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Tom Holland’s admission about finding Willem Dafoe’s portrayal of the Green Goblin terrifying sheds light on the intensity of the most brutal fight scene in “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” In a behind-the-scenes snippet from the recently released Blu-Ray, Holland candidly expresses his unease with Dafoe’s chilling performance.
In the clip, fight collaborator Jason Spidell outlines the team’s approach to crafting Parker’s showdown with the infamous Green Goblin, emphasizing a desire for maximum violence and intensity. Second unit director and stunt coordinator George Cottle then highlights the particular moment that unsettled Holland.
Towards the climax of the fight, as Spider-Man relentlessly pummels the Green Goblin against a wall, the villain’s deranged laughter pierces the tension. This unexpected outburst reportedly sent shivers down the spines of everyone present on set, prompting Holland to momentarily halt his staged attack on Dafoe and acknowledge the chilling impact of the scene.
The Green Goblin has long been regarded as one of Spider-Man’s most sinister adversaries, with Dafoe’s portrayal earning acclaim as one of the definitive interpretations of the character. Notably, director Sam Raimi faced criticism for obscuring Dafoe’s face with a mask in the 2002 film “Spider-Man,” as many argued that the actor’s unhinged expressions were more terrifying than any costume design could convey.
In “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” director Jon Watts opted to forgo Norman Osborn’s goblin helmet early on, allowing Dafoe’s menacing visage to take center stage. This decision underscores the enduring impact of Dafoe’s performance and the character’s status as a quintessential antagonist in Spider-Man lore.