Christopher Walken returns to the big screen in ‘Dune 2’ after a four-year hiatus, starring as Shaddam IV, the Padishah Emperor of the Known Universe.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Walken expressed admiration for Villeneuve’s work and the opportunity to work with a talented cast in a beautiful city like Budapest.
The film also gives Walken the chance to star in a major Hollywood science-fiction epic, a feat he once missed when auditioning for the role of Han Solo in the original “Star Wars” movie.
Despite auditioning for “Star Wars,” Walken did not land the role, which eventually went to Harrison Ford as Han Solo and Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia.
Jodie Foster, who auditioned for Princess Leia, had to turn down the role due to a prior commitment to a Disney movie, likely “Freaky Friday.”
Reflecting on missed opportunities, Walken shared that not landing roles like “Star Wars” allowed him to say yes to other projects like “Annie Hall” and “The Deer Hunter,” where he won an Oscar.
“Dune: Part Two” is now showing in theaters nationwide from Warner Bros.
