A new Spider-Man 2 behind-the-scenes video has surfaced showing Willem Dafoe as Doctor Octopus. Doctor Octopus was the main antagonist in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2. The scientist and friend of Peter Parker served as the emotional core of the film, providing a dark side. He also warned Peter Parker about being a hero, while setting the stage for the grimmer Spider-Man 3. Actor Alfred Molina plays the character onscreen. Meanwhile, Dafoe takes on the role of Norman Osborn/Willem Dafoe Play Doc OckGreen Goblin.
With news that Sam Raimi will be directing Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, fans are returning to Raimi’s previous superhero films. Raimi’s Spider-Man series has some of the first memorable superhero blockbusters. 2004’s Spider-Man 2 is no exception, with a total box office gross of $789 million worldwide. With a 93% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s a film that is equal to, if not above it’s predecessor. It also explains why most consider Raimi an inspired choice for Doctor Strange 2, despite Scott Derrickson’s excellent work in the original.
This outtake, featuring Willem Dafoe trying his hand at Doctor Octopus, offers a new take on the classic character. Featuring Molina and the production staff, the video shows Dafoe taking over Doc Ock’s robotic arms. The actor delivers a manic performance, joking that “This is what they want to see.” It’s unclear if Molina took his co-star’s advice, though he was very amused by the concept. Check out the video below, courtesy of Twitter user Nick Usen:
Marvel fans can expect to see new takes on previously established characters in the coming years. Sony has re-introduced Venom to critical acclaim, and Marvel seems primed to re-introduce other characters as well. In the meantime, Doctor Octopus has made an appearance in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, along with the Green Goblin, making them the most recent incarnations of the character. Both of these were met with critical praise, and it’s not unreasonable to assume Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse could serve as a blue-print for the reintroduction of these characters.
There is something unique, however, about Dafoe and Molina’s performances. Molina brought pathos to a difficult character, making his character arc tragic and dangerous. Dafoe’s performance was pure manic energy, and his Norman Osborn is seminal. It remains to be seen if any other Goblin and Doc Ock will measure up, no matter when the characters may appear. Whatever happens, Dafoe and Molina’s performances will remain iconic just like Spider-Man 2 itself.
Source: Screenrant, by CAROLYN PODDIG