Jack Black donned his “Kung Fu Panda” character’s uniform — in other words, was shirtless — to sing Taylor Swift‘s “Anti-Hero” at a SAG-AFTRA fundraiser on Oct. 25.
In fan-captured footage uploaded to X (formerly Twitter), Black is seen on onstage, having just performed a stand-up comedy set at the “Give Back-ular Spectacular!” event held at the Orpheum Theater, which supports members of SAG-AFTRA affected by the current strike. Other performers present included Janelle James, Halle Berry, Lily Tomlin and Dax Shepard.
Black then takes off his shirt and tosses it on the ground. once down to his boxers, Black paces on the stage, surveying the crowd as they clap and cheer. Black holds the microphone to the crowd, asking if they have any requests. One audience member throws out a song, to which Black replies, “I know that. Yes, I know that one. I can’t do that one. We’re in a strike.”
“But I know that one,” Black adds. “Everyone knows that fucking song.”
The “School of Rock” actor starts belting out Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero,” singing, “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me.” He dances around on stage, even performing a kick or two as he sings and poses for a thrilled audience. As the song progresses, Black’s rendition becomes more guttural. When it’s clear that Black no longer remembers the lyrics, he begins singing gibberish instead — still to the tune of “Anti-Hero.”
It was a lighthearted moment amid the seriousness of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes, which have had a considerably negative impact on the economy since starting in July. The “Give Back-ular Spectacular!” raised emergency relief funds for both union and non-union crew members in need, seeing that many of the crew members have gone without a paycheck during the hiatus as tension remains between SAG-AFTRA and the studios. The SAG-AFTRA strike has lasted 104 days, and the combined writers and actors strikes have lasted nearly six months.
Watch the clip below.
