Could Chris Rock genuinely host the Oscars next year?

As if the Will Smith and Chris Rock story couldn’t get any weirder, Rock is now being touted as a genuine contender to host the Oscars next year. You really can’t make this stuff up.

In an interview with Deadline, ABC president Craig Erwich sincerely opened the door to Rock potentially hosting the 2023 ceremony, Erwich clearly being a president who likes to live on the edge. That would certainly be one direction to go in, if Erwich thinks addressing the infamous subject head-on is healthy.

Erwich also told Deadline about how pleased he was with this year’s Oscars, apart from a certain slap obviously, calling it the “biggest bounce back of any award show this season.”

“If you look at what they were trying to do, which is really bring entertainment back to the program, they had three amazing hosts, clips, and incredible musical performances, I thought it was a great way for the show to reclaim its place on the mantle. There’s always things to learn and we’ll endeavour to do even better next year,” he added.

Is recruiting Rock as host the way to go though? Before Smith’s furious slap turned the situation around, Rock’s limp joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s baldness didn’t go down entirely well. Despite what Erwich may think, the comedian hosting could also create an unnecessary sideshow when it should be about the films being honoured.

And with Rock currently on a huge stand-up tour, it’s very feasible that he’ll be far too busy to take over from Regina Hall, Wanda Sykes, and Amy Schumer.

Due to overwhelming demand, Rock recently added another Australian show to his upcoming tour. The comedian will now play six shows, including two in Melbourne, this August.

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