'Saturday Night Live' Cutting Cast Ahead of 40th Season

Ahead of its upcoming 40th season, which premieres in September, Saturday Night Live has begun cutting its cast.

Brooks Wheelan, perhaps one of last season's most under-utilized freshmen players, announced Monday afternoon on Twitter that he was the first to be cut.

Deadline is also reporting as of Tuesday afternoon that fellow first-years Noël Wells and John Milhiser will likewise not return this fall. The site is also reporting the status of SNL's writer-turned-featured-player Mike O'Brien (who was a rather weak onscreen performer) remains unclear.

Nasim Pedrad, the longest-running female cast member, is also reportedly leaving for Fox's upcoming comedy Mulaney, on which she has a starring role. As we previously reported, the actress—arguably best known for her Kim Kardashian impersonation—had suggested last month she might not return.