Willem Dafoe Looks Back on His Iconic Green Goblin Role: “I loved doing the wire work, and Sam was a gas”

Willem Dafoe is undeniably one of the greatest actors in cinematic history. Throughout his career, he has consistently showcased his ability to immerse himself in a wide range of roles, from eccentric villains to deeply moving characters in heartfelt dramas.

While Dafoe’s list of iconic performances is extensive, this time, we’ll spotlight one that’s likely the most familiar to superhero fans—the role that solidified his place in the genre’s legacy.

Yes, we’re talking about Norman Osborn, a.k.a. The Green Goblin. Dafoe first brought this complex character to life in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy and later reprised the role in the MCU’s ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, offering fans a fresh and nuanced take on the infamous villain. In a recent interview, Dafoe took a moment to reflect on his journey with the character.

In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Willem Dafoe opened up about some of his most memorable roles, reflecting on the experiences of filming them and their lasting impact on his career. Among the roles discussed was his iconic portrayal of Norman Osborn, better known as the Green Goblin, from Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy. Here’s what he shared about his time as one of Marvel’s most infamous villains:

I loved doing the wire work, and Sam was a gas. He was like a kid in a candy store. He was really connected to the story. Those movies take so much delegating, so much planning. He would be sitting there directing a scene, and there would be a line of people that had to have a conference with him, like he was the village mayor or something.

I think somehow he really believed in the stuff Peter Parker says, and really believed in the heart of the movie. He was never cynical. He just had a good time with all the toys he had.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Dafoe clearly holds Raimi and his vision in high regard, and from his comments, it’s evident that he thoroughly enjoyed bringing this iconic role to life.

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