Willem Dafoe has built one of the most eclectic and celebrated careers in modern cinema. From playing a green-skinned supervillain in Spider-Man to a weary motel manager in The Florida Project, the four-time Oscar nominee brings an unmistakable intensity to every part. His latest double feature, Late Fame and The Birthday Party, showcases that range beautifully—one casts him as a quiet, introspective poet, the other as a menacing, wealthy businessman. In a recent conversation, Dafoe opened up about why he chose these roles, his surprising history with James Bond, and what fans can expect from his upcoming horror film Werwulf.
Choosing Roles: It's About the Experience, Not the Character
When asked about his process for picking projects, Dafoe was quick to downplay the idea of a formula. "It's always different," he said. "The director is very important for me, and I look for situations where I can find something, or learn something, or something can happen to me." He explained that he doesn't focus on the role itself because "you don't really know the role until you do it." In fact, he's wary of roles that seem too perfect. "If you see the role too clearly and you say, 'Wow, this would be really great for me,' that's something to avoid," he admitted. "You've got to have that space that's a little difficult, that's full of questions."
For Dafoe, acting is about sharing an experience rather than delivering a message. "It's not really about telling people things," he said. "It's about having an experience to expand the possibility of how we see things." That philosophy has guided him through a career that spans blockbusters, indie darlings, and everything in between.
Late Fame: A Story That Felt 'In the Air'
Dafoe's path to Late Fame began with a novella given to him by a friend. "A writer-actor friend in New York named Danny Sippy gave it to me," he recalled. "He said, 'I think this is a movie.'" Initially, Dafoe thought it might be a project for his frequent collaborator Abel Ferrara, but the period setting in Vienna didn't fit. Then he discovered that a script already existed, adapted by Samy Burch, who wrote May December. The adaptation moved the story to present-day New York City, a change Dafoe initially questioned. "I thought, 'Bad idea,' because Vienna was such a character in the original," he said. But after reading the script, he changed his mind. "I said, 'Wow, this is really what's in the air. This is really pertinent.'"
The Birthday Party: A Greek Tragedy with an Onassis Vibe
For The Birthday Party, Dafoe's involvement came through a producer he met while making the film Inside. The producer pitched him a story set in 1970s Greece, featuring a character reminiscent of Aristotle Onassis. "I said, 'What? That's fantastic!'" Dafoe recalled. But he didn't think he was right for the part. When the producer later called to offer him the role, Dafoe was hesitant. "I was a little bit like, 'You really want me?'" he said. Ultimately, he was won over by the challenge and the opportunity to explore a character so different from his own persona.
A Surprising Bond with James Bond
During the conversation, Dafoe also revealed an unexpected connection to the James Bond franchise. While he didn't go into detail, he hinted at a history that fans might not know about. This isn't the first time Dafoe has been linked to a major franchise—he's also known for his work with director Robert Eggers, including the upcoming Werwulf, which he described as "stunning" in an early look. For more on that, check out our earlier coverage.
What's Next for Dafoe?
With Late Fame and The Birthday Party hitting theaters, Dafoe shows no signs of slowing down. His upcoming slate includes Werwulf, a horror film that promises to be another collaboration with Eggers. Fans of Dafoe's work know to expect the unexpected, and he's happy to keep it that way. "You've got to have that space to reach for," he said. "That's what gives you the energy to really extend yourself."
For more on Dafoe's career and his thoughts on the industry, stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot. And if you're curious about other actors who break the mold, check out our piece on Gen V's relatable superheroes.
