Glen Powell Proves He's No Liar
Glen Powell at the 2025 CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Glen Powell's journey to hosting "Saturday Night Live" was anything but ordinary. On Nov. 15, 2025, the actor finally took the iconic Studio 8H stage, not just to deliver a memorable monologue but to fulfill a promise made four years earlier to a very unlikely guest: his UPS driver, Mitch. This was more than a hosting debut. It was a full-circle moment charged with nostalgia, intrigue, and a touch of Hollywood magic.
The Promise Made on a Porch
The story begins back in 2021, a time when the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and the entertainment industry was in flux. Glen Powell, then riding the wave of success from "Top Gun: Maverick," received the thrilling news that he would host "Saturday Night Live." The excitement was palpable. Powell was reportedly on a porch with his family, celebrating the call that would mark a major milestone in his career.
At that very moment, a UPS driver named Mitch arrived to deliver a package. Curious about the commotion, Mitch asked what was going on. Powell recalled the interaction saying, "He was like, 'What is going on?' and I was like, 'I'm hosting SNL,'" as reported by PEOPLE. "And he was like, 'Are you serious?' And I was like, 'Yep, Christmas episode, tune in!'" To mark the occasion, Powell and his family reportedly took a selfie with Mitch, capturing a snapshot of a dream in the making.
But fate had other plans. The release of "Top Gun: Maverick" was delayed due to the pandemic, and with it, Powell's hosting gig was pulled. "Saturday Night Live" executive producer Lorne Michaels reportedly told Powell that without the film's release, "no one will know who the eff you are," as reported by NBC News. The dream was deferred, and for four years, Mitch had been telling anyone who would listen that Glen Powell was a liar.
Four Years of Waiting and Wondering
Four years is a long time in Hollywood, where careers can rise and fall overnight. For Powell, it was a test of patience and perseverance. The actor continued to build his career, starring in projects like "The Running Man," but the promise to Mitch lingered in the background. The idea that a UPS driver was doubting his word added a personal stake to the professional milestone.
Powell's sisters, known for their tenacity, reportedly took it upon themselves to track down Mitch. Their success in finding him set the stage for a reunion that would finally put the rumors to rest. The actor arranged to fly Mitch from wherever he was to New York City, inviting him to witness the moment he had promised four years earlier.
The Night of Redemption on Studio 8H
When Nov. 15, 2025, arrived, the atmosphere was electric. Glen Powell was finally hosting "Saturday Night Live," and Mitch was in the audience, skeptical but present. During his opening monologue, Powell recounted the story of that porch celebration, the delayed film, and the lost hosting opportunity. He shared the original selfie with Mitch and his family, a nostalgic reminder of the promise made.
Then came the moment that delighted everyone watching. Powell reportedly called Mitch out from the audience to join him on stage. Together, they recreated the selfie that had started it all, sealing the moment with a joyful reunion. Powell joked about the long wait and the lessons learned, giving a nod to the UPS driver's patience and the company's reliability saying, "I had to wait my entire life plus four years to be here," as reported by NBC News. Powell added, "But if I have learned anything, it's that the best things in life don't happen overnight, and no one knows that better than UPS."
It was a heartfelt, humorous, and triumphant moment that transcended the usual celebrity hosting debut.
More Than Just a Hosting Gig
This story is about more than just a delayed hosting gig. It's about promises kept, the unexpected connections that shape our lives, and the power of proving doubters wrong. Glen Powell's decision to bring Mitch to New York was a gesture of respect and a public declaration that he values honesty and loyalty, even from the most unlikely of friends.
For Mitch, the journey from delivery van to the bright lights of "Saturday Night Live" was a surreal experience. For Powell, it was a reminder that success is often a marathon, not a sprint. The actor's ability to turn a personal anecdote into a shared moment of joy on national television captured the hearts of viewers and added a layer of warmth to the night's entertainment.
A Hollywood Tale With a Human Touch
In a world often dominated by glitz and glamour, this story stands out for its genuine charm. It's a reminder that behind every celebrity moment, there are real people and real stories. Glen Powell's hosting debut was not just a career milestone; it was a celebration of friendship, perseverance, and the unexpected ways life unfolds.
As the cameras faded and the applause echoed, the image of Powell and Mitch smiling together on stage lingered — a perfect snapshot of a promise fulfilled and a dream realized, four years in the making.
References: Glen Powell Flew UPS Driver Mitch to 'SNL' to Prove He's 'Not a Liar': Watch | Glen Powell brings 'Mitch the UPS guy' onto 'SNL' stage after waiting 4 years to host | Glen Powell Brought a UPS Driver On Stage During 'SNL' Monologue
