Watch: Will Ferrell plays the ghost of Jeffrey Epstein in 'SNL' cold open

Will Ferrell returned to Saturday Night Live this weekend and played the ghost of financier and alleged sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

In the six-minute cold open, guest host Ferrell tells jet-lagged U.S. President Donald Trump (James Austin Johnson), his one-time acquaintance, it is very hot where he is, but he keeps busy by playing Mah Jongg with Soviet Dictator Joseph Stalin and serial killer John Wayne Gacy. 

“That guy has stories,” Epstein said. “I also wrote for the Kevin Hart roast. Had some fun with that.”

Trump then tells Epstein about his summer plans, which include upcoming World Cup soccer matches and UFC fights.

“We’re also doing the Patriot Games where high-school athletes come from all over the country. Give me some,” Trump said, trying to high-five Epstein.

But Epstein refuses to slap his hand, stating, “This time, I’m going to leave you hanging.”

The Season 51 finale clip -- which has already gotten more than 1 million views since it was posted on YouTube -- ends with the pair singing, “Just the Two of Us.”

Epstein died by suicide in 2019 in prison while awaiting trial. 

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This story was originally published May 17, 2026 at 11:02 AM.