Finn Wolfhard proves he is a multi-talented force before hosting Saturday Night Live (SNL) on January 17. Watch his musical performance of "Trailers after dark" and see how he evolved from Hawkins to a rock star.
Finn Wolfhard’s Evolution from Hawkins to the Saturday Night Live Stage
I have spent the last decade watching the residents of Hawkins grow up before our eyes, but few transformations have been as electric as that of Finn Wolfhard. Most of us first met him as Mike Wheeler, the heart of the Stranger Things crew, but his recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon made it abundantly clear that he has shed the "child actor" label for something far more complex. As he prepares to take the stage as a SNL host on January 17, he is not just bringing his acting chops; he is bringing the raw energy of a seasoned musician.
Watching him perform his single Trailers after dark recently, I was struck by how comfortable he has become in his own skin. It is one thing to carry a hit Netflix series, but it is quite another to front a band on national television with that level of charisma. This transition into a multi-hyphenate artist feels earned rather than manufactured. For those of us who have followed his career, this week represents a massive milestone: he is the very first of the younger Stranger Things generation to lead a night at Saturday Night Live, a feat that even his most famous co-stars have yet to achieve.
How did Finn Wolfhard perform on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon?
When I saw him take the stage with his band in December, the atmosphere changed instantly. Performing Trailers after dark, a standout track from his 2025 debut album Happy Birthday, Finn Wolfhard showcased a sound that feels nostalgic yet fresh. During his sit-down with Jimmy Fallon, he revealed a surprising bit of history regarding his musical origins. His mother bought him a guitar when he was only four years old, though he humorously admitted he spent about four years just staring at it and bragging to his classmates before actually learning to play. It is that kind of self-deprecating humor that I think will make him an excellent SNL host.
The song itself has a fascinating backstory rooted in his childhood in Canada. He explained to the audience that the track was inspired by a specific Canadian TV channel that played nothing but movie trailers. While most kids would have found that boring, for him, it became a core memory that eventually birthed a rock single. Interestingly, he almost buried the track, admitting he didn't like it much during the demo phase. It took his producer, Kai, to see the potential in the "skip-past" folder to turn it into the polished piece of indie-rock we see today. His performance was a masterclass in stage presence, proving that he can handle the high-pressure environment of live television that defines Saturday Night Live.
The Influence of Joe Keery and the Directorial Vision of Finn Wolfhard
One aspect of his career that often goes overlooked is the deep mentorship he received from his older co-stars. In my view, the musical success of the Hawkins crew is not a coincidence. Finn Wolfhard cited Joe Keery, known musically as Djo, as a massive influence on his trajectory. Long before the world was dancing to "End of Beginning," Keery was acting as a "cool older brother" to a twelve-year-old Wolfhard, introducing him to psychedelic rock and the reality of being a working musician. This connection is visible in the way Wolfhard approaches his own music—it’s about the art first, fame second.
Beyond the microphone and the camera, his creative reach extends into directing, another skill he will likely utilize during his tenure as a SNL host. He recently shared the story of directing a stop-motion music video for the 50th-anniversary remix of George Harrison’s "Give Me Love." This opportunity didn't come through typical Hollywood channels; it was actually Saturday Night Live veteran Fred Armisen who recommended him to the Harrison estate. He worked with a group of young artists in Toronto to create a tribute centered around Harrison’s love for gardening. It is this level of artistic maturity that convinces me we are seeing the birth of a long-term creative force, not just a passing teen idol.
What should fans expect from Finn Wolfhard as the first young SNL host from Hawkins?
As the January 17 episode approaches, the question on everyone’s mind is whether he can bridge the gap between his dramatic roots and the sketch comedy demands of Saturday Night Live. While adults like David Harbour and Winona Ryder have paved the way, he carries the expectations of an entire generation of fans. His recent musical performances and interviews suggest a man who is ready for the "double-duty" style of entertainment. He is joining a Saturday Night Live season that has already seen heavy hitters, yet his unique blend of indie-rock credibility and blockbuster fame gives him a distinct edge.
I believe we will see a host who isn't afraid to lean into the absurdity of his own fame. His ability to tell stories about Canadian trailer channels and "bragging" about guitars he couldn't play shows a comedic timing that is essential for the 30 Rock stage. Will he join the musical guest for a jam session, or will he stick to the sketches? Regardless of the specifics, he has already proven that he is much more than a kid on a bike fleeing the Upside Down. Are you ready to see the "Rock Star" side of Hawkins take over New York City?
Finn Wolfhard SNL Hosting & Musical Milestones
| Data Point | Verified Value | Official Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting Milestone | First 'ST Kid' Host | NBC Press Release |
| Music Roots | Guitar at age 4 | Tonight Show Interview |
| Directing Link | Fred Armisen Rec | Harrison Estate Collab |
