The acquisition of a decommissioned Staten Island ferry by Saturday Night Live stars Colin Jost and Pete Davidson remains one of the more surreal celebrity business ventures in recent New York City history. During a recent appearance on the popular Smartless podcast, hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, Jost provided an in-depth look into the impulsive decision-making process that led to the purchase, the financial scrutiny he has faced since, and the candid reaction from his wife, Academy Award-nominated actress Scarlett Johansson. The interview shed light on the transition of the vessel from a city-owned transport ship to a private real estate venture, challenging the public perception that the project is merely a frivolous "money pit."
The saga began in early 2022 when the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services put the MV John F. Kennedy, a 277-foot ferry that had served the Staten Island route since 1965, up for auction. Jost and Davidson, both Staten Island natives with deep sentimental ties to the ferry system, partnered with real estate broker and comedy club owner Paul Italia to place the winning bid of $280,100. While the purchase price was relatively low for a vessel of its size, the logistical and financial implications of owning a 2,100-ton ship have been a point of contention and humor for the comedy duo ever than since.
The Impulse and the Consultation Process
During the Smartless episode, Jost recounted the moment the idea took hold. He admitted that his first point of contact was Pete Davidson, a choice he now reflects on with comedic regret. Jost described the exchange as an exercise in mutual enablement, noting that Davidson is perhaps the least likely person to provide a grounded, cautionary perspective on a major capital investment. When Jost texted Davidson to ask if they should buy the boat, the response was an immediate and enthusiastic affirmation. This impulsive synergy set the stage for a transaction that would soon make national headlines.
However, Jost did seek a second opinion from a more traditional source: his father, Daniel A. Jost. A former teacher at Staten Island Technical High School, the elder Jost responded with a pragmatism typical of his profession, asking his son if he had "done his homework." Colin Jost admitted to the podcast hosts that he had reached out to his father more as a formality than for actual guidance, having already mentally committed to the deal. This contrast between Davidson’s "wild card" energy and his father’s academic skepticism highlights the internal tug-of-war Jost experienced before finalizing the bid.
Scarlett Johansson’s "We?" Moment
One of the most humanizing aspects of the interview was Jost’s description of how he broke the news to his wife, Scarlett Johansson. The actress, known for her roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and critically acclaimed films like Marriage Story, was reportedly not part of the initial decision-making loop. Jost recalled texting her after the purchase was finalized, stating, "Guess what? We own a ferry now."
Johansson’s response was reportedly a single, pointed word: "We?"
This reaction underscored the unilateral nature of the purchase and the inherent absurdity of a household suddenly becoming the owners of a massive piece of municipal infrastructure. Jost noted that while the "we" in his text referred to the partnership group involving Davidson and Italia, the domestic implications of such a purchase were not lost on his wife. The anecdote has since become a staple of Jost’s public commentary on the boat, illustrating the bridge between his professional comedy life and his high-profile personal life.
Financial Viability and the "Money Pit" Narrative
A significant portion of the public discourse surrounding the ferry purchase has focused on the perceived financial recklessness of the move. Critics and fans alike have speculated that the cost of docking, maintaining, and renovating a 60-year-old ship would quickly outpace any potential revenue. On Smartless, co-host Sean Hayes voiced these concerns, asking Jost if he was still "paying" for the decision, a sentiment Jost noted is frequently echoed by his own financial advisors.
Jost, however, defended the investment, asserting that the "money pit" narrative is largely a result of media misreporting and his own self-deprecating jokes. He revealed that the partnership has already begun to see a return on investment through private events hosted on the vessel. According to Jost, the revenue generated from these early activations has already covered the initial purchase price as well as the ongoing costs associated with docking and basic maintenance.
The strategy, as Jost explained, is rooted in New York City’s unique real estate market. The MV John F. Kennedy offers approximately 70,000 square feet of space. In the context of Manhattan real estate, where waterfront property is among the most expensive in the world, a stationary vessel of that size functions effectively as a floating building. By securing a permanent or semi-permanent dock, the owners believe they have acquired a massive event space at a fraction of the cost of traditional terra firma construction.
The History and Future of the MV John F. Kennedy
To understand the scale of the project, one must look at the history of the vessel itself. The MV John F. Kennedy was built by the Levingston Shipbuilding Company in Orange, Texas, and entered service in 1965. It was the oldest ferry in the fleet at the time of its retirement in 2021. For over five decades, it carried millions of passengers between St. George and Whitehall Street, surviving through various eras of New York City’s history.
The vision for the ferry’s "second life" is ambitious. Jost, Davidson, and their partner Paul Italia, along with architect Rob Castellano, intend to transform the ship into a premier entertainment destination. The proposed plans include:
- A Comedy Club: Leveraging the owners’ professional backgrounds to create a unique venue for stand-up.
- Dining and Bars: Utilizing the expansive decks for restaurants and lounges with views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
- Event Spaces: Renting out portions of the 70,000 square feet for private corporate events, weddings, and film shoots.
- Hotel/Nightlife Elements: While still speculative, there have been discussions regarding boutique accommodations or a high-end club atmosphere.
The logistics, however, remain formidable. The ship currently requires a tugboat for movement, as its engines were decommissioned. Finding a permanent home for a vessel of this size in New York Harbor involves navigating a complex web of city agencies, including the Department of Transportation, the Economic Development Corporation, and various maritime authorities.
Broader Implications for Adaptive Reuse
The Jost-Davidson ferry project fits into a broader trend of "adaptive reuse" in maritime environments. New York City has a long history of repurposing retired vessels. Notable examples include The Frying Pan, a former Coast Guard lightship now serving as a popular bar at Pier 66, and Grand Banks, a historic wooden schooner turned oyster bar at Pier 25.
However, the scale of the MV John F. Kennedy is unprecedented for a private celebrity venture. Most successful floating venues are significantly smaller. The challenge for Jost and his team lies in the sheer volume of the ship. Maintaining the structural integrity of a 277-foot steel hull against the corrosive effects of saltwater is a constant and expensive endeavor.
From a business perspective, the venture represents a high-risk, high-reward bet on the post-pandemic recovery of New York City’s "experience economy." As residents and tourists seek out more unique, open-air environments, a massive historic ferry offers a novelty factor that traditional venues cannot match.
Conclusion: A Labor of Love and Business
While the Staten Island ferry purchase began as a headline-grabbing stunt by two of New York’s favorite sons, it has evolved into a serious, albeit unconventional, business project. Colin Jost’s remarks on the Smartless podcast indicate that while he is happy to play into the "clueless celebrity" trope for comedic effect, there is a calculated real estate logic behind the madness.
The involvement of professional architects and real estate experts suggests that the "we" in this venture is prepared for the long haul. Whether the MV John F. Kennedy becomes the crown jewel of the New York waterfront or remains a legendary piece of SNL lore, Jost seems content with the journey. As for Scarlett Johansson’s initial skepticism, the successful hosting of revenue-generating events may eventually turn that "We?" into a "What’s next?"
For now, the ferry sits as a massive, orange monument to the intersection of celebrity whim, New York nostalgia, and the audacious pursuit of the ultimate waterfront property. As Jost continues to balance his duties on "Weekend Update" with his role as a maritime mogul, the public will undoubtedly be watching to see if this 70,000-square-foot gamble truly stays afloat.
