Spider-Man’s Ultimate Villain Revealed in This Must-Watch Scene!

Alfred Hitchcock once said, “The better the villain, the better the film.” This statement perfectly describes Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man, which features one of the most memorable antagonists in film history. Played masterfully by Willem Dafoe, the iconic pop culture character is none other than Norman Osborn, also known as the Green Goblin.

A Legendary Villain

This Marvel universe supervillain has left a lasting impression on fans and remains a cult favorite even 23 years after the film’s release. As a wealthy industrialist, he heads Oscorp, and his son, Harry, is Peter Parker’s (Spider-Man’s) best friend.

Handpicked by Sam Raimi, Willem Dafoe excels in the role of a character who undergoes a split personality following a botched scientific experiment. He transforms into the Green Goblin, a villain relentlessly pursuing the demise of his archenemy, Spidey! If one needed a single scene to be convinced of Willem Dafoe’s talent, the moment he learns about his dismissal from Oscorp would be the benchmark.

According to the TikTok account “Secrets de cinéma,” which posted the clip, the American actor displays a spectrum of emotions, navigating through the five stages of grief in just under a minute. From denial to anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, his performance is staggering.

A Phenomenal Performance

Sam Raimi skillfully switches from a wide shot to a close-up to capture Willem Dafoe’s facial expressions, showcasing the breadth of his acting skill and proving he is one of the world’s finest actors. His French voice actor, Eric Herson-Macarel, also recreated this scene with great finesse during his appearance on the show Voix Ouf!

We also share the original sequence so you can compare; it’s clear that actor Eric Herson-Macarel delivers a performance as intense as Willem Dafoe’s, perfectly matching the original portrayal.

If this snippet has made you eager to revisit Spider-Man, you can stream it on platforms like Netflix or Max! As a reminder, the story follows young Peter Parker, portrayed by Tobey Maguire.

An orphan, he is raised by his Aunt May and Uncle Ben in Queens, New York. While attending college, he lands a job as a photographer at the Daily Bugle newspaper. He shares an apartment with his best friend Harry Osborn and dreams of winning over the beautiful Mary Jane.

However, after being bitten by a genetically modified spider, Peter’s agility and strength increase, and he discovers supernatural powers. Becoming Spider-Man, he decides to use his newfound abilities for good.

Simultaneously, Harry’s father, the wealthy industrialist Norman Osborn, suffers a chemical accident that vastly enhances his intellectual capabilities and strength but drives him insane. He becomes the Green Goblin, a demonic creature threatening the city. A relentless battle ensues between him and Spider-Man.