Mike Myers made a memorable return to Saturday Night Live after a decade-long absence, delivering both humor and a political statement during his appearance on the March 1, 2024, episode. Myers, a beloved alum of the show, joined host Shane Gillis and musical guest Tate McRae on stage as the credits rolled. Dressed in a black t-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “Canada is not for sale” and a prominent Canadian flag in the center, Myers made sure to show off his message by opening his vest. The moment was both a nod to his Canadian heritage—he was born in Scarborough, Ontario—and a clear response to recent comments made by former President Donald Trump about annexing Canada as the 51st state. As Gillis thanked the audience, Myers added a playful yet pointed phrase, saying, “Elbows up,” a phrase often used to encourage resilience or taking a stand.
The timing of Myers’ statement couldn’t have been more relevant. In recent months, Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of Canada becoming part of the United States, suggesting that it would be better off as the 51st state. During a February interview on Fox News, Trump doubled down on the idea, claiming that his conversations about annexing Canada were “a real thing” and even suggesting that the U.S. is losing $200 billion annually in its dealings with Canada. “I think Canada would be much better off being the 51st state because we lose $200 billion a year with Canada,” Trump said. “And I’m not going to let that happen. Why are we paying $200 billion a year, essentially a subsidy to Canada?” These comments have sparked widespread criticism and humor, with many viewing the idea as both absurd and politically motivated. Myers, who has a long history of using comedy to address current events, clearly saw an opportunity to weigh in on the issue.
In addition to his post-credits appearance, Myers also played a key role in the show’s cold open, a sketch that recreated a fictional meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In the sketch, Myers portrayed Elon Musk, storming into the scene mid-conversation while wielding a chainsaw. His character’s eccentricity and unpredictability were on full display as he asked Trump, “What are you doing in my office? You know, I’m the president now, right? I’m kidding. I’m kidding. Maybe not?” The line, delivered with Myers’ signature wit and timing, added a layer of absurdity to the sketch and left viewers laughing. It was a classic Myers moment, blending humor with a touch of political commentary.
Myers’ appearance on SNL marked a rare return to the show where he got his start. A cast member from 1989 to 1995, Myers became a fan favorite for his iconic characters, including Wayne Campbell from Wayne’s World and Linda Richman, the eccentric host of the “Coffee Talk” sketches. Although he hasn’t appeared in a regular episode of SNL since 2015, he did make a brief return last month during the highly anticipated SNL50 special, where he reprised his role as Linda Richman. His ability to revisit beloved characters while still engaging with current events is a testament to his enduring talent and connection to the show.
The combination of Myers’ political statement and comedic sketches resonated strongly with fans, showcasing his ability to blend humor with timely commentary. His t-shirt message and the phrase “Elbows up” served as a lighthearted yet clear rebuke to Trump’s suggestions about annexing Canada, reminding viewers of the power of comedy to address serious issues. By using the SNL platform to make his voice heard, Myers reaffirmed his status as a cultural icon and a master of using laughter to drive a point home.
In many ways, Myers’ return to SNL was a reminder of the show’s long-standing tradition of mixing humor with politics. From its early days to the present, SNL has been a platform for comedians and actors to weigh in on current events, often using satire to shed light on serious issues. Myers’ appearance, with its blend of nostalgia, humor, and political commentary, fit perfectly into this tradition. As the show continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of politics and culture, moments like these remind us of the enduring power of comedy to inspire, provoke, and bring people together.
