Glen Powell, known for his roles in Running Man and as Chad Powers, paid homage to Christopher Walken’s iconic dance in a new promo ahead of his Saturday Night Live debut on Wednesday. The promo features Powell dancing through the halls of 30 Rockefeller Plaza in a gray suit, white shirt, and red tie, clearly inspired by Walken’s performance in the famous Weapon of Choice music video.
Unlike Walken’s smooth and effortless moves, Powell’s tribute takes a dramatic turn when he attempts a front flip onto the SNL stage, which ends with him being wheeled out on a stretcher, his neck in a brace. “Don’t. Tell. Lorne,” Powell pleads to cast members Sarah Sherman and Andrew Dismukes, adding a humorous yet tense moment to the clip.
The Original Walken Dance and Its Lasting Impact
The tribute references Christopher Walken’s memorable dance in Fatboy Slim’s early 2000s video for “Weapon of Choice,” which also features Bootsy Collins and was directed by Spike Jonze, known for the film Her. In the video, Walken starts off seated in a lobby chair, then unfolds into a unique and loose dance sequence, eventually leaping over a handrail and soaring through the air with effortless grace.
Powell mimics key moments from Walken’s performance, capturing the spirit of the dance, but his own attempt to take flight ends humorously in a crash. This playful disconnect heightens the tribute’s blend of admiration and unpredictability.
Powell’s Admiration for Walken Revealed in Past Reflections
Though Powell has not worked alongside Walken in any projects, his admiration for the veteran actor dates back years. A 2024 profile by Washington Post reporter Sonia Rao uncovered that Powell’s high school creative writing teacher shared a personal piece Powell wrote, described as
A written ode to Christopher Walken
and highlighting how Powell admired the actor for being
‘flawed to the point of perfection.’
What’s Next for Glen Powell on SNL
Glen Powell will officially host Saturday Night Live this coming Saturday, joined by musical guest Olivia Dean. His dance tribute to Christopher Walken, weaving humor with respect, offers a glimpse of his energetic and bold style on the show, generating hopeful anticipation among fans.
