Saturday Night Live took a moment to address the success of the gay hockey series Heated Rivalry, with wizardy twist.
The pre-taped sketch saw Finn Wolfhard and Ben Marshall step into the roles of Harry Potter characters Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, respectively. It appeared to be a bit playing on the upcoming HBO series based on the film franchise, but things quickly took a heated turn.
“Coming soon to HBO, the beloved wizarding world of Harry Potter makes its television debut,” the sketch began with a voiceover before Wolfhard’s Harry and Marshall’s Ron crossed paths in a heated exchange on their first day at Hogwarts. “With an all new story hastily written after the success of a certain other HBO show…”
“You dropped your wand. It’s lovely, by the way” Marshall’s Ron said. “I’d love to see yours sometime,” Wolfhard’s Harry responded, with Ron adding, “You would.”
Entitled Heated Wizardry, the bit went on to spotlight the two in a quidditch rivalry, instead of a hockey rivalry like the HBO show the sketch is based on, who are wrapped up in a behind-the-scenes romance.
The sketch featured a few raving reviews, with one not-so-approving fake quote from Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, which read, “I am not a part of this.”
In an even wilder turn of events, Jason Momoa made a surprise cameo to portray Rubeus Hagrid. Harry and Ron approached him to reveal their romance, but before they could share the news, Momoa’s Hagrid cut him off, saying, “You’re a homo, Harry.”
The Strangers Things star made his SNL host debut, where he was joined by his former co-stars Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo during his monologue. There, they commemorated the end of the beloved Netflix series, as Wolfhard reminisced on growing up on the show.
“I know a lot of people still see me as the kid from Stranger Things, right? But I’m 23 now, and I’m proud to officially announce that I am a man,” he said. “Meet the new me, the man me. Stranger Things is over, and I’m not a kid anymore,” Wolfhard continued, as McLaughlin and Matarazzo appeared, exclaiming, “And neither are we!”
The Crave series, which airs on HBO Max in the United States, became a quick success, spotlighting the story of two professional hockey players who have been in a long-running situationship. Hudson Williams portrays Canadian Shane Hollander of the faux Montreal Metros, while Connor Storrie plays Russian-born Ilya Rozanov of the fictitious Boston Raiders.
Heated Rivalry has been renewed for a second season by Crave, and it will continue to air on HBO Max.
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