Josh Brolin talks about hosting ‘SNL,’ musical guest Ariana Grande

(NBC) — Josh Brolin returns to host the newest edition of “Saturday Night Live” this weekend.

He is co-starring in a huge box office hit and he welcomes one of pop music’s biggest stars as the musical guest.

Brolin’s many film roles might not exactly scream comedy, but his friends know his comedic chops and he will share them with everyone for a third time as host.

“You have to be on, and it’s like a great challenge, like doing a play,” said Brolin. “I like the challenge. I want to make mincemeat out of myself, and I survive. I’m cool.”

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In his last visit, Brolin etched a spot in “SNL” lore. It was the first-ever edition of “The Californians,” a sketch that had been waiting for just the right host.

“Because me being from California, like, this is the perfect time to pitch it to Lorne and it was huge,” said Brolin. “It turned out to be amazing.”

Amazing also describes the reaction to Brolin’s latest film “Dune: Part Two” the epic continuing a resurgence in movie-going.

“It’s the whole reason why I got into this,” said Brolin. “It feels like a new niche. Like ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ kind of did it and now ‘Dune’ kind of solidifies that.”

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Just like this week’s musical guest, Ariana Grande, sealed the deal for Brolin to return as host.

“I heard it was her and I said, ‘Yes’ immediately,” said Brolin. “I just met her for the first time. She’s so sweet. She’s incredibly sweet. And I heard she can sing.”

Josh Brolin first hosted “SNL” in 2008, his musical guest was then an up-and-coming singer named Adele.

Watch “SNL” on Saturday at 11:30 p.m. right after NBC4 at 11.

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