Glen Powell Channels Christopher Walken in Iconic SNL Dance Promo

Get ready for a serious dose of charm and comedic commitment! Glen Powell is gearing up for his Saturday Night Live hosting debut this weekend, and he's kicked things off with an utterly brilliant promo video that's already got everyone talking.

TL;DR: Here's the Lowdown on Glen Powell's SNL Prep

• Glen Powell's first SNL promo features him re-creating Christopher Walken's iconic "Weapon of Choice" dance, complete with a comedic, fake injury.
• The actor is set to host Saturday Night Live on November 15th, with musical guest Olivia Dean making her debut.
• Powell's new film, Edgar Wright's adaptation of Stephen King's The Running Man, hits theaters on November 14th.

Glen Powell's Dance Moves Take Center Stage in His Saturday Night Live Promotion

Imagine Glen Powell, mid-dance, channeling Christopher Walken's iconic moves from Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice" music video, gliding across the Saturday Night Live studio. He's nailing it – the swagger, the suit, the intense gazes. He's hopping across seats, navigating a moving dolly platform, and generally owning Studio 8H. Then, as the performance reaches its peak, he attempts a glorious front flip. It's spectacular, comedic, and ends in a dramatic crash.

Moments later, Powell is wheeled out on a stretcher by an EMT (played by Tommy Brennan), wearing a neck brace, encountering cast members Sarah Sherman and Andrew Dismukes running lines in the hallway. With a perfectly deadpan delivery, he issues a stern warning: "Don't. Tell. Lorne." It’s a hilarious, self-deprecating moment that immediately sets a playful tone for his upcoming gig.

"Don't. Tell. Lorne."

— Glen Powell, after a comedic flip gone wrong in his SNL promo

Decoding the Christopher Walken Homage and Its Impact

This isn't just a random dance sequence; it's a meticulously crafted homage to Spike Jonze's 2001 music video for Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice," which famously featured Christopher Walken dancing through a deserted hotel lobby. Powell's promo, set to Baptiste Thiry’s "Action Call," mirrors the original's style, from the suit and tie to the confident, slightly eccentric moves. It’s an "11/10 for effort," as Mashable put it, showcasing Powell's impressive commitment and willingness to dive headfirst into comedy. Source: [Mashable, "Glen Powell reacting to unpopular opinions from radio callers is a fun watch", November 12, 2025].

Dustin Rowles from Pajiba perfectly summed up the excitement: "I don’t know if this weekend’s SNL episode will actually be any good, but I do know that Glen Powell is going to be a great host. Because he’s already putting in the work." This kind of dedication in a promo often translates to a host who's fully invested in making the entire episode a success, not just going through the motions. Source: [Pajiba, "Glen Powell Is Going to Be a Great 'SNL' Host", November 12, 2025].

While a brilliant promo doesn't always guarantee a perfect episode – writers sometimes struggle to match a host's energy – Powell's clear enthusiasm is a significant positive. It demonstrates he’s not just a charming movie star, but someone ready to roll up their sleeves and truly entertain in a live sketch setting. This effort to connect with the audience through a specific, beloved cultural reference resonates deeply with long-time SNL fans.

Glen Powell's Hollywood Rise Continues with Diverse Roles

Glen Powell is having a moment, and his SNL debut comes at a busy time for the actor. He's currently starring in Edgar Wright's much-anticipated film adaptation of Stephen King's novel, The Running Man, which hits cinemas on November 14th. In it, Powell plays Ben Richards, an ordinary man forced to challenge a dystopian, Network-owned society. Source: [Deadline, "Glen Powell in a ‘SNL’ promotional teaser", November 12, 2025]. The new trailer for "The Running Man" has been described as a mix of "Die Hard" meets "Home Alone," hinting at the kind of action and dark humor we can expect.

Beyond his action roles in films like The Running Man and Top Gun: Maverick, Powell has been flexing his comedic muscles. He recently starred in Hulu's Chad Powers, portraying a former college quarterback who disguises himself as a walk-on player for a struggling football team. He also made a memorable cameo in Sydney Sweeney’s SNL monologue last season, playfully debunking romance rumors from their romantic comedy Anyone But You. These roles highlight his versatility and readiness for a wide range of performances.

