I'm Not Falling For That Papyrus: Why Ryan Gosling's Viral SNL Sketch Is Still Relevant In 2025

The phrase "I'm not falling for that Papyrus," is more than just a punchline; it is the core emotional breakdown of one of the most iconic and culturally resonant *Saturday Night Live* sketches of the last decade. Originating from a 2017 episode hosted by Ryan Gosling, the skit perfectly captured the disproportionate rage felt by graphic designers and typography aficionados over the ubiquitous and often-maligned Papyrus font, specifically its use in the logo for James Cameron's blockbuster film, *Avatar*. The meme has seen a significant resurgence, proving its staying power well into 2025, thanks to a highly anticipated sequel sketch and the ongoing debate over the use of "bad" fonts in major media.

The longevity of this meme lies in its laser-focused critique of lazy design, turning a niche design flaw into a universal joke about obsessive frustration. The original sketch, and its 2024 follow-up, "Papyrus 2," have cemented the typeface's status as the internet's most-hated font—a title it often shares with Comic Sans. This article dives deep into the history of the font, the genius of the SNL sketch, the sequel, and the real-world controversy that continues to make Papyrus a lightning rod for cultural critique.

The Anatomy of a Viral Obsession: From 2017 Classic to the 2024 Sequel

The original "Papyrus" sketch, which premiered in 2017, stars Ryan Gosling as a man driven to the brink of insanity by the realization that a multi-billion dollar movie like *Avatar* used the default, widely available Papyrus font for its official title logo.

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The sketch is structured like a dramatic, high-stakes thriller, with Gosling's character, a self-proclaimed "font aficionado," experiencing flashbacks and obsessive breakdowns over the font's perceived lack of effort and creativity. His internal monologue—"He just selected Papyrus... he didn't even change the default kerning!"—became an instant classic, resonating deeply with anyone who has ever noticed a bad design choice.

The Genius Behind the Sketch: Julio Torres and Emma Stone

The brilliance of the "Papyrus" sketch is credited to former SNL writer Julio Torres. Torres revealed that the inspiration for the intense, dramatic tone came from a piece of advice from actress Emma Stone, who suggested he lean into the dramatic weight of the concept. Torres successfully transformed a critique of typography into an existential crisis, a technique he would later apply to other viral sketches.

"Papyrus 2": The 2024 Digital-Only Follow-Up

Nearly seven years after the original, the saga continued with "Papyrus 2," which was released as a digital-only short on April 13, 2024, during Season 49 of SNL.

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The sequel saw Ryan Gosling reprise his role, now in therapy and seemingly recovering, only to discover that the sequel film, *Avatar: The Way of Water* (released in 2022), had *also* used a font nearly identical to Papyrus. The phrase "I’m not falling for that papyrus" is implied as his trauma resurfaces, leading to an even darker, more manic breakdown.

Key details from the sequel that make the topic current and fresh:

• The Return of the Writer: Julio Torres was brought back specifically by Gosling to pen the sequel, proving the actor’s commitment to the bit.
• Cut for Time: "Papyrus 2" was famously cut for time from the live broadcast but released online, immediately going viral and proving its cultural demand.
• The Font's Evolution: The sequel acknowledged that the *Avatar* franchise had technically created its own custom font for the follow-up, but Gosling's character is convinced it's merely a slightly modified version of the original "conceptual dead-end" typeface.

The Real-World Fontroversy: Why Designers Despise Papyrus

The Papyrus typeface, designed in 1982 by Chris Costello, is a widely available font that was intended to evoke the look of English language text written on ancient parchment or papyrus. Costello, a graphic designer, illustrator, and web designer, created the font when he was just 23.

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The typeface attempts to blend classic Roman letterforms with the rough, organic texture of a handwritten script, but this is precisely where the controversy lies.

The Core Critique of the Overused Typeface

The widespread hatred for Papyrus among professional designers stems from three primary issues, making it a classic example of an overused typeface:

1. Overexposure and Misuse: Papyrus became a default font on many operating systems and was consequently used for everything from yoga studio signs and health food menus to corporate logos and, most famously, the *Avatar* logo. Its overuse stripped it of any unique or exotic feel.
2. Conceptual Contradiction: Designers argue that the font is a "conceptual dead-end." It tries to look ancient and organic while being a digital, mass-produced product. It is often seen as a lazy shortcut for suggesting "tribal," "natural," or "historic" themes, particularly in contexts like Ancient Egypt projects or Native American-themed businesses, leading to cultural appropriation critiques.
3. The "Comic Sans" Effect: Like Comic Sans, Papyrus is seen as a sign of amateur design, a choice made by someone who didn't bother to research a more appropriate or original typeface.

James Cameron's Defense and the Future of the Papyrus Meme

The controversy reached the highest level when *Avatar* director James Cameron was asked about the Papyrus font choice. Cameron acknowledged the SNL sketch and the criticism but defended the original decision. He stated that he liked the font and initially assumed the art department had developed it specifically for the film, only to later realize it was a standard typeface.

Despite Cameron's defense, the *Avatar* franchise ultimately responded to the decade-long mockery. Producers confirmed that for the sequels, they "went out and created our own font" to replace the Papyrus-like title, an implicit admission that the original choice had become a distraction.

The meme's staying power, evidenced by the 2024 sequel and the ongoing "Papyrus Irony edits" seen on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, demonstrates that the internet's obsession with design flaws is not fading. Whether you are a type designer or just a casual moviegoer, the intense, relatable frustration embodied by Ryan Gosling's character ensures that the cry of "I'm not falling for that Papyrus!" will continue to echo across the internet for years to come.