‘SNL’ Season 40: Kenan Thompson to Leave After 2015 Finale? – UPDATE

UPDATE - 4:00 P.M. - According to The Wrap, an 'SNL' representative responded, “This report is incredibly inaccurate as the season hasn't even started and cast decisions aren't made until the end of the season." Womp-womp. Or...not?

Original article follows.

Heading into 'SNL''s 40th season premiere this coming weekend, we've heard plenty of additions to the cast and more than a few changes along the way, but we may already have our first major departure. A new report suggests that current senior cast member Kenan Thompson will say goodbye after the current season, leaving the 'SNL' cast behind for good.

Reports of Kenan's departure emerge from TMZ, who cite sources close to the actor/comedian in revealing that he'd intended to leave after season 39, only to stay on at the request of head honcho Lorne Michaels. Thompson will reportedly work on a new series to coincide with the departure, moving to Los Angeles with his family. For his part, Kenan bested Tim Meadows' run as the longest serving African-American cast member, with 11 seasons to date

Most recently returning Darrell Hammond as a replacement for the late Don Pardo, as well as adding comedian Pete Davidson as a featured player and Michael Che as a new Weekend Update Host, 'SNL''s 40th anniversary season will see season 39 addition Mike O'Brien returning to the writer's room, complimenting the departures of fellow freshmen Brooks Wheelan, Noël Wells and John Milhiser.

'Guardians of the Galaxy' star Chris Pratt will host the September 27 premiere accompanied by Ariana Grande, followed by Sarah Silverman/Maroon 5, and alumni Bill Hader/Hozier on October 11. Additionally, Jim Carrey has been rumored to host an early episode this fall, likely in promotion of November sequel 'Dumb and Dumber To.'

Should the report prove true, we've at least got a full season's worth of Kenan Thompson to appreciate before any departure, but what say you? How would you like to see 'SNL' remake itself in the wake of even more turnover this season?