AceShowbiz - Taskmaster has steadily become a major phenomenon in the U.K. comedy scene, and as the show expands, its creator Alex Horne and host Greg Davies are drawing from an ever-growing pool of talent. Season 21 notably featured contestants like Kumail Nanjiani and Armando Iannucci, both Oscar nominees.

Both Nanjiani and Iannucci bring impressive credentials: Nanjiani is known for roles such as in The Eternals, while Iannucci is celebrated for creating the acclaimed show Veep. However, Alex Horne has hinted that a future season will feature a true Oscar winner.

The main question now is: which Oscar winner has the time and enthusiasm to dedicate themselves to the quirky challenges and comedic atmosphere of Taskmaster? The show films in bulk, but live tapings require some scheduling flexibility.

One prospect is Olivia Colman, who won her Oscar for The Favourite. Before achieving international fame, Colman was well entrenched in U.K. comedy, appearing on shows like That Mitchell and Webb Look, Peep Show, and Would I Lie to You?.

Another potential candidate with a comedic pedigree is Emma Thompson, who has ties to the Cambridge Footlights and a well-established reputation for humor.

Less likely but still possible is Helen Mirren, who might seem an unexpected fit for the show’s playful chaos. Yet, her recent involvement in the Fast & Furious franchise shows she’s not afraid of stepping outside her usual roles.

However, it’s not just actors who could be in the running. Some fans speculate that a musician with comedic roots might take on the challenge. For instance, Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords fame, known for his Oscar-winning song “Man or Muppet?” and his background in sketch comedy, could be a fit.

Others wonder about Mark Ronson, who briefly hosted the U.K. panel show Never Mind the Buzzcocks about a decade ago—a show now hosted by Greg Davies.

While mega-stars like Billie Eilish are likely too busy to appear, some fans have floated the idea of her brother Finneas joining. Similarly, prominent singers who have performed Bond themes, such as Adele or Sam Smith, have been mentioned.

There is also speculation about less obvious participants, including actors like Eddie Redmayne or Jessie Buckley. Redmayne was suggested by fans on social media. Buckley might be interested after recent challenging projects, such as The Bride.

Some have even joked that director Christopher Nolan might be roped in. Nolan’s reputation for complex, puzzle-like filmmaking humorously parallels the intricate nature of Taskmaster’s challenges.

One important note is that the show’s producers may prefer to cast someone from the U.K. or at least avoid an overabundance of American celebrities.

Ultimately, the identity of the Oscar-winning contestant remains a mystery. What truly matters to fans, however, is the entertaining spectacle of comedians making fun of and competing alongside someone with a prestigious, award-winning background.