Casey Wilson and Michaela Watkins Released From Saturday Night Live

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Ever since we heard that Saturday Night Live picked up two much younger Michaela Watkins look-alikes, we wondered about the fates of the original Watkins, who debuted last season, and Casey Wilson, who didn't get much stage time during her two years on SNL. Movieline HQ heard rumors as early as two weeks ago that their contracts had not yet been picked up, but NBC would not confirm the chatter and even Bill Hader admitted to us, "You guys probably know more than me." This morning, though, it was reported that Lorne Michaels's hovering axe finally fell, releasing the two from their duties in Studio 8H.

The Comic's Comic (who also broke the story about Jenny Slate and Nasim Pedrad) reported this afternoon that Watkins and Wilson won't return for SNL's 35th season, premiering September 26. The website posted a statement received directly from Watkins:

"I will say to you now, though, that I had a GREAT time there. Met some of the most truly talented and fantastic people, had the most exciting job and I honestly can say I don't have any regrets I can think of right now. Although it seems kinda crazy right now, this may shake out to make sense to everyone. Lorne isn't known for indulging in any lip-service and I feel very encouraged by his words last week. I'm working on something I'm very excited about now, so... the journey continues, and I feel so lucky I got to stop off at 30 Rock. It was awesome."

After Amy Poehler's departure last year, Watkins became arguably the strongest female player after Kristen Wiig with her impressions of Hoda Kotb, Arianna Huffington and a celebrity gossip blogger, Angie Tempura. Wilson, on the other hand, never had the opportunity to shine with her limited impressions of Jennifer Aniston, Rachael Ray and Elizabeth Taylor; in fact, she found more success parodying the hatred she evoked from SNL fans during a Funny or Die sketch.

Movieline wishes both Watkins and Wilson the best of luck in their future endeavors!

· Addition through subtraction: SNL fires Michaela Watkins and Casey Wilson!? [The Comic's Comic]



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