The Marvel Cinematic Universe is pulling out all the stops for its upcoming multiversal epic, and one of the biggest surprises is the confirmed return of Willem Dafoe as the Green Goblin in Avengers: Doomsday. Far from a simple cameo or repeat of his chilling Spider-Man: No Way Home appearance, this version of Norman Osborn/Green Goblin is set to be a major player—a ruthless variant from an alternate universe who serves as Doctor Doom’s right-hand man in the film. According to insider reports from sources like LiveWarrior, this Green Goblin hails from a reality where he has risen to become the mayor of New York City, ruling the city with an iron fist and terrorizing its Spider-Man as one of its most dangerous villains.
Dafoe’s iconic portrayal first stunned audiences in Sam Raimi’s 2002 Spider-Man, where his Norman Osborn transformed into the cackling, glider-riding Green Goblin—a performance that blended manic energy, tragic vulnerability, and unforgettable menace. He reprised the role in Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man 3, and made a shocking, multiversal return in 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, where the character met a brutal end after clashing with three generations of Spider-Men. Fans assumed that was the final chapter for this iteration, but the MCU’s multiverse saga has opened the door wide for variants, and Dafoe is stepping back into the glider boots.
In Avengers: Doomsday, set for release in 2026, Robert Downey Jr. debuts as Victor von Doom—Doctor Doom—taking over as the central antagonist following the shift away from Kang. Doom’s rise involves multiversal conquest, culminating in the creation of Battleworld in the follow-up Avengers: Secret Wars. Insiders indicate that Doom assembles a coalition of powerful villains from across realities to enforce his rule, and this alternate Green Goblin stands as one of his most trusted lieutenants. The variant’s backstory positions him as a political powerhouse in his home universe: mayor of New York, a position that gives him authority, resources, and a platform to indulge his darker impulses while maintaining a veneer of legitimacy. His Spider-Man in that world faces a uniquely terrifying foe—one who combines corporate cunning, political influence, and the Goblin’s signature sadistic chaos.
This isn’t the same Goblin fans saw in No Way Home. That version was the unhinged, serum-addled Norman from the Raimi timeline, driven by personal vendetta and mental instability. The Doomsday variant is reportedly more calculated—a dangerous ruler who has embraced his Goblin persona to dominate his city. The shift allows Marvel to explore new facets of the character while delivering the cackling, bomb-throwing spectacle audiences love. Early teases suggest he may appear in classic comic-accurate armor or a twisted mayoral twist on the Goblin suit, blending his familiar pumpkin bombs and glider with newfound authority.
Dafoe’s return has been rumored for months, with reports of talks circulating as far back as 2025. The actor himself has been coy but enthusiastic in interviews, expressing openness to revisiting the role and praising his experiences in the MCU. His brief but impactful appearance in Doomsday sets the stage for a larger role in Secret Wars, where Battleworld’s fractured domains could see this Goblin variant ruling a New York-inspired territory under Doom’s regime. The idea of a Green Goblin as a political figure echoes comic storylines where Norman Osborn has seized power (most famously as the Iron Patriot or Dark Avengers leader), but elevating him to mayor in a multiversal context adds fresh stakes.
The casting coup is massive for Marvel. Dafoe brings gravitas and instant recognition—his Goblin is one of the most beloved live-action villains in superhero history. Pairing him with Downey’s Doom creates an intriguing dynamic: two brilliant, charismatic madmen with opposing egos and shared ambitions. Doom’s intellect and god-like ambition complemented by the Goblin’s unpredictable savagery could make for explosive confrontations—not just with heroes, but within the villain camp itself.
Fan excitement is off the charts. Social media is flooded with memes, fan art, and theories about how this variant fits into the larger Multiverse Saga. Will he clash with other returning villains like Magneto or Ultron? Could he face off against variants of Spider-Man or even the Avengers themselves? The mayor angle opens doors to satirical commentary on power, corruption, and public persona—themes the original Demolition Man-esque future satire in Raimi’s films already touched on lightly.
As Avengers: Doomsday filming ramps up, Dafoe’s involvement signals Marvel’s commitment to blending legacy characters with bold new directions. This Green Goblin isn’t just back—he’s evolved, empowered, and aligned with the MCU’s biggest threat yet. Whether he stays Doom’s loyal enforcer or betrays him for his own gain, one thing is certain: the cackle is returning, and the multiverse will never be the same.
With Doomsday promising to unite heroes and villains from across timelines, Dafoe’s Green Goblin stands poised to be one of the saga’s most memorable additions. The future of New York—and the MCU—looks darker, more chaotic, and infinitely more entertaining.
