Willem Dafoe has built a career on unforgettable roles—from the Green Goblin to a lighthouse keeper losing his mind. But in his latest film, he's tackling something more introspective: the strange weight of arriving late to success. Late Fame, a new drama from director Kent Jones, gives us a first look at Dafoe as Ed Saxberger, a poet whose work was completely overlooked in its time—only to be celebrated decades later.
Based on a posthumously published novella by Arthur Schnitzler, the film follows Ed as he navigates a sudden, unexpected spotlight. Greta Lee (Past Lives) plays Gloria, an actress who becomes fascinated with the newly famous poet. The role was originally cast with Sandra Hüller, who had to step away due to scheduling conflicts. The ensemble also includes Edmund Donovan, Clay Singer, Luca Padovan, Graham Campbell, and Arthur Langlie.
Dafoe, a four-time Oscar nominee, has appeared in more than 10 films in the last two years alone, including collaborations with Wes Anderson and Robert Eggers. But Late Fame offers something quieter—a chance to see the actor play vulnerability and bewilderment as a man whose life is suddenly turned upside down by recognition he no longer expected. As one critic described it after the film's Venice Film Festival premiere, Dafoe plays the role "like a slowly opening flower."
The film has already earned strong early reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, one critic called it "a very quiet movie that studiously avoids boisterous narrative stereotypes." That restraint seems fitting for a story about a man who spent decades in obscurity, only to be thrust into the public eye when he least expected it.
Written by Samy Burch (May December) and produced by Pamela Koffler and Christine Vachon of Killer Films, Late Fame is set to hit theaters on August 7, 2026—the same weekend as Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner's One Night Only. The film's release comes as part of a busy summer season, and ShowtimeSpot is thrilled to bring you the exclusive first look image of Dafoe in character.
For fans of Dafoe's more offbeat, character-driven work, Late Fame looks like a must-see. And if you're hungry for more exclusive first looks, check out our sneak peek at Fall 2 or the latest from the Jackass crew.
With its Venice Film Festival debut already generating buzz, Late Fame is shaping up to be one of the more thoughtful dramas of the year. Whether you're a longtime Dafoe fan or just discovering his work, this story about the strange timing of fame is one to watch.
