Academy Award winner Christopher Walken is one of the few Hollywood veterans who can overshadow even the darkest of villains, let alone intimidate the protagonist with his terrifying mannerisms.
But the actor, however, had gone through his own intense experience interacting with the polar animals. Walken was rewarded with the chance of showcasing the range of his darker side appearing as a ruthless businessman in the early ‘90s.
The film, however, could not appeal much to the audience. But Walken sold his performance which the fans believed was iconic and true to the comics on many levels.
Michael Keaton had reportedly made efforts with the studios to cut some of his dialogues so Christopher Walken can deliver more elaborate ones that fans still cherish to this day.
Christopher Walken Was Raided By Penguins In Batman Returns
Batman Returns explored Gotham City even further by introducing maniacal characters like the Penguin played by Danny DeVito and Christopher Walken came in as the corrupt businessman Max Shreck.
Max Shreck, in the comics, is a shrewd and dangerous businessman who is an ally of the Penguin. Walken, in his interview with The Hollywood Reporter, shared experiencing high turbulence on the set upon being surrounded by DeVito’s little black and white friends.
“There were the big ones, the Emperors. They were very docile and sweet. They would walk up to you and you could pet them like a cat. Then there was a middle size, who were a little more active. The smallest ones were very busy and aggressive, they’d give you a peck,” said Walken.
Along with the actual living penguins, Warner Bros had shelled out massively on building mechanical penguins who could follow DeVito’s character on his command.
Christopher Walken Was Blown Away By Penguins’ Luxurious Set Life
Even though Christopher Walken was highly inspired by Tim Burtons’ style of bringing ideas to life and helping his character adapt to them with absolute precision, the actor felt a little envious of the polar birds.
Apart from having two trainers who had instructions to remain in the water with the penguins at all times, Walken said –
“They had their own area on the studio lot with a swimming pool and refrigerated dressing rooms. They were very well taken care of.”
Working with Burtons, Walken knew that he didn’t need to feel insecure as he had been provided with spot-on services as well. The film, however, ended its theatrical run with $266M and was considered to be a mediocre sequel despite the stellar performances from the cast.
Years later, we got to witness Michael Keaton in all his glory suiting up in his iconic Batsuit in The Flash released back in June.
Christopher Walken will reprise his role as Shaddam IV in the upcoming Dune: Part Two, coming on November 3.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