Fun fact: Powell's connection to Hollywood runs deeper than recent blockbusters. He was a cast member in 2003's Spy Kids 3D, and as he put it, "Spy Kids 3D finally paid off. Let's party, New York." He's now the tenth star from that film to host SNL, joining a surprising list that includes Selena Gomez and George Clooney. Source: [LateNighter, "Glen Powell Dances Like Christopher Walken in SNL's Promo, Referencing an Iconic Video", November 12, 2025].

Understanding the Challenges and Benefits of Live Comedy Hosting

While Powell's energetic dance skills are on full display in the promo, remember that live comedy hosting demands strong improv and sketch acting, which are different muscles altogether. Transitioning from tightly scripted action or romantic comedies to the unpredictable nature of live sketch can be a unique challenge. However, his prior SNL cameo and recent comedic roles suggest he's not entirely new to this sandbox.

For example, imagine a typical fan, usually quite critical of celebrity hosts who simply read cue cards. She saw Powell in Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You, enjoying his charming rogue persona but not necessarily seeing him as a comedic powerhouse. When she watched the promo, with its spot-on Walken impression and self-deprecating humor, her eyebrows shot up. "Okay, Powell! He's not just a pretty face; he's committed," she thought, immediately adding the episode to her watch list. This shift from 'movie star' to 'comedic contender' is exactly what these high-effort promos aim for, building anticipation and goodwill.

Everything You Need to Know for Glen Powell’s Saturday Night Live Appearance

Glen Powell is set to make his Saturday Night Live hosting debut on November 15th. Joining him will be British singer Olivia Dean, making her own debut as the musical guest. Powell follows comedian and Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser, who helmed the November 8th episode. This marks a fresh face for the long-running sketch comedy show, promising new dynamics and potentially memorable sketches.

With his recent string of hits and this impressive commitment to the promo, Powell is clearly eager to prove his versatility. He's not just another action hero; he's ready to bring the laughs and show a different side of his talent. His hosting gig is perfectly timed with the release of The Running Man, giving audiences a chance to see his range firsthand.

Practical Takeaways for Watching Glen Powell's SNL Debut

• Tune In for the Shenanigans: Catch Glen Powell's hosting debut on Saturday Night Live on November 15th at 11:30 PM EST on NBC.
• Stream Later: If you miss it live, the episode will be available to stream the following day via a Peacock subscription.
• Expect High Energy: Based on his promo, Powell is bringing a lot of enthusiasm and a willingness to commit to the bit.
• Check Out His Latest Film: His new movie, The Running Man, releases in theaters on November 14th – a great way to see his acting range before his comedic turn on SNL.

Sources:

• Mashable, "Glen Powell reacting to unpopular opinions from radio callers is a fun watch", November 12, 2025.
• Deadline, "Glen Powell in a ‘SNL’ promotional teaser", November 12, 2025.
• LateNighter, "Glen Powell Dances Like Christopher Walken in SNL's Promo, Referencing an Iconic Video", November 12, 2025.
• Live Mint, "Glen Powell channels his inner Christopher Walken ahead of Saturday Night Live hosting debut", November 13, 2025.
• Pajiba, "Glen Powell Is Going to Be a Great 'SNL' Host", November 12, 2025.
• The Wrap, "Glen Powell Breaks His Neck in ‘SNL’ Promo Parodying Christopher Walken | Video", November 12, 2025.

FAQ: Your Quick Questions Answered

When is Glen Powell hosting Saturday Night Live? Glen Powell is scheduled to host Saturday Night Live on November 15th. Who is the musical guest for this episode? British singer Olivia Dean will be making her debut as the musical guest. Where can I watch the episode? You can watch it live on NBC at 11:30 PM EST, or stream it the next day on Peacock. What is The Running Man? The Running Man is Glen Powell's latest film, an adaptation of the Stephen King novel directed by Edgar Wright, releasing in theaters on November 14th.