The Wanted released the music video for their latest single Walks Like Rihanna, and it lands with a big dose of humor and charm. The clip leans into the playful side of the group while paying affectionate homage to the pop boy bands that defined the late 1990s and early 2000s. In Canada and the United States, fans got a first look that blends lighthearted skits, tight vocal harmonies, and enough wink to keep the mood breezy. The video centers on a fictional meeting with a very striking director who wants to shape their image for the screen. The band members trade jokes, test ideas, and explore movements that range from puppet like choreography to grand stage moments. The result is a playful examination of music video making itself while staying unmistakably The Wanted, with a modern polish that makes it feel fresh rather than retro for viewers. The energy feels like a rehearsal mixed with a premiere, and the group uses the setup to celebrate the culture of boy bands without losing their own identity. The audience senses the camaraderie in the room as ideas bounce from one member to another, and the director perspective adds a spark to the whole production. The video delivers a sturdy blend of humor, rhythm, and visual recall of late 90s pop videos, making it instantly relatable for fans who grew up watching NSYNC and Backstreet Boys. It is clear that the team wanted to create something funny, catchy, and accessible to a broad audience, especially in North America where pop nostalgia has strong cultural traction. The result is a cohesive piece that respects the legacy of the era while presenting The Wanted as current, confident artists ready to have fun in a way that invites new listeners as well. Production notes whisper of careful planning and a collaborative spirit that guided every frame, ensuring the final product feels polished without losing the spontaneous joy that makes the clip memorable.
During filming, the team staged a lively brainstorming session between takes, with the director guiding playful explorations of visuals. The members tested puppet like moves reminiscent of Bye Bye Bye, letting limbs swing with a ridiculous precision that lands as charming rather than silly. Another segment placed the group in a mock airport corridor, sweeping through a lane of travel tape and neon signs that echo I Want It That Way, but the camera work stays modern, high energy, and tightly choreographed. Costume choices lean into familiar boy band cues while avoiding pastiche; denim, color blocking, and subtle sparkles frame the band harmonies without overwhelming the performance. Light rigs cast a gentle gloss that boosts the nostalgia while keeping every frame crisp and contemporary. Behind the scenes, the director is described as both stern and playful, pushing the group to explore confident, natural transitions between scenes and keep the pace brisk. The aim is to create a video that invites repeated viewings, with small details that fans will notice on second or third watch, rewarding those who know the era and those discovering it for the first time. The team emphasizes clear storytelling: a pretend creative clash gives way to a shared vision where humor and music coexist, resulting in a finale that nods to the past while affirming the band’s current identity. The production design leans on retro props, stage lighting that resembles a concert hall, and performance angles designed to highlight crisp vocal lines as well as playful choreography. The overall effect is a lighthearted celebration of group dynamics in pop culture, a modern take on the classic boy band formula that remains distinctly The Wanted.
When the brainstorms yield a plan that satisfies the director, the comedians, and the band, the video ends with a conclusion that stays true to the group’s voice. The finale consolidates the ideas into a single, cohesive moment that blends humor with heartfelt performance, delivering a message about teamwork and creativity that resonates in North America and beyond. Viewers are treated to a sequence that hints at classic video tropes, then flips them with a contemporary sensibility, making it easy to smile and sing along. The audience response across social platforms shows strong engagement, with fans praising the clever references, the choreography, and the way the clip preserves the band’s musical identity while inviting laughter. In addition to entertainment value, the video serves as a reminder that pop acts can celebrate their influences without becoming parodies, and that clever direction can elevate a lighthearted concept into a memorable moment. Cited from the official video release and press notes from The Wanted, the team has created a piece that stands up to repeated viewing and discussion. The Walks Like Rihanna video offers a bright lens on modern pop, a Canada and United States audience friendly release that demonstrates how nostalgia and the current sound can coexist. Fans are encouraged to watch, share reactions, and consider how the group keeps evolving while honoring the roots of the genre.