Inde Navarrette's SNL debut sparks controversy and teases Rogue role

Inde Navarrette made her Saturday Night Live hosting debut on Halloween night, using her opening monologue to address her casting as Rogue in Marvel Studios' first X-Men film. The 25-year-old actress, known for the horror hit 'Obsession', noted she has been working out to get in superhero shape since joining the project.

Shane Gillis, who hosted SNL on October 10, 2026 for his third time, faced widespread online criticism for a joke made during his opening set. The episode, which aired three weeks later from Studio 8H, was widely labeled as sexist by viewers reacting online.

Controversial jokes and backlash

Gillis's joke targeted women's gym attire, suggesting they dress like 'whores' in neon shorts. The bit was described as 'lame' and 'lazy' in the ensuing backlash. Actor Dan Levy publicly criticized the comment on Instagram, stating that women wearing short shorts at the gym does not make them whores. Levy said the men calling women whores are misogynists, adding he has seen more men's nipples at the gym than women showing their bodies off.

Inde Navarrette's SNL performance details

During her own monologue, Navarrette made a joke about Gillis's opening. She incorporated her gym routine into the bit. Inde Navarrette said: "So, every morning, I put on my little whore outfit and hit the gym." Her performance spanned multiple sketches throughout the night.

Navarrette played a range of characters. She portrayed the ghost of 1930s kids on the Queen Mary. She took on the role of Spanish soap opera stars in a sketch built around Sprite Cherry Lime Habanero product placement. Other cast members also showcased characters, with Marcello Hernandez appearing as a sexy TSA agent and Kam Patterson impersonating Elizabeth Holmes.

Industry reactions and episode details

The episode served as musical guest Gracie Abrams' second time on the show after her 2024 debut. Jeremy Culhane appeared as Wolverine, pitching himself for a role in an upcoming Jake Schreier-directed movie. Veronika Slowikowska and Grace Reiter played Kelly Clarkson and a mechanical singing bird in another segment. Tom Hanks made a return appearance as David S. Pumpkins for the Halloween episode.

Navarrette's personal life also featured during the broadcast. Her boyfriend, Nick Aiello, was seen in the audience bound and gagged to a chair. The actress closed her night by looking ahead to her Marvel future, confirming she will play Rogue in the new 'X-Men' movie.