Tom Hanks once again donned his quirky Halloween persona, David S. Pumpkins, during a special episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) that aired on 31 October 2026. This much-anticipated return delighted fans who have followed the character since its debut in 2016. Hanks, alongside fellow comedian Bobby Moynihan, stepped into the iconic roles that have brought laughter and confusion to audiences over the years.
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In this latest installment, Hanks re-emerged as David S. Pumpkins, a peculiar figure known for his black suit adorned with vibrant orange jack-o’-lanterns. His erratic dance moves, complemented by Moynihan and Mikey Day’s skeleton backup dancers, provided a nostalgic trip down memory lane for SNL devotees. The episode opened with a “tour of terrors” led by Kenan Thompson, whose characters were soon interrupted by the whimsical antics of Pumpkins, declaring, “I’m David Pumpkins and I’m going to freak you out.”
Fans were reminded of the character’s outlandish personality as he jovially embraced his role as “a Halloween guy.” When quizzed about his identity, he simply reinforced his enigmatic image by stating, “I’m David Pumpkins, man,” which left the characters and audience alike in a mixture of amusement and bewilderment.
The sketch was playfully interrupted by a surprise appearance from James Austin Johnson, who portrayed Donald Trump. In a comedic twist, Trump interjected to assure viewers of his “god-like” presence and momentarily paused the skit, causing the audience to giggle at the absurdity of the scenario. Hanks’ David S. Pumpkins was left hanging in the limelight, emphasising the character’s knack for disrupting the norm with his unusual charm.
This recent Halloween special included actress Inde Navarrette making her hosting debut on SNL, adding another layer of excitement to the episode. Over the years, David S. Pumpkins has become a recurring delight on the show. His original appearance in the “Haunted Elevator” sketch was designed to unsettle unsuspecting riders with silly yet spooky surprises, and the growing popularity of the character has seen him return multiple times since.
Hanks first captured audiences’ hearts with the character’s unconventional approach to Halloween. In that inaugural sketch, his antics with skeleton sidekicks aimed to “scare the hell out” of those taking a ride in the haunted elevator. The unpredictable nature of Pumpkins became a fan favourite, with viewers appreciating the juxtaposition of traditional horror elements with a character that embodies sheer silliness.
In 2022, Hanks, Moynihan, and Day took their act to another level during an episode hosted by Jack Harlow. This time, Pumpkins appeared amidst a horde of horror icons like Michael Myers and Annabelle, making for a highly amusing scene as riders struggled to comprehend his presence among such legendary fright-makers. Despite being out of place, Pumpkins’ charm prevailed, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The enduring appeal of David S. Pumpkins lies in the character’s quirky nature, coupled with Hanks’ delightful interpretation. His ability to blend humour with a hint of the bizarre captures the spirit of Halloween while providing levity at the same time. As he continues to pop in and out of sketches, the fascination with this eccentric Halloween icon shows no signs of waning.
With this latest SNL episode, Hanks demonstrates that David S. Pumpkins will remain a beloved part of the Halloween tradition for many years to come. As audiences reminisce about the character’s past antics while enjoying the current skit, it’s clear that Pumpkins has carved out a unique niche in pop culture, offering laughter and intrigue alongside more standard horror fare.