Finn Wolfhard Cracked Up Over Willem Dafoe’s Uncomfortable Armor

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Finn Wolfhard is a man in high demand; even as fans eagerly await Stranger Things Season 5, he’s also playing key roles in two other projects. The first is “Hell of a Summer,” which he co-wrote and co-directed, and the second is the recently released A24 film titled “The Legend of Ochi“, an enchanting fantasy-adventure reminiscent of the golden age of Amblin Entertainment, featuring films like The Goonies and E.T.. In this movie, he shares the screen with a talented cast that includes Helena Zengel, Emily Watson, Willem Dafoe, and the adorable Ochi creatures themselves. During an interview with MovieWeb, Wolfhard and Zengel spoke highly of their co-stars, particularly Willem Dafoe, who often left them in stitches unintentionally.

According to Wolfhard, he found the armor particularly grueling, but in hindsight, he believes it was ideal for the character, as it was comically absurd. It was tough not to chuckle while wearing it.

The item was too tiny for him, causing discomfort and even slight cuts to his skin. He would often sit there in his armor, and it would bring about laughter because of how out of proportion it seemed. What’s remarkable about Willem is that, despite his extensive acting experience, he continues to approach each role with the same level of passion as if it were his very first. His dedication to acting remains genuine and sincere, free from cynicism or jadedness. He handles each role with a deep respect and care that is truly commendable.

Zenger remarked, “He’s just the most hilarious individual I know, and he doesn’t even need to crack a joke to make me laugh. He’s simply a natural goofball. As an actor, he’s a legend, consistently delivering one successful project after another. What stood out to me the most was his consistent dedication in every scene, regardless of how many takes we needed due to other factors. Even if it was his thousandth movie, he still gave it his all, 100%. His genuine passion for the story and the work is evident, rather than any focus on the studio or the end result.

Falling in Love With Your Puppet Co-Star

Willem Dafoe wasn’t the only co-star for Wolfhard and Zengel in “The Legend of Ochi,” but let me tell you, the real scene stealers in this film are none other than the title characters themselves! These aren’t just any ordinary actors; they were tangible, physical beings on set due to the intricate puppetry and practical effects used. Despite their irresistibly cute appearances in the final cut, these creatures didn’t always look so adorable during production. As Helena Zengel shared, they underwent a significant transformation before making it onto our screens.

Initially, when I encountered it, I was in London, and the Ochi was devoid of any fur. Frankly, he seemed rather odd and even unattractive. I remember thinking to myself, “But isn’t that supposed to be cute?” However, during my second encounter, he was adorned with fur, looking much like his movie counterpart. This transformation left me smitten, and I was overjoyed at the opportunity to work with a puppet, rather than attempting to act with nothing but air.

You can see it for yourself now. The Legend of Ochi is in theaters from A24.

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2025-04-22 13:32