Eddie Murphy Marks Return to SNL for the First Time in 35 Years with Black & White Promo

Eddie Murphy is returning to Saturday Night Live for the first time in 35 years, and he's heralding the historic event with a distinct, black-and-white promo. The comedian has also revealed he's expecting some special guests for the show.

Murphy returning to SNL after over three decades is a huge deal, and the recently-released promo is set to increase anticipation that is already quite high.

Probably to underscore Murphy's dignified presence, this black-and-white promo deviates from past SNL promos, which often feature comedy and silly banter and aims for reverence.

"You don't wanna wait 35 years to come back and the show ain't [expletive] and people are clapping"

The clip follows Murphy as he struts through the halls of Studio 8H and makes his way onto the stage, all in slow motion and set to Lizzo's "Cuz I Love You." The Grammy-nominated singer is billed as this week's musical guest.

Murphy's promo achieves maximum effect when the veteran comedian steps out onto the stage and looks toward the camera lens, slowly pulling off his dark shades and flashing a cynical smile.

According to ET Online, a previous promo consisted of clips from some of Murphy's iconic characters and skits on NBC's long-running variety sketch show.

Murphy made his SNL debut in 1980, and per the outlet, he was one of only two cast members who were not fired when the show returned the next year. The "Norbit" star didn’' leave his role as an SNL regular cast member until 1984.

Murphy briefly returned to the show in 2015 for the 40th anniversary special, but it wasn't as a regular cast member. Now, he's set to thrill fans on Saturday at SNL's season finale.

Per PEOPLE, when Murphy gets up on stage to do what he knows to do best, there will be at least ten special guests in the audience. The actor and comic revealed that all his kids would be there to celebrate the historic moment with him.

"My kids have all flown in for this; they're all flying out. So they'll watch it," the 50-year-old reportedly told Al Roker on Thursday.

Speaking on the pressure to do a good job, Murphy added via PEOPLE:

"I really, really want it to be right. You don't wanna wait 35 years to come back and the show ain't [expletive] and people are clapping like, 'I thought he was gonna be much funnier than this. Maybe he's older now, people change in 35 years.'"

Per Vulture, 2019 has been a big year for Murphy. The Oscar nominee is currently filming the sequel to his 1988 hit comedy "Coming to America," he aced his starring role in "Dolemite Is My Name," and has announced a return to stand-up comedy.