As a film fan, it’s always exciting to see behind-the-scenes glimpses of our favorite movies. Whether it’s learning about the special effects, the stunts, or the iconic locations used in filming, it adds a deeper appreciation for the finished product. So imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon the recent news that Rian Johnson’s short film, “Wake Up Dead Man,” was partially filmed on the same set as Rick Astley’s music video for “Never Gonna Give You Up.”
In an interview with NME, Johnson revealed that while shooting his short film in the UK, he was thrilled to discover that the same location was used for the iconic ’80s music video. “I was the only one on set excited about it,” he laughed. But for film and music fans alike, this revelation is just too cool to ignore.
For those unfamiliar, “Wake Up Dead Man” is a black and white short film directed by Johnson, known for his work on “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and “Knives Out.” The film centers on a man who wakes up in a graveyard with no memory of who he is or how he got there. It’s a visually stunning and thought-provoking piece that showcases Johnson’s talent as a filmmaker.
But the real excitement comes from the fact that it was filmed on the same set as Rick Astley’s iconic music video for “Never Gonna Give You Up.” For those who may not know, the music video features Astley singing and dancing through a deserted city to his hit song. It became a viral sensation in the 2000s, giving birth to the popular “Rickrolling” internet prank.
The set, located in Camberley, England, was built by director and production designer Simon Bowles. It was used for several other music videos and films before being transformed into the setting for Johnson’s short film. The eerie, post-apocalyptic feel of the set perfectly complements the themes of “Wake Up Dead Man.”
In his interview, Johnson also shared that the set still had remnants of Astley’s music video props, such as the abandoned car and the newspaper stand featuring Astley’s face. He even joked about how he wanted to incorporate them into his film but couldn’t find a way to make it work. Nonetheless, the connection between the two projects is evident and adds a fun layer to “Wake Up Dead Man.”
But beyond the coolness factor, this discovery also serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of creative works. Both “Never Gonna Give You Up” and “Wake Up Dead Man” were created decades apart, yet their connection on this shared set shows how they continue to resonate with audiences.
As we continue to navigate through uncertain times, this little tidbit of movie magic serves as a much-needed reminder of the power of art to bring people together. Even in the most unexpected ways, it’s clear that music and film have the ability to transcend time and boundaries.
In the end, while “Wake Up Dead Man” may have been the only one on set excited about this connection, as a fan of both Johnson’s work and Astley’s iconic music video, I am just as thrilled. It’s a fun little nugget of information that adds another layer to the already captivating short film. So the next time you watch “Wake Up Dead Man,” take a moment to appreciate its connection to a music video that continues to be a beloved pop culture phenomenon.
