Christopher Walken reads beloved book, ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ by Maurice Sendak.
Christopher Walken delivers the narration of Max moving through monster land with all the awkward emphasis that’s known and loved. As the book is mostly pictures, Walken finds himself having to improvise the plot throughout the majority of the book. As the story begins, Walken contemplatively considers each picture. In one image, as Max is wilding out in his home, Walken comments on the background plot. He notices a teddy hung up on Max’s room, “There’s a bear strung up. I’m assuming murder. Maybe…suicide…I dunno. He’s got a stool…anyway.” Walken whisks through the rest of the story, soaking it with his wry sense of humor. He names the beasts with such gems as ‘Smiley McDuckfeet,’ ‘Devil Bignose’ and ‘Ernie.’
Lessons learned from Walken: Max is a jerk; flowers should not have bug ears; the Teddy may or may not have offed himself; don’t put trees in the water. Important life lessons!
What's Driving This Trend
- Children's Book Readings
- Opportunity to provide fresh, creative takes on classic children's stories through celebrity or influencer readings.
- Improv Storytelling
- Opportunity to create new, unpredictable storylines through improv storytelling techniques applied to book readings.
- Humorous Narrative
- Opportunity to inject humor and wit into traditional book readings to create engaging, comedic content for audiences.
Who This Affects Most
- Publishing
- Opportunity for publishers to collaborate with celebrities or influencers to add a new spin to classic children's books.
- Entertainment
- Opportunity for entertainment companies to develop online content featuring humorous, improv-style book readings.
- Social Media
- Opportunity for social media influencers to create shareable, humorous content by doing readings of classic children's books.
