
Willem Dafoe recently opened up about the lasting impact of his role in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), where he portrayed Jesus in a film directed by Martin Scorsese that sparked massive controversy upon its release. Speaking on The Louis Theroux Podcast, Dafoe revealed that his involvement in the film led to him being removed from a project years later, as studios disapproved of his association with the film. He explained that while the studio uncast him due to the backlash, he didn’t dwell on it, acknowledging that it could have been much worse.
Dafoe expressed his surprise at the intense reaction to the film, which sought to explore the human side of Jesus, rather than focus on his divinity. He found it odd that the film, which was based on a novel and intended to offer a new perspective on Jesus’ character, stirred such controversy, especially in a world where slasher films and other extreme genres existed. He clarified that the film was not a “plot to overthrow or change religious thought,” but instead a “consideration” of Jesus as a human being.
Dafoe also reflected on how much of the backlash stemmed from Martin Scorsese’s vision, with some critics in America viewing the film’s themes through an antisemitic lens, largely driven by certain religious groups who associated the Hollywood elite with evil.
Despite the controversy surrounding The Last Temptation of Christ, Dafoe’s career has remained strong. He is currently busy with several upcoming films, including his latest appearance in Robert Eggers’ gothic Nosferatu.