Christopher Walken makes a triumphant return to the big screen in Denis Villeneuve's highly anticipated film, 'Dune: Part Two.' After a four-year hiatus from movies, Walken takes on the role of Shaddam IV, the Padishah Emperor of the Known Universe. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Walken shared his reasons for choosing 'Dune: Part Two' as his comeback project.
Walken expressed his admiration for Villeneuve's work, particularly praising his film 'Arrival.' The opportunity to work alongside a stellar cast that includes Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, and Stellan Skarsgård was also a major draw for Walken. The allure of filming in the picturesque city of Budapest further added to the appeal of the project.
Interestingly, Walken revealed that he had previously auditioned for a role in the original 'Star Wars' movie, attempting to secure the part of Han Solo. Reflecting on the experience, Walken recalled auditioning alongside Jodie Foster, who was reading for Princess Leia. Ultimately, the roles went to Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, respectively.
Despite missing out on 'Star Wars,' Walken's career continued to flourish with iconic roles in films like 'Annie Hall' and 'The Deer Hunter,' the latter earning him an Oscar. Walken humorously remarked that it was perhaps for the best that he didn't land the roles in 'Star Wars' or 'Love Story.'
'Dune: Part Two' marks Walken's return to the science-fiction genre in a major Hollywood production, fulfilling a dream he had once pursued. The film is currently captivating audiences in theaters nationwide, offering fans the chance to witness Walken's talent on the big screen once again.
