Willem Dafoe Reportedly Seen On Set Of Spider-Man 3

Spider-Man star Willem Dafoe has reportedly been seen on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming 3. Marvel Studios and Sony have shared the live-action rights to Spider-Man for the last few years, and this partnership will continue with Spider-Man: Homecoming 3. Before striking the deal in 2015, Sony produced two different Spider-Man franchises, and it now appears that elements from both will be brought into the next chapter of Tom Holland’s solo series.

In an unexpected turn of events following Spider-Man: Far From Home‘s ending, the MCU’s Spider-Man 3 appears to be tied into the multiverse. Benedict Cumberbatch is returning as Doctor Strange for the film, but it will also reportedly bring back multiple characters/actors from the non-MCU Spider-Man movies. Rumors have come out that Sam Raimi’s original Spider-Man trilogy will be incorporated beyond J.K. Simmons playing J. Jonah Jameson again, with Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man, Kirsten Dunst’s Mary Jane, Alfred Molina’s Doc Ock, and Thomas Hayden Church’s Sandman all reportedly involved.

Another familiar name that has been tied to Spider-Man: Homecoming 3 is Willem Dafoe, who played Norman Osborn, aka Green Goblin, in the Raimi trilogy. The rumors about him returning have yet to be confirmed, but The GWW reports Dafoe is in the film. The outlet – which was the first place to report Alfred Molina’s return as Doc Ock – states that Dafoe has officially started filming scenes for the movie. The Illuminerdi initially reported Dafoe’s return for Spider-Man 3. So far, there have been no set photos to confirm this.

As is the case with all of Spider-Man: Homecoming 3‘s past character returns, it will be fascinating to see how Willem Dafoe is involved. Norman Osborn died at the very end of Raimi’s Spider-Man, but Dafoe came back in the sequels by haunting Harry Osborn (James Franco). Since the MCU’s Spider-Man 3 is already bringing back several dead villains, the power of the multiverse could explain Dafoe’s return too. But, there is also the chance that Marvel Studios will use Dafoe similarly to J.K. Simmons. Fans love Dafoe’s Norman Osborn, so Marvel could introduce him as the main universe’s Norman.

Dafoe’s role in Spider-Man: Homecoming 3 could depend on what route Marvel Studios and Sony take with his return. If this is meant to set up Dafoe’s Norman Osborn as part of the MCU’s future, it would make sense for him to have a more substantial role in the plot. But, if Dafoe’s Norman Osborn is only back for a multiverse cameo, then his time on set could be quick. In either case, the possibility of set photos leaking from Spider-Man: Homecoming 3 could potentially help bring some clarity to the situation. If they don’t come, fans might have to wait until a trailer drops to get more information.

Source: The GWW, The Illuminerdi

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Cooper Hood
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Cooper Hood is a news and feature writer for Screen Rant. He joined Screen Rant in late 2016 following a year-long stint with MCU Exchange, which came after first developing an MCU blog of his own. He graduated college in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Media & Public Communication, with a minor in Media Production. Cooper’s love for movies began by watching Toy Story and Lion King on repeat as a child, but it wasn’t until The Avengers that he took an invested interest in movies and the filmmaking process, leading him to discover the world of film journalism. Every year Cooper looks forward to seeing the latest blockbusters from the likes of Marvel, DC, and Star Wars, but also loves the rush to catch up on Oscar films near the end of the year. When he isn’t writing about or watching new releases, Cooper is a fantasy football obsessive and looking to expand his Blu-Ray collection – because physical media is still king! Follow Cooper on Twitter @MovieCooper.

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