A meeting of giants
Most known for his numerous acting accolades, Christopher Walken has allegedly painted over an original Banksy artwork that’s worth over £10m.
The legendary actor used a roller covered in magnolia of all colours to cover the artwork while filming Stephen Merchant’s new BBC comedy-drama The Outlaws.
Banksy art painted over by Christopher Walken on TV show's set https://t.co/MTWRAomYXo pic.twitter.com/vcz2UJltt8
— Bristol Biz (@BristolBizz) November 10, 2021
An inside source told the Sun: “The creative team came up with the dream scenario and got in touch with the artist’s representatives in the faint hope that he might help them. Then they discovered shortly afterwards that he’d been to the location where they were filming and left something behind.
“They couldn’t believe their luck as he’d painted a giant rat using his hallmark stencilling technique as well as his distinctive signature.
“His only stipulation was that they really did paint over it — and it would be his hero Christopher holding the roller.”
The Outlaws is set in Bristol, which is also the hometown of Merchant, its creator. The show follows a group of offenders as they take part in community service, so it’s a little like Misfits without the constant sex, drugs and superpowers.
Walken plays veteran criminal Frank, who is adjusting to life living with his estranged daughter, played by Dracula‘s Dolly Wells.
Other cast members include The Office co-creator Merchant, Poldark‘s Eleanor Tomlinson and Black Mirror‘s Charles Babalola.
People have begun reacting to the news online, with many criticising the BBC.
“So I am paying a TV licence for you to report this whilst the corruption, deceit and lying of this government goes unreported!!” wrote one Twitter user.
Another said: “I enjoy the image of Christopher Walken stalking the world destroying Banksy’s. Sadly that’s not the story.”
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