The allure of “Dune: Part Two” was enough to bring Christopher Walken out of his four-year break from movie acting. During an interview with Vanity Fair, Walken explained that the project piqued his interest profoundly. “I had, of course, seen the first ‘Dune’ a number of times,” he said. “I loved it, and I admired [director Denis Villeneuve’s] movies. Arrival, I thought, was wonderful … And to be with all those terrific actors — Javier Bardem and Josh Brolin, Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, and Stellan Skarsgård — and to go to Budapest, which is a beautiful city. And of course, that’s what I do for a living. It was only, I think, three weeks. So, everything about it was attractive.”
Indeed, the prospect of a three-week shoot in a stunning city amongst esteemed colleagues was irresistible. Furthermore, Walken shared insights about preparing to portray the Emperor of the Known Universe. “I can tell you that it’s probably better not to think about it,” he mentioned. “When I was young, I had to play a king in something. I was in a Shakespeare play. It was Henry II. And an older actor said to me, ‘Don’t worry about it.’ He said, ‘If the director sets it up so that people treat you like the king, you don’t have to do much.’ And I sort of trusted that to happen.” Walken seemed to imply that the responsibility of creating the Emperor’s aura rested less on him and more on the setting created by those around him.
Fans of Walken and the “Dune” franchise can see his widely anticipated return to cinema in “Dune: Part Two,” which is already screening in theatres.
FAQ Section
Why did Christopher Walken end his hiatus for “Dune: Part Two”?
Christopher Walken found the proposition of joining the cast of “Dune: Part Two” too good to turn down, citing his admiration for the first “Dune” film, the director Denis Villeneuve, the esteemed cast, the beautiful location of Budapest, and the brief filming period as compelling reasons.
How long was Christopher Walken’s hiatus from movie acting before “Dune: Part Two”?
Christopher Walken was on a four-year hiatus from movie acting before he agreed to work on “Dune: Part Two”.
How did Christopher Walken approach playing the role of the Emperor of the Known Universe?
Walken suggested that thinking too much about the grandeur of playing the Emperor might not be helpful. Instead, he trusted the experience of an older actor’s advice from earlier in his career—that if others treat you as the king (or in this case, Emperor), not much else needs to be done.
Conclusion
Christopher Walken’s decision to join the cast of “Dune: Part Two” has essentially ended his break from movie acting, delighting fans who have long appreciated his work. His role as the Emperor of the Known Universe is much anticipated, not least because of Walken’s own iconic status in the film industry. Walken’s genuine reasons for returning, coupled with his realistic approach to the role, set the stage for what may be one of the memorable cinematic appearances of the year. “Dune: Part Two,” with Walken as part of its star-studded ensemble, is expected to draw audiences to theatres, showcasing both a grandiose sci-fi tale and the timeless talent of Christopher Walken.