Actor Willem Dafoe discusses his two forthcoming films, "Late Fame" and "The Birthday Party," in which he plays contrasting roles: a reserved, introspective poet in one and a domineering, wealthy businessman in the other. The interview, published by Collider, highlights Dafoe's reputation for versatility across his career, from blockbuster villains to understated indie characters, and explores how he selects the parts he takes on.

In the conversation, Dafoe explains that his choice of roles hinges less on the character itself and more on the director and the sense of discovery a project offers, noting that a role only truly reveals itself once he begins performing it. He says he deliberately avoids parts that feel too familiar or fully understood in advance, preferring ones that leave space for questions and creative risk. The wider interview also touches on his past connection to the James Bond franchise, his continuing collaborations with director Robert Eggers, and details about his upcoming horror project "Werwulf."