We all know superhero-related characters are never truly "out of the picture" even if all evidence might indicate otherwise. Such a concept has been especially true now that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is on The Multiverse Saga. Heroes we thought were long gone made a comeback in the least expected of places. Jennifer Garner's Elektra, Wesley Snipes' Blade, Patrick Stewart's Charles Xavier, and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine all returned to the big screen in their superhero costumes even when that seemed like an impossibility. However, they haven't been the only ones to steal the spotlight in recent memory.
Spider-Man: No Way Home not only featured the long-awaited return of Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire's Peter Parkers but also that of many iconic villains. Alfred Molina's Doctor Octopus, Thomas Haden Church's Sandman, Rhys Ifans' The Lizard, and Jamie Foxx's Electro all entered the picture to wreak havoc across New York City. However, the role of the main antagonist went to none other than Willem Dafoe's Green Goblin.
Just when we thought we'd seen the worst of his character, he appeared once again to kill Aunt May and nearly make Tom Holland's Spider-Man take a life. But even then, it seems his work is nowhere near done.
Willem Dafoe could return as Norman Osborn in the MCU
According to notable insider, MyTimeToShineHello, Willem Dafoe is in talks to return as the Green Goblin in the MCU yet again. It's worth remembering that a previous report by a different source claimed Marvel has plans to bring back iconic villains for the events of Avengers: Secret Wars (with Thanos being one of them). So it wouldn't be a shock to learn that's how Norman Osborn could be added into the mix.
Back in December 2024, Willem Dafoe made a very cryptic comment about another MCU appearance. While promoting his latest movie, Nostrefau, the American Actor commented on a potential return by saying: "We'll see. We'll see (...) I could come back. Listen, Tom was great to work with and the whole series of Spider-Man films that I did were great fun". Such an "open" statement quickly sparked speculation that there's more to his character's story than what we originally imagined. But the question has to be asked: Will we get to see The Green Goblin or just Norman Osborn?
During the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Tobey Maguire's Peter Parker created an anti-serum for Norman to get rid of his "evil persona". Once cured, he was sent back to his original world in hopes of living a peaceful and normal life next to his son, Harry, from that day onwards. On the one hand, it would be weird to see that specific and "normal" version of the character make a comeback, especially given that his role could be severely limited if he isn't able to fly on the Goblin's glider and wreak havoc along the way. However, if we were to see a different iteration of the character that has the same backstory as the one displayed in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man, then it would feel a little derivative.
If the Green Goblin does make a return, chances are his role would be pretty minor — especially if it happens during a project so crowded as Avengers: Secret Wars. So perhaps the logistics behind his appearance wouldn't be as important in the movie. But even then, it's important that he shows up for another reason other than "the shock factor". Otherwise, audiences might not be so welcoming this time around.
There's been a discourse that the MCU may be overplaying the "fan-service" card in recent years. However, audiences have positive reactions when characters such as Wesley Snipes' Blade are seamlessly incorporated into a narrative and have an actual role to play that's more than a cameo. On the opposite side, history is a bit different when an appearance is shoehorned in just as it happened in the post-credits scene of Morbius when The Vulture materialized in Sony's universe literally out of nowhere. Yeah, we all hated that one.
For the time being, it's best to take these rumors with a grain of salt. But if the Green Goblin ends up making a comeback in another MCU project, let's hope that Marvel has a good reason to bring him back. Otherwise, it's better for him to retire at the top of his game.
Avengers: Secret Wars will be released on May 7, 2027.