Finn Wolfhard Struggled to Separate Willem Dafoe from Spider-Man’s Norman Osborn on Set of The Legend of Ochi

Working with legendary actors can be a dream come true for many young stars. But for Finn Wolfhard, starring alongside Willem Dafoe in the upcoming movie The Legend of Ochi had its challenges — and it had everything to do with the unforgettable character Dafoe portrayed in the Spider-Man films.

Wolfhard, best known for his role in Stranger Things and the IT films, shared some candid thoughts with People magazine about the difficulties he faced separating Dafoe from his iconic role as Norman Osborn (aka the Green Goblin) in the Spider-Man movies.

It turns out that Dafoe's powerful performance as the villainous CEO of Osborn Technologies had a lasting impact on Wolfhard, even while they were working together on set. Let’s dive into what Wolfhard had to say!

Finn Wolfhard: “It Was Hard Not to See Norman Osborn”

When Wolfhard first started working with Willem Dafoe on The Legend of Ochi, he quickly realized just how much Dafoe’s presence as Norman Osborn in Spider-Man had stayed with him.

In a chat with People, Wolfhard admitted, “For the first few days, it was hard not to see Norman Osborn.”

If you’re not familiar with the role, Dafoe played the character of Norman Osborn, the CEO of Oscorp who becomes the supervillain Green Goblin in the 2002 Spider-Man film starring Tobey Maguire. Dafoe’s portrayal was so memorable that even years later, he returned to the role in Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021, delighting fans of the original trilogy.

For Wolfhard, whose career has been influenced by Spider-Man and Dafoe’s performance, it took some time to get past the Green Goblin image.

The Legendary Willem Dafoe: “His Voice is Iconic”

Wolfhard’s admiration for Willem Dafoe doesn’t stop at the Green Goblin. The young actor was also deeply impressed by Dafoe’s iconic voice and legendary acting style.

He explained, "Whenever I would hear his voice, I would be like, 'Oh my god! He’s real.'"

It’s clear that Dafoe’s vocal presence made an impact on Wolfhard. The actor added that Dafoe’s voice has become so iconic that it’s hard to forget, and it made working with him all the more surreal.

But it wasn’t just his voice that had an effect. Wolfhard was also struck by Dafoe’s remarkable acting talent. He described the veteran actor’s work as “legendary,” highlighting how Dafoe's reputation for commitment to the craft had an influence on his own growth as an actor.

Finn Wolfhard’s Reflection on Acting with Dafoe

For Finn Wolfhard, working with Willem Dafoe on The Legend of Ochi was more than just a dream come true — it was an opportunity to learn and grow.

In addition to admiring Dafoe’s talent, Wolfhard found himself having many incredible conversations with the actor, discussing everything from their shared experiences in acting to the challenges of theater work in New York during the 70s and 80s.

Wolfhard shared, “It was really cool to pick his brain about that stuff.” These conversations clearly left a mark on Wolfhard, and he expressed how grateful he was for the chance to learn from someone as experienced and insightful as Dafoe.

Wolfhard also went on to praise Dafoe’s commitment to the art of acting, noting that Dafoe has always approached his roles with passion and dedication, which made working with him even more inspiring.

The Legend of Ochi: A Film to Look Out For

In The Legend of Ochi, both Finn Wolfhard and Willem Dafoe shine alongside a talented cast, including Helena Zengel, Emily Watson, and Carol Bors. The movie has generated a lot of buzz, particularly with Dafoe’s involvement, as fans are excited to see him take on another intense role.

While much about the film remains under wraps, it’s clear that Wolfhard and Dafoe's chemistry will be a major highlight of the project. With Dafoe’s legendary acting and Wolfhard’s rising star power, this film promises to be an emotional rollercoaster for audiences.

What’s Next for Finn Wolfhard?

After his standout performances in Stranger Things and IT, Finn Wolfhard is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after young stars. Working alongside legends like Willem Dafoe in The Legend of Ochi will only elevate his career, as he continues to explore different genres and dive deeper into the craft of acting.

Fans can expect to see more from Wolfhard in the coming months, as he takes on new roles and builds his legacy in Hollywood.

A Dream Come True for Finn Wolfhard

Working with a legend like Willem Dafoe is a moment any actor would cherish, and for Finn Wolfhard, it was a career milestone. From learning about the art of acting to navigating the complexities of sharing the screen with a giant like Dafoe, Wolfhard’s time on The Legend of Ochi is a testament to the power of collaboration and mentorship in the entertainment industry.

If you’re a fan of either actor, this is one movie you won’t want to miss — and who knows, maybe Wolfhard will finally get past the image of Norman Osborn