The 5 Most Shocking Facts Behind Christopher Walken's Iconic Dance Video Resurgence (Updated 2024)

Christopher Walken’s legendary dance routine in the 2001 music video for Fatboy Slim’s "Weapon of Choice" remains one of the most viral and celebrated cultural moments of the 21st century, but its relevance has exploded again in late 2024. The video, which features the Oscar-winning actor performing a surreal, gravity-defying tap and jazz routine through an empty hotel, has seen a massive cultural resurgence. This renewed interest is directly tied to a surprising, decades-old connection between the music video and Walken's recent, high-profile role in a major blockbuster film. This deep dive uncovers the fascinating history of the video, the shocking details of Walken’s hidden career as a professional dancer, and the fresh, unique reason why a whole new generation is now discovering his iconic, unforgettable footwork. Prepare to look at the "Weapon of Choice" video—and Christopher Walken’s career—in an entirely new light.

Christopher Walken: The Dancer's Biography and Early Career

Before he became known for his intense, eccentric, and often villainous film roles, Christopher Walken was a dedicated professional dancer and a veteran of musical theater. This is the essential context for understanding the unique artistry he brought to the "Weapon of Choice" music video.

• Real Name: Ronald Walken
• Date of Birth: March 31, 1943
• Place of Birth: Astoria, Queens, New York, U.S.
• Early Training: He began taking dance lessons, including tap and ballet, at the remarkably young age of three.
• Stage Career: Walken's early career was heavily focused on the stage, including touring in a production of *West Side Story*. He was a true song-and-dance man.
• Filmography Tidbit: It is estimated that Christopher Walken has danced in over 50 of his feature films, consciously sneaking in a few steps whenever possible, from a brief moment in *Pulp Fiction* to a full routine in *Hairspray* or *Jersey Boys*.
• Key Accolades: Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actor in *The Deer Hunter* (1978).

Walken's training gave him the physical grace and precision that separates his on-screen movement from that of a typical actor. His lifelong dedication to the craft of dance is the "secret weapon" that makes the video so mesmerizing.

Fact 1: The 'Weapon of Choice' Video Was a Director's Dream Project

The "Weapon of Choice" music video, released in 2001, was a collaboration between the big beat musician Fatboy Slim (Norman Cook) and visionary film director Spike Jonze. Jonze, who had already established himself as a master of the music video format with groundbreaking work for the Beastie Boys and Weezer, approached the project with a simple, brilliant concept: showcase Walken's hidden talent. The setting—the deserted lobby and hallways of the Marriott Hotel in Los Angeles—provides a vast, empty stage that focuses all attention on Walken's singular performance. The video is essentially a four-minute, uninterrupted modern dance solo. Walken, wearing a business suit and glasses, transforms the mundane hotel into a surreal landscape, using escalators, pillars, and furniture as props for his taps, leaps, and signature, angular moves. The effort was quickly recognized by the industry, solidifying its place in pop culture history:

• Artist: Fatboy Slim (Norman Cook)
• Director: Spike Jonze
• Choreographer: Michael Rooney (son of Mickey Rooney)
• Award: The video won the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video in 2002.

Fact 2: The Shocking 2024 Resurgence Is Because of *Dune*

The biggest, freshest, and most unique detail about the "Weapon of Choice" video in late 2024 is its unexpected connection to the science fiction epic *Dune: Part Two*. The video has experienced a massive cultural and online resurgence because Christopher Walken was cast as Emperor Shaddam IV in the 2024 film. The connection is not just a coincidence; it’s a decades-old punchline.

The Dune Reference Hidden in the Song

The song "Weapon of Choice," which is from Fatboy Slim’s album *Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars*, features vocals by funk legend Bootsy Collins. The song’s lyrics contain direct references to the 1984 David Lynch movie *Dune*, which was based on the Frank Herbert novel. The most famous line is: "If you walk without rhythm / You won't attract the worm." This line is a direct quote from the 1984 *Dune* film, referring to the method of walking on the desert planet Arrakis to avoid attracting the giant sandworms. When Walken, the man famous for his rhythmic, eccentric dancing in the video, was cast as the Emperor of the *Dune* universe, the internet went wild.

The Irony of the Casting

The irony is profound: the actor who starred in the music video for a song that references *Dune*'s "walk without rhythm" rule was cast as the Emperor who governs the planet where that rule applies. This casting created a perfect, 20-year-old meme and sparked countless new discussions, articles, and video edits combining Walken's dance moves with *Dune* footage. Walken himself admitted he was unaware of the *Dune* connection in the song until his casting was announced, calling the coincidence "surprising".

Fact 3: The Choreography Was Built Around Walken's Unique Style

The success of the "Weapon of Choice" routine lies in its authenticity. The choreography was not a standard routine forced upon an actor; it was a bespoke creation designed to showcase Walken’s specific, highly individual dance vocabulary. Choreographer Michael Rooney had to work with Walken's unique blend of tap, jazz, and vaudeville influences. Walken, who trained under the Tony-winning choreographer Danny Daniels as a child, has a distinctive style that is both classical and highly idiosyncratic. The final routine is a perfect fusion of: * Tap Dancing: Evident in the rhythmic, percussive footwork that echoes throughout the empty hotel. * Ballet/Jazz: Seen in his long, graceful leaps and the controlled, almost theatrical arm movements. * Physical Comedy: His signature head tilts, wide-eyed expressions, and the use of props (like the luggage cart) add a layer of surreal humor that aligns with the Spike Jonze aesthetic. This personal touch is why the performance feels less like a music video cameo and more like a short, compelling piece of cinematic art.

Fact 4: The Video Was Shot in a Single, Grueling Day

Despite the video's polished look, the entire sequence was reportedly shot in just a single, intensive day at the Marriott Hotel in Los Angeles. Walken was 57 years old at the time of filming, yet he performed the physically demanding routine—which included running, jumping, and intricate tap work—without a body double. The production schedule required maximum efficiency, a testament to Walken's stamina and professional dance discipline. The video’s impact proves that sometimes, the most memorable performances come from a stripped-down concept, a singular talent, and a director's clear vision, rather than expensive special effects. It remains a masterclass in using an actor's unexpected skills to elevate a project.

Fact 5: It's Not Walken's Only Iconic Dance Moment

While "Weapon of Choice" is his most famous *video* dance, it is part of a much larger body of work that celebrates his footwork. His dedication to incorporating dance into his acting is a defining feature of his career. Other iconic dance moments that showcase his range include: * The Continental (SNL): A recurring sketch where Walken plays a suave, slightly creepy European lothario who often glides across the floor. * *Pennies from Heaven* (1981): A full-fledged musical where Walken performs a memorable, complex tap-dance sequence on top of a bar. * *Hairspray* (2007): He performs a gentle, charming duet with John Travolta, showcasing his softer, musical theater side. * *The Jungle Book* (2016): Walken performs the song "I Wanna Be Like You" as the voice of King Louie, a performance that leverages his unique vocal and rhythmic style. The "Weapon of Choice" video, however, is the one that forever captured his eccentric genius and lifelong passion for dance, ensuring that his rhythmic legacy will continue to resonate with new audiences, especially now with the fresh *Dune* connection, for decades to come.