In 2001, Christopher Walken made a memorable appearance in Fatboy Slim’s music video for “Weapon of Choice,” flying around the lobby of a Marriott in Los Angeles. The video, directed by Spike Jonze, featured Walken dancing and defying gravity in a surreal and captivating performance.
Walken’s background in dance, including tap dancing in the film “Pennies From Heaven,” made him the perfect fit for the video’s concept. The catchy beat of the song, sung by Bootsy Collins, paired with Walken’s smooth moves, earned the video several MTV Video Music Awards and a Grammy.
Interestingly, the lyrics of “Weapon of Choice” contain a reference to Frank Herbert’s novel “Dune,” specifically mentioning walking without rhythm to avoid attracting sandworms. This connection adds another layer of intrigue to Walken’s performance in the video.
Fast forward to 2021, when Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of “Dune” hit theaters, and Walken’s involvement in the franchise took on a new level of humor. In “Dune: Part Two,” Walken plays Emperor Shaddam, a villainous character with a significant role in the story.
Whether it’s a coincidence or a deliberate nod to Walken’s past connection to “Dune,” the casting choice adds an extra element of delight for fans of both the actor and the sci-fi epic. The unexpected link between Walken’s iconic music video appearance and his role in the “Dune” franchise is a fun and quirky connection that highlights the actor’s versatility and enduring appeal.
