In an exclusive interview with The Wrap, Willem Dafoe was asked if he would be returning as the Green Goblin in the highly anticipated Marvel film Spider-Man: No Way Home. Rumors began circulating the internet after JK Simmons and Alfred Molina confirmed they would reprise their roles from the early 2000’s Spider-Man trilogy, which starred Tobey Maguire.
Dafoe played the Green Goblin in the first installment, which was released in 2002. When asked about his return to the Spider-Man franchise, Dafoe didn’t confirm or deny the rumors, leading some Marvel fans to believe his character may reappear in the new film.
“I got lots of stuff happening now,” he told the outlet. “And, you know, I always feel like when a film comes out, that’s when it’s time to talk about it.”
Back in April, Molina confirmed that he would reprise his role as Dr. Otto Octavius, aka Doctor Octopus or Doc Ock, in Spider-Man: No Way Home. He portrayed the villainous scientist in 2004’s Spider-Man 2.
In an interview with Variety, the Emmy-nominated actor shared how excited he was to reprise the role in the new Spider-Man film.
"When we were shooting [No Way Home], we were all under orders not to talk about it, because it was supposed to be some great big secret," he said. "But, you know, it's all over the internet. I actually described myself as the worst kept secret in Hollywood!"
“It was wonderful,” he continued. “It was very interesting going back after 17 years to play the same role, given that in the intervening years, I now have two chins, a wattle, crow’s feet, and a slightly dodgy lower back.”
Jamie Foxx will also reprise his role as Electro, the main antagonist from 2014’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
Emma Stone, who played Gwen Stacey in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and its sequel, was rumored to also be appearing in Spider-Man: No Way Home, but the actress quickly shut that down.
“I have heard those rumors,” she told MTV News. “I don’t know if I’m supposed to say anything, but I’m not [going to be in it]. I don’t know what you’re supposed to respond, as an alumnus.”
Both Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire were rumored to make a cameo in the new Spider-Man film, but Tom Holland denied their involvement.
Spider-Man: No Way Home is set to premiere in theaters on December 17.