One Condition Willem Dafoe Had Before Saying Yes to Spider-Man: No Way Home

Willem Dafoe is an absolutely legendary Hollywood talent. The actor shines in everything he is in: in cult movies like The Boondock Saints or American Psycho; in independent films like The Lighthouse, and even in superhero movies.

Yes, we are talking about Dafoe’s iconic portrayal of Green Goblin in Sam Raimi ’s Spider-Man.

When news broke that Willem Dafoe would return to the role of Green Goblin in Spider-Man: No Way Home, fans were definitely ecstatic. But before returning to the role of Norman Osborn, Dafoe had some conditions.

Dafoe's Green Goblin is a character that has left an indelible mark on the Spider-Man universe. Green Goblin is not only Spider-Man’s iconic villain, but also one of the best villains in all Marvel movies.

So, when the opportunity arose for a return, Dafoe was clear: he didn't want it to be a mere cameo. Dafoe told The New York Times that when he was approached about the role, he expressed concerns about his appearance being "contrived" or just a "power cameo."

The internet loves Spider-Man memes, and Dafoe's Green Goblin from the 2002 Spider-Man film has certainly become one. Some of the memes like "I'm something of a scientist myself" even made it to the movie.

But Dafoe wanted to ensure that his return wasn't just a meme moment. He wanted to make sure his character had a real place in the story.

Dafoe's passion for the character shined through not just in his acting but in his desire to be physically involved. He emphasized the importance of participating in the action scenes, even though the actor was 66 years old at that moment.

It wasn't just about screen time; it was about being true to the Green Goblin's character. As he put it, action sequences inform the character's relationship to the story and other characters.

From the reactions of fans and critics alike, it's clear that Dafoe's return was a resounding success. Even though the idea of returning previous Spideys and villains is basically fan service, let’s admit it, we simply can’t help but love it.

Sources: The New York Times, Mulderville USA on YT