Actor Willem Dafoe is no stranger to comic book movies. In fact, his role as Norman Osborn in 2002's "Spider-Man" helped to legitimize the genre in the eyes of studio heads around the world. Outside of a choice few properties (namely Batman and Superman), superhero movies were long considered B-films and box office risks by major studios. But Dafoe's well-received portrayal of the Green Goblin and "Spider-Man's" $821 million at the worldwide box office ushered in a new era of Hollywood blockbusters.
Now, Dafoe is joining another iconic comic book franchise.
The veteran actor has been cast in Zack Snyder's "Justice League," according to a recent report. Unfortunately, there are no details about which specific role he will be taking on, though it's safe to assume Warner Bros. didn't just cast him as the new Green Lantern.
"Justice League: Part I" began production last week, shortly after the worldwide promotion tour for "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" ended. Snyder will return to the director's chair despite the mixed-to-negative reception of "Batman v Superman."
"Justice League: Part I" will see Batman (Ben Affleck), Superman (Henry Cavill), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), the Flash (Ezra Miller) and Cyborg (Ray Fisher) join forces to form the super-powered team and battle a new threat thought to be iconic DC Comics villain Darkseid, who was teased in "Batman v Superman."
Chris Terrio ("Batman v Superman," "Argo") wrote the screenplay for "Justice League," which will be divided into two parts by Warner Bros. "Part I" will arrive on Nov. 17, 2017, with "Part II" hitting theaters on June 14, 2019.
Early last month, Academy Award winner J.K. Simmons was cast as Gotham City Police Commissioner James Gordon, most recently played by Gary Oldman in Christopher Nolan's "Dark Knight" trilogy.
According to the report, Dafoe will be "playing a good guy in a role that will see him appear in both parts of the JL movies. Details of his character, however, are being kept under lock and key."
Dafoe was most recently seen in the surprise hit "John Wick" alongside Keanu Reeves. He recently finished filming on Legendary's fantasy "The Great Wall" with Matt Damon.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
