Get ready, ‘Saturday Night Live’ fans! The iconic sketch comedy show is gearing up for an exciting Season 51 starting Saturday, October 4, but the cast lineup is still a mystery.

So far, the only confirmed return is James Austin Johnson, who will reprise his role as the impersonation king of former President Donald Trump. This news comes straight from show creator Lorne Michaels in a recent chat with Matt Belloni from Puck News.

But don’t get too comfortable just yet! Rumors are swirling about multiple cast member exits, as Michaels hinted at a significant shakeup. He told Belloni, 'Yeah, for sure,' when asked if he felt pressure to reinvent the show. Expect announcements regarding the full cast lineup in about a week!

Season 50 saw a hefty 17 main cast members, including comedic heavyweights like Michael Che and Kenan Thompson. However, with hints of departures, the future of some favorites is in limbo.

Notably, Michael Che, who co-anchors ‘Weekend Update,’ has stirred speculation about his exit. During a standup performance in February, he declared he wouldn’t be returning for Season 51, saying, 'I’m done, it’s over for me.' But fans should take this with a grain of salt since Che has a history of joking about leaving!

Adding fuel to the departure fire, emotions were running high during the Season 50 finale, especially for Heidi Gardner, who appeared teary-eyed as the cast bid farewell. But just when you thought she might be leaving, she was featured in a charity auction item with a tour of the ‘SNL’ set scheduled for September, fueling speculation that she might return after all.

The last significant cast overhaul occurred in 2022, when fan favorites like Kate McKinnon and Pete Davidson bid adieu, leaving viewers eager for what’s next. With so much uncertainty, one thing is clear: Season 51 is shaping up to be a wild ride!