The 'Kung Fu Panda' star jams with his band members as he films a wholesome video, singing a popular Britney Spears song and the internet is loving it.
One can trust Jack Black to do the most unexpected things to make the audience laugh. As the fourth film in the "Kung Fu Panda" series hit the theaters on March 8, 2024, Black, who plays the titular character, decided to do something more than just voice acting at the Los Angeles premiere. For those who do not know, Black is also a skilled musician and when he is not voicing the adorable panda Po on screen, he is a part of a musical duo called Tenacious D along with his friend, Kyle Gass.
Black and Gass recently released almost a 2-minute long music video, hilariously recreating Britney Spears' hit 90s song "Baby One More Time" on their YouTube channel, which ended up garnering more than 5 million views in no time. Black and Gass perform funny dance moves and deliver some over-the-top facial expressions while performing the song in their style on the red carpet. Tenacious D also ended up releasing a complete 3-minute version on Spotify as well.
In the video, Black can be seen in a black and white suit inspired by his panda character Po from the film and he throws in some faux karate moves at Gass and fellow cast members, including Awkwafina, Bryan Cranston, James Hong and Ke Huy Quan. Some fellow dressed as Po also makes several appearances alongside Black for the music video. Ditching the pop undertones of the original track, Black and Gass decided to give the track their own rock and roll spin that reminded people of "School of Rock," one of Black's most famous films.
The Hollywood Reporter caught up with the cast and crew of the film on the red carpet and conversed with Black about the interesting cover of Spear's song. "You know what the director, Mike [Mitchell], said, 'Hey, we would love to have a Tenacious D song for the end credits.' And I said, 'Really? Can we do Britney Spears?' And he said, 'Yeah, let's do 'Hit Me Baby One More Time,' for the kung fu aspect of that song,'" Black explained to the outlet. "So we got in the recording studio and we did it and we're proud of the track. We shot a little impromptu music video in Kyle's hotel room and it's gone crazy viral. It's exciting."
54-year-old Black also revealed how returning to play Po for the fourth time feels like "reconnecting with an old friend who's still as awesome and goofy as ever." "Kung Fu Panda is like my happy place - Po and the gang are like family. It's the humor, the heart, the whole package that brings me back. My perspective on Po has grown, too. He started as this bumbling panda with dreams of being a kung fu master, and now he's becoming the spiritual leader," he said, per DT Next. "And just knowing that Po's adventures have resonated with audiences worldwide and being part of that legacy. It's an honor, man."
"Kung Fu Panda" is a film that has found its fanbase amongst adults and children alike. The first film in the series was released back in 2008. But this time Black, who is playing Po the panda who oddly enough becomes a celebrated warrior in his native land, will be facing off against some new enemies like a shape-shifting villain named Chameleon, voiced by Viola Davis. Teaming up with a quick-witted fox, voiced by Awkwafina, Po soon discovers that heroes can be found in the most unexpected places.