In Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), Willem Dafoe reprises his iconic role as Norman Osborn, aka the Green Goblin, from Sam Raimi’s original Spider-Man trilogy. His portrayal in this film is darker, more intense, and emotionally complex than ever before.
When he first appears, he's wearing his classic 2002 green armor and helmet, but he soon destroys the mask in a moment of internal conflict, symbolizing his fractured identity. This version of the Goblin is more raw and sinister—driven by a warped ideology about power and fate. Without the mask, Dafoe's performance shines through more viscerally, showcasing his menacing expressions and chilling voice.
He plays a major antagonistic role in the film, manipulating Peter Parker with psychological warfare, delivering brutal physical blows, and challenging Peter’s moral code. Despite being from another universe, Dafoe’s Goblin fits seamlessly into the MCU, elevating the threat level with his unpredictable cruelty and twisted charisma. His performance is widely praised as one of the standout elements of the movie.