Willem Dafoe Questions Fit for Woody Allen Films Amid Controversy

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Actor Willem Dafoe revealed he has never been approached to work with Woody Allen, citing a mismatch with the director’s casting preferences. The 69-year-old star, known for his roles in films like “Nosferatu,” shared his thoughts during an appearance on “The Louis Theroux Podcast.”

“I’m not a type, and he really deals in types a little bit,” Dafoe said. “I’m not like a typical, blue-blood, uptown guy, and he deals a lot in those things. Sometimes you can admire someone or a filmmaker, but you’re just not part of their language or their world.”

Dafoe expressed uncertainty about whether he would want to star in one of Allen’s films, acknowledging the director’s controversial reputation. Allen, 89, has faced allegations of sexual assault by his adoptive daughter, Dylan Farrow, which he denies. The accusations have led to a significant decline in his career, with many actors distancing themselves from him.

“I’m aware of that because so many friends and people have been in Woody Allen films,” Dafoe said. “He’s had a long career, and his work has changed a lot. But now, he’s somewhat canceled because of certain personal things. It’s a whole subject.”

Dafoe added that he sometimes wondered why Allen never approached him for a role but concluded, “I’m probably not right for anything that he’s doing.”

Allen, who holds the record for the most Oscar nominations for best original screenplay with 16, has seen his influence wane in recent years. Stars like Mira Sorvino, Greta Gerwig, Colin Firth, and Rebecca Hall have publicly distanced themselves from the director. In 2020, Allen criticized those who denounced him, comparing it to “everybody suddenly eating kale.”

Despite the controversy, Allen remains a significant figure in film history, known for classics such as “Annie Hall” (1977), “Manhattan” (1979), and “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986).

The full interview with Dafoe is available on “The Louis Theroux Podcast” on Spotify.