kit and Krysta podcast, where she and Ellis, both former Nintendo employees with over ten years of experience, discussed the impact of the sketch. “That was not received well at Nintendo,” Ellis reiterated.
According to Ellis, the Wario sketch came out of “leftfield,” as it was not connected to any current Mario or Wario game releases, leading to confusion over Musk’s portrayal. “Some of the stuff was getting into subject matter that was uncomfortable for Nintendo,” he recalled.
Yang and Ellis clarified that Nintendo had no involvement in the sketch but emphasized the ongoing communication between Nintendo and SNL producers regarding game promotions, ensuring timely access to information.
The latest SNL sketch featured Link from The Legend of Zelda and Jason from GTA 6 debating which game is superior. Yang complimented Link’s costume for appearing custom-designed for the remake, while both expressed mixed feelings about the overall skit. “I thought this was generally fine,” Yang commented, though she found parts a bit cringeworthy.
The Ocarina of Time remake is set for release on November 5, showcasing significant updates in its art style and gameplay mechanics. Meanwhile, GTA 6 is scheduled for release on November 19.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
