Willem Dafoe is currently experiencing a significant period of professional activity in 2026, highlighted by the release of the independent drama *Late Fame* and his continued collaboration with director Robert Eggers. ### **Key Developments** * ***Late Fame* (2025/2026):** Dafoe stars as Ed Saxberger, a former poet whose forgotten work is rediscovered by a group of young creatives. The film, directed by Kent Jones and written by Samy Burch, premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival and received a wide theatrical release in the United States on August 7, 2026. Critics have praised Dafoe’s performance as "splendid" and "a miracle of an actor," noting his ability to embody a man resigned to a quiet life who is suddenly reawakened. * ***Werwulf* (2026):** Dafoe is set to star in Robert Eggers' upcoming period gothic folk horror film, *Werwulf*, scheduled for release on December 25, 2026. The film, which also stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Lily-Rose Depp, is set in 13th-century England and is entirely spoken in Middle English. It marks another collaboration between Dafoe and Eggers, following their work on previous projects. * ***White Lies*:** Dafoe has also completed filming for Oliver Stone’s *White Lies*, a drama exploring family and relationships. This project reunites Dafoe with Stone, with whom he previously worked on *Platoon* and *Born on the Fourth of July*. ### **Why It Matters** These projects underscore Dafoe’s enduring status as a versatile and highly sought-after actor. His ability to move seamlessly between intimate, character-driven indie dramas like *Late Fame* and high-profile, auteur-driven genre films like *Werwulf* demonstrates his continued relevance and artistic range. His ongoing partnerships with established directors like Robert Eggers and Oliver Stone highlight the deep professional trust and creative synergy he maintains within the industry. ### **Strongest Sources** * [**Deadline: 'Late Fame' Review**](https://deadline.com/2026/08/late-fame-review-willem-dafoe-and-greta-lee-superb-in-wonderful-indie-film-about-art-and-rediscovery-in-a-new-york-long-gone-1237016538): Provides a critical assessment of Dafoe's performance in *Late Fame* and details the film's release context. * [**Wikipedia: *Late Fame***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Late_Fame): Offers comprehensive information on the film's production, cast, and festival history. * [**Wikipedia: *Werwulf***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werwulf): Details the production, premise, and release schedule for the upcoming Robert Eggers film. * [**Variety: Michael Douglas, Willem Dafoe Join Oliver Stone's 'White Lies'**](https://variety.com/2026/film/news/michael-douglas-willem-dafoe-oliver-stone-white-lies-1236771220/): Confirms Dafoe's involvement in the Oliver Stone project and provides background on the reunion of the cast and director. * [**Deadline: 'Werwulf' Trailer**](https://deadline.com/2026/06/werwulf-trailer-aaron-taylor-johnson-robert-eggers-1236969697/): Offers insights into the tone and production style of the upcoming horror film.