Marvel Studios and Sony Set to Unleash Norman Osborn in Tom Holland’s Spider-Man Trilogy

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is no stranger to shaking things up, and the latest buzz surrounding Tom Holland’s Spider-Man franchise is sending shockwaves through the fanbase. According to insider reports, Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures are gearing up to introduce one of Spider-Man’s most iconic adversaries, Norman Osborn, also known as the Green Goblin, in the upcoming Spider-Man trilogy. However, in a surprising twist, Willem Dafoe, whose chilling portrayal of the character left an indelible mark on superhero cinema, will not be reprising his role. This bold move raises questions about how the studios plan to reimagine one of Marvel’s most complex villains for a new era, and it’s a development that has fans eagerly speculating about what lies ahead.

Norman Osborn, the brilliant yet unhinged CEO of Oscorp, has long been a cornerstone of Spider-Man lore. His transformation into the Green Goblin, fueled by a volatile performance-enhancing serum, pits him against Peter Parker in a battle that’s as personal as it is destructive. In Sam Raimi’s 2002 Spider-Man, Willem Dafoe brought the character to life with a performance that balanced calculated menace with unhinged chaos. His return in 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home only solidified his status as a fan-favorite, with critics like Brett Price of The Lantern praising Dafoe for being “on another level” without his iconic mask, making the Green Goblin even more intimidating. Yet, despite Dafoe’s masterful portrayal, Marvel and Sony are reportedly opting for a fresh face to embody the MCU’s Earth-616 Norman Osborn.

The decision to move forward without Dafoe has sparked intrigue, especially given his openness to returning. In a 2024 interview with ComicBookMovie, Dafoe reflected on his time as Norman Osborn, saying, “Tom [Holland] was great to work with and the whole series of Spider-Man films that I did were great fun.” He added a cryptic, “We’ll see,” when asked about future appearances, leaving fans hopeful but uncertain. More recently, in a 2023 interview with Inverse, Dafoe expressed enthusiasm for a substantial role, stating, “If everything was right, sure.” However, insider Daniel Richtman, a trusted source for Marvel scoops, reports that Marvel Studios is looking to cast a new actor for the role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the first installment of Holland’s next trilogy, set to hit theaters on July 24, 2026.

This choice aligns with Marvel’s broader strategy to differentiate Tom Holland’s Spider-Man films from previous iterations. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has emphasized avoiding rehashed storylines, noting in 2016 that “it never occurred to us to do a new Goblin story, or to do an Oscorp story, or to do Doc Ock, or anyone that had been done before.” This sentiment was echoed by producer Amy Pascal, who spoke of distinguishing the MCU Spider-Man films by excluding familiar elements like the Green Goblin. Yet, the introduction of Norman Osborn suggests a shift, possibly driven by the character’s significance in the comics and the untapped potential of his story in the MCU’s main timeline.

The absence of Oscorp in the MCU, as noted by Dafoe’s Norman in No Way Home, adds another layer of mystery. In that film, Norman remarks, “Oscorp doesn’t exist. My son…” trailing off, hinting at a world where his empire and family are absent. This has led fans to speculate whether the MCU’s Norman Osborn will be a wholly new creation or a reimagined variant tied to the multiverse. Posts on X have fueled this excitement, with users like @SmallScreenCo citing Richtman’s report that Marvel is planning a fresh take on Osborn, distinct from Dafoe’s version. The buzz is palpable, as fans debate who could step into the role and how the character will fit into Peter Parker’s evolving journey.

One intriguing possibility is the casting of Colman Domingo, who voices Norman Osborn in the animated series Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, which premiered on Disney+ in January 2025. Domingo’s debut as Osborn in this alternate MCU timeline has sparked chatter about a potential live-action role. A post from @mrshelby101 on X highlights the growing fan enthusiasm for Domingo, noting his discussions with Marvel Studios for future projects. Domingo’s commanding presence and nuanced performances in films like Zola and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom make him a compelling candidate to bring a fresh yet formidable Norman Osborn to life.

The introduction of Norman Osborn could also pave the way for deeper exploration of Peter Parker’s personal struggles. In the comics, Osborn’s relationship with his son, Harry, and his manipulative bond with Peter create a complex dynamic that tests Spider-Man’s moral compass. With Holland’s Peter now navigating a world where his identity is exposed and his loved ones are at risk, a new Norman Osborn could serve as a formidable antagonist who challenges him both physically and emotionally. The absence of Oscorp in the MCU opens the door for creative reinvention—perhaps Osborn emerges as a tech mogul from a rival corporation or a shadowy figure pulling strings behind the scenes.

Marvel’s decision to cast a new actor also sidesteps the challenge of living up to Dafoe’s legacy. As Screen Rant points out, Dafoe’s Green Goblin is considered one of the most iconic villain performances in superhero cinema, and recasting him risks unfavorable comparisons. By introducing a new Norman Osborn, Marvel and Sony can explore uncharted territory, potentially drawing from lesser-known comic arcs like the Goblin King or even integrating elements from the Dark Avengers storyline, where Osborn becomes a major player in the broader Marvel Universe. This approach could also tie into the MCU’s Multiverse Saga, allowing for connections to other Spider-Man villains or even crossovers with characters like Daredevil, given Phil Urich’s comic ties to the Kingpin.

The anticipation for Spider-Man: Brand New Day is already sky-high, with director Destin Daniel Cretton and writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers crafting a story that promises to push Peter Parker to new limits. The addition of cast members like Sadie Sink and Liza Colón-Zayas, alongside Jon Bernthal’s return as the Punisher, suggests a grounded yet intense narrative. A new Norman Osborn could serve as the perfect catalyst for Peter’s next chapter, offering a villain who is both a physical threat and a psychological mirror to his own struggles.

As fans await official confirmation, the prospect of Norman Osborn’s arrival in the MCU is a tantalizing glimpse into the future of Spider-Man. Whether it’s Colman Domingo or another actor stepping into the role, the Green Goblin’s shadow looms large, promising chaos, intrigue, and a battle that will test Peter Parker like never before. With Marvel and Sony poised to redefine one of comics’ greatest villains, the stage is set for a thrilling new chapter in Tom Holland’s Spider-Man saga. For now, fans can revisit Dafoe’s iconic performances on Disney+ and keep their eyes peeled for updates as Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings closer to its 2026 release.