Actor Willem Dafoe says he was aware of Green Goblin mask criticisms from the first Spider-Man film, which is likely why it was changed up for Spider-Man: No Way Home. Dafoe first appeared as Green Goblin/Norman Osborn in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man in 2002. In that film, he wore the green suit and a mask, rather than a transformed "goblin" face, which was the standard for his comic-book origins. The mask was heavily criticized by comic fans, often being referred to as a "Power Ranger" costume, because of its likeness to the costumes from the 1990s-era TV show.

Dafoe reprises the role in Spider-Man: No Way Home, entering the MCU via a crack in the multiverse, where he is again wearing the Green Goblin suit and mask at first. However, he ditches the mask early on, eventually evolving his costume to have a closer likeness to the comic-book suit, complete with tattered purple clothing over the green suit, as well as wearing a hood (but still no "goblin" face). The change could be likened to simply evolving his appearance for the MCU, but Dafoe believes there was more to it than that.

Related: Why Green Goblin Has No Mask In No Way Home (& Why It Works)

Talking to NY Times, Dafoe states that he was aware of the early criticism of Green Goblin's attire and mask from the first film. He says that the criticism was vocal enough that it is likely the reason that his look was altered for Spider-Man: No Way Home. However, Dafoe says that it isn't something he considers all that much, as he doesn't focus on facial expressions for his acting. Mask or no mask, Dafoe's performance comes from the heart. Here's his full quote on the subject:

I must be honest, I am aware that there was some criticism of that [Green Goblin] mask in the original one. We heard it enough that it was probably a consideration, to change it up a little bit. I don’t think about that because I don’t think about emoting with my face. My face follows my heart. It’s just an expression of what you’re feeling.

Willem Dafoe in Spider-Man

Dafoe has been one of the most prolific actors working in Hollywood over the decades, often playing villain roles, but dabbling in dramatic or comedic ones as well. The actor has been nominated for four Oscars for his performances in Platoon, Shadow of the Vampire, The Florida Project, and At Eternity's Gate. The acclaimed actor has had a strong presence in the comic-book genre as well, playing not only Green Goblin in two iterations of Marvel films, but also playing Vulko in Aquaman and in Zack Snyder's Justice League.

Dafoe has proven to be an actor of the highest esteem throughout his career and his recent turn as Norman Osborn/Green Goblin in Spider-Man: No Way Home shows that he can easily slip in and out of a role, past or present. His evolution of Green Goblin in No Way Home is perfectly executed and, although fans don't get the long-awaited "full Goblin" appearance, it's the next best thing, made all the better by being able to see Dafoe's face as he slips between innocent Osborn to murderous Goblin. It's one of the many performances in the film that make it so great and one that needed to be there to take it to the heights it reaches, mask or no mask.

Next: No Way Home's Green Goblin Is A Villain (But Norman Osborn Isn’t)

Source: NY Times

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