Saturday Night Live Gets New Barack Obama: Jay Pharoah Takes Over Role From Fred Armisen

Lorne Michaels tells the New York Times Pharoah will replace Fred Armisen in the political role and Jason Sudeikis will play Mitt Romney

Things are getting political at Saturday Night Live!

Since 2008, Fred Armisen has portrayed President Barack Obama on the famed sketch show. But SNL creator Lorne Michaels revealed in a recent New York Times interview that Jay Pharoah, who joined the cast in 2010, will be taking over the commander in chief role.

"Jay has been doing Obama in his act this summer, and Jay is coming into his own," Michaels said. "I just thought it might be time to shake it up."

Jason Sudeikis, who will be returning to the show despite rumors to the contrary, will reprise his Mitt Romney character.

Although Michaels noted that Romney is "easy to play because of that caution of his," he admitted finding a comedy hook for Obama is challenging. "So far we haven't found it. My joke is always that he's the first Canadian president," he said. "He wants to think it through, do it in the fairest way possible and be thoughtful. And be a little distant, which I totally identify with, obviously."

The 38th season premiere of SNL kicks off this Saturday. We'll be watching!

(Saturday Night Live and E! are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)