The Dafoe Dynasty: 7 Must-See New Projects And The Shocking New Role Willem Dafoe Took For 2025

Willem Dafoe continues to prove he is one of the most versatile and prolific actors of his generation, transitioning seamlessly between blockbuster franchises and experimental arthouse cinema. As of December 10, 2025, the legendary actor is not only celebrating a massive year of accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but is also gearing up for one of the busiest and most unexpected phases of his career, both on and off-screen.

From reuniting with acclaimed directors like Yorgos Lanthimos and Robert Eggers to taking on a major administrative role in the world of theater, Dafoe’s current trajectory confirms his status as a true icon of the performing arts. His upcoming film slate for 2025 and beyond is a compelling mix of dark fantasy, psychological thrillers, and dramatic features that will further solidify his legacy of transformative portrayals.

Willem Dafoe: A Comprehensive Biographical Profile

Willem Dafoe, known for his distinctive gravelly voice and intense screen presence, has built a career on a willingness to embrace complex, often controversial, roles. His filmography spans over 100 movies, earning him significant critical acclaim and multiple industry honors.

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• Full Name: William James Dafoe
• Born: July 22, 1955
• Birthplace: Appleton, Wisconsin, US
• Spouse: Giada Colagrande (married 2005)
• Notable Roles: Sgt. Elias Grodin in Platoon, Max Schreck in Shadow of the Vampire, Norman Osborn/Green Goblin in the Spider-Man franchise, and Vincent van Gogh in At Eternity's Gate.
• Academy Award Nominations: Four nominations for his work in Platoon (1986), Shadow of the Vampire (2000), The Florida Project (2017), and At Eternity's Gate (2018).
• Other Honors: Winner of two Independent Spirit Awards and nominated for four Golden Globe Awards and a BAFTA Award.

The 2024 Accolades and a Shocking New Role for 2025-2026

The year 2024 marked a significant period of recognition for Dafoe’s decades-long contributions to cinema, culminating in two major honors that celebrated his unique artistry and versatility.

A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

To kick off 2024, Willem Dafoe was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a humbling acknowledgment of his profound impact on the film industry. This highly-publicized event celebrated his extensive body of work, ranging from his early, groundbreaking performances to his recent, critically-lauded role as the eccentric scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter in Yorgos Lanthimos’s Poor Things.

Excellence in Artistry Award

Further cementing his status as an artistic powerhouse, Dafoe was also presented with the Excellence in Artistry Award at the 2024 Astra Film Awards. These honors underscore the late-career resurgence and continued relevance of an actor who has never shied away from challenging, transformative characters.

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Artistic Director of the Venice Biennale Theatre Department

Perhaps the most surprising and significant news of his current phase is his appointment as the new Artistic Director of the Theatre Department for La Biennale di Venezia. This prestigious role will see Dafoe leading the department for a two-year term covering the 2025 and 2026 seasons. This move highlights his deep roots in the performing arts, bringing him back to the world of theater where his career first began, and positioning him as a major cultural curator on the international stage.

7 Major Upcoming Willem Dafoe Movies Set for 2025 and Beyond

Dafoe’s commitment to cinema remains unparalleled, with a massive slate of projects lined up that showcase his unmatched ability to jump between genres and directorial visions. Fans of his intense, character-driven work have much to look forward to.

1. Nosferatu

One of the most anticipated films is Robert Eggers’ gothic horror remake of Nosferatu. Following their successful collaborations on The Lighthouse and The Northman, Dafoe's involvement promises a performance as chilling and memorable as his portrayal of Max Schreck in Shadow of the Vampire. This dark fantasy project is expected to be a major cinematic event in 2025.

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2. Kinds of Kindness

Released in 2024, this film reunites Dafoe with director Yorgos Lanthimos, following their work on Poor Things. This anthology film, described as a "trilogy of transgression," features Dafoe in a key role alongside Emma Stone, further demonstrating his dedication to Lanthimos's unique and often unsettling cinematic world. The film explores themes of control, identity, and moral ambiguity, perfect for Dafoe's style.

3. The Legend Of Ochi

This is another high-profile project on Dafoe’s upcoming roster. While details are tightly guarded, the title suggests a return to a more fantastical or adventure-oriented genre, allowing Dafoe to explore another dimension of his acting prowess. The sheer volume of his upcoming work underscores his tireless work ethic.

4. Finally Dawn (Finalmente L'alba)

An Italian-language drama, Finally Dawn, is set to feature Dafoe alongside Lily James. This project is particularly notable as it allows Dafoe to work within the European film landscape, a space he has actively embraced throughout his career, often with his wife, director Giada Colagrande.

5. The Man In My Basement

This title hints at a psychological thriller or dark comedy, genres where Dafoe excels at portraying unsettling or morally gray characters. Such roles allow him to utilize his distinct screen presence and deep understanding of character motivation, ensuring a compelling viewing experience for audiences who appreciate his darker turns.

6. The Birthday Party

Expected in 2025, The Birthday Party suggests a more intimate, perhaps theatrical, setting, which aligns with his new role at the Venice Biennale. This project will likely tap into his extensive stage experience, offering a performance rich in nuance and dramatic tension.

7. Pet Shop Days & Zero

Rounding out his impressive slate are Pet Shop Days and Zero. These titles, while currently mysterious, indicate Dafoe’s continued interest in collaborating on independent and diverse projects. His involvement guarantees a certain level of artistic quality and a commitment to compelling storytelling, regardless of the film's budget or genre.

The Enduring Legacy of an Independent Artist

Willem Dafoe's current wave of activity—from receiving the highest Hollywood honors to taking on the directorial reins at a major international arts festival—demonstrates an artist who is continually evolving. His commitment to both commercial success (like his enduring Green Goblin role) and independent, challenging cinema is a testament to his unique place in the industry. The sheer number of high-caliber projects, including his recent collaboration with Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch Whisky, confirms that Dafoe is not slowing down. He remains a vital, transformative force, ensuring his legacy as a true acting legend will only grow in the coming years.