Colin Jost addressed the news of his wife, Scarlett Johansson, losing her status as Hollywood’s highest-grossing actress to Zoe Saldana with his signature humor on “Saturday Night Live’s” Weekend Update.
The 43-year-old comedian brought the news to life during a comedic segment, reading from cue cards to inform the audience. “Zoe Saldana, star of the new Avatar movie, has overtaken Scarlett Johansson to become the highest-grossing actress of all time,” he announced.
The show highlighted both actresses’ earnings, prompting Colin to quip, “Let’s see what happens if we factor in the box office from Scarlett’s husband’s movies.”
As a graphic showed Scarlett’s earnings drop from $15.4 billion to $15.1 billion, Colin erupted into laughter, feigning shock and exclaiming, “It went down?!”
Colin, who once served as “SNL’s” head writer, has never disclosed his earnings as the co-host of Weekend Update.
Colin Jost has reacted to his wife Scarlett Johansson losing her title as the highest-grossing Hollywood star (pictured together in September 2025)
Zoe Saldana overtook Scarlett as she was named the highest-grossing actress of all time last week (pictured last month)
Colin, who was once a head writer on the show, has never revealed how much he makes as the co-host of Weekend Update.
Still, many observers have speculated he’s reached top tier salary due to his level of fame compared to others on the show.
Scarlett, meanwhile, made about $35 million from Avengers: Endgame, according to Forbes.
Zoe, 47, has since overtaken Scarlett, 41, in the rankings, following the success of Avatar: Fire and Ash, for which she amassed $15.46billion worldwide.
This is also thanks to her action star roles in blockbuster franchises Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Trek and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Last week, Zoe took to Instagram to share her gratitude to all those who helped her achieve the milestone.
She said: ‘I just want to express my sincerest gratitude for the extraordinary journey that has led me to become the highest-grossing film actor of all time today.
‘An achievement made possible entirely, entirely by the incredible franchises and the collaborators that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of, to every director who placed their trust in me.’
During a hilarious sketch on SNL’s Weekend Update on Saturday, the comedian, 43, read from cue cards as he shared the news with viewers (pictured)
She praised Star Trek’s J.J. Abrams, Avengers directors Joe and Anthony Russo, Guardians filmmaker James Gunn and Avatar’s James Cameron.
‘[Thank you] for believing my potential for seeing something in me that I have not always seen in myself, and for challenging me to always rise to the occasion,’ she gushed.
‘Your faith, your guidance and your vision, they shape not only these films, but me as an artist.’
Zoe finished with a message to her fans, saying: ‘Your unwavering support, passion and loyalty are the true foundation of this milestone.
‘None of this exists without you showing up time and time again with open hearts and enthusiasm.
‘This accomplishment belongs to all of us, and I’m deeply grateful and profoundly humbled. And may the next record breaker be another woman!’
