So True? So False? Feud Be Damned, Is Eddie Murphy Really Returning to SNL This Weekend?!

Rumor has it the comic and forthcoming Oscars host will be paying his first-ever visit to the iconic show that launched his career

By Gina Serpe Oct 05, 2011 5:35 PMTags
Eddie MurphyJim Spellman/WireImage.com

It's been a feud with legs. Long, bendy, ever-adaptable Gumby legs. When Eddie Murphy left Saturday Night Live in 1984, he did so with a mighty flourish, setting alight every bridge he crossed on his way out. And there certainly seemed to be no love lost between him and Lorne Michaels.

But then, people change. Times change. And rumors swirled this morning that Eddie had buried whatever hatchet remained and would be making a much-anticipated return to 30 Rock.

Why now? Well, in comedy, timing is everything. And this weekend just happens to see his Tower Heist costar Ben Stiller in the hosting seat. Add to that fact that the movie's director, Brett Ratner, will also be directing Murphy in his debut Oscar hosting gig next year, and you have the makings of perfect synergy—and an awesome TV moment.

But is it true? Well, don't get delirious just yet. This rumor is…

So false! For now, anyway. And not that this appearance would be on par, but SNL has a history of at least trying to play coy on their roster of "surprise" guests (presidential candidate season, anyone?).

But still, the party line, as it stands now, is a no.

"Mr. Murphy is not planning on returning to Saturday Night Live at this time," his publicists told E! News.

At this time? Now there's an opening for some wiggle room if ever we heard one.

In any case, should Eddie appear on SNL this weekend, it would be his first time in any capacity—he has not hosted, cameo'd, appeared in Weekend Update or even turned up for the anniversary retrospective—since leaving the show. Now that would be must-see TV.