Pete Davidson made an unexpected return to Saturday Night Live this weekend, addressing the ongoing issues surrounding the Staten Island Ferry purchase he shares with Colin Jost. The comedian highlighted the financial difficulties involved in the venture while delivering a comedic update on the so-called Pete Davidson ferry fiasco.
Joining Colin Jost on the latest Weekend Update segment, Davidson mocked both the ferry situation and his earlier controversial performance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia.
Costly Purchase and Struggling Project Plans
Davidson and Jost originally bought a decommissioned Staten Island ferry in 2022 for $280,100, with ambitious plans to convert it into a hybrid restaurant and events venue. However, progress remains slow, and Davidson himself noted in 2023 that the project was still “definitely five years away” from completion.
Despite years having passed, their dream of revitalizing the ferry has yet to materialize, as confirmed by reporting from The New York Times. Adding to the skepticism, Jost’s wife, actress Scarlett Johansson, has even suggested scrapping the vessel for metal.
Comedic Takes on the Ferry Purchase
Both Davidson and Jost have acknowledged their buyer’s remorse, though they disagree on their sobriety at the time of purchase. Davidson claimed they were “very stoned,” while Jost insisted he was “stone-cold sober.” Regardless, the pair remain determined to move forward with their vision for the ship, which they have nicknamed Titanic 2.
“In case you’re wondering why I had to do a show in Saudi Arabia, we’re losing millions on this ferry,”
Pete Davidson said.
“I assume that’s what the article says. I can’t spend $5 on a paywall when I got a kid on the way.”
“If Lorne Michaels has taught us anything, it’s that you never, ever give up,”
Davidson added.
“Even if everyone says the time has come and Tina Fey is ready to take over.”
Creative Ideas and Future Prospects
Davidson joked about turning the ferry purchase into a more profitable venture by creating a “new Staten Island,” a place to relocate those who threatened to leave New York City if Zohran Mamdani were elected mayor. This idea blends humor with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the ferry project’s fate.
Currently, Davidson may need to delay further efforts since he and his girlfriend Elsie Hewitt are expecting their first child. His priorities could soon shift as he prepares for fatherhood.
What This Means for Davidson and the Ferry Project
The Staten Island natives’ persistence in keeping the ferry project alive highlights a mix of ambition, humor, and uncertainty. While the financial losses and slow progress present significant challenges, Davidson and Jost’s continued public engagement keeps the story in the spotlight, maintaining public interest. Only time will reveal whether Titanic 2 will sail toward its original transformation goals or remain a costly curiosity.
