Walton Goggins is set to make his Saturday Night Live debut on May 10, just weeks after a controversial skit that seemingly mocked his co-star Aimee Lou Wood.
The 53-year-old actor, who played Rick in The White Lotus alongside Wood’s character, Chelsea, is rumored to be at odds with the 31-year-old actress.
The timing of his hosting gig is raising eyebrows, especially given the tension that has surrounded them since filming for the show’s third season wrapped.
A Controversial SNL Skit Stirs Up Emotions
The SNL sketch in question, titled The White Potus, aired just days ago and quickly became a source of drama.
The parody, which humorously imagined the Trump family and political figures on vacation at a retreat, included a segment where Goggins’ character, Rick, was re-imagined as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
In the sketch, he was caught in a rambling rant about removing fluoride from water.
The camera then cut to Sarah Sherman, who was playing Aimee Lou Wood’s character Chelsea, wearing exaggerated prosthetic teeth and delivering a line in an over-the-top British accent.
The joke, focused on fluoride, was seen as a cheap shot at Wood’s teeth, something the actress did not take lightly.
In a heartfelt response, she expressed her disappointment in the lack of creativity in the sketch, writing, “Such a shame… there must be a cleverer, more nuanced, less cheap way?”
She added that she had no issue with being the subject of jokes, but felt the portrayal was not in good spirits.
“I have big gap teeth, not bad teeth,” she clarified, stating that the caricature crossed a line.
The Rumored Feud: Is There Tension Between Aimee and Walton?
In addition to the SNL drama, fans have noticed that Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood have unfollowed each other on social media, sparking further speculation about a potential rift between the two.
Despite their strong on-screen chemistry in Thailand during The White Lotus filming, rumors suggest they may have had a falling out since production ended.
Adding fuel to the fire, Wood shared fan art on her Instagram, which depicted her and Goggins’ characters from the show, suggesting they may have reconciled, or at least, that there is no animosity on the surface.
This comes just as Elizabeth Wagmeister, a reporter for CNN, revealed that Goggins and Wood may soon have to reunite for a professional obligation, which could help clear up any misunderstandings.
Wagmeister pointed out that their situation is not as extreme as some other on-set feuds, like the one between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, where the tension was so palpable they couldn’t even be in the same room.
Aimee Lou Wood Breaks Her Silence
Aimee Lou Wood, who has been vocal about her feelings regarding the SNL skit, recently received an apology from Sarah Sherman, the comedian behind the portrayal of her in the sketch.
Wood posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, thanking Sherman for the flowers she had sent.
Although Wood previously clarified that her issue was with the concept of the sketch and not Sherman personally, this gesture of goodwill suggests that there is no lingering ill will between the two.
In the aftermath of the sketch, Wood shared that she had received numerous messages of support from her followers and her sister Emily, who reassured her during the difficult time.
Despite the drama, Wood remains confident in her stance, emphasizing that while she loves humor, there is a time and place for everything.
Moving Forward: Professional Reunions and Resolution?
With Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood potentially crossing paths again for work soon, it seems that whatever tension exists between them might not be as significant as it’s been made out to be.
According to Wagmeister, the two will likely be in the same space during an upcoming professional event, possibly as part of the White Lotus Emmy campaign.
“They’re going to have to be in the same room,” she pointed out, noting that work obligations sometimes override personal differences.
While the rumors of a feud persist, the professional realities of their industry might help them find common ground once again.
For now, fans can only wait and see if the rumored tension between the two stars will ever truly affect their careers.