Finn Wolfhard has recently recounted his fascinating encounter while collaborating with Willem Dafoe on their latest cinematic venture, *The Legend of Ochi*. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, the *Stranger Things* sensation unveiled, "During the initial days, it was quite a challenge to disconnect from the image of Norman Osborn," alluding to Dafoe's memorable villainous role in the *Spider-Man* films. Reflecting upon his time on set, Finn emphasized that there was one aspect of Willem's persona that truly shone through—his voice. "Every time I heard his voice," Finn, now 22, reminisced, "I'd think, 'Oh my goodness! He's truly here!'"
Further elaborating, Finn expressed, "Willem has featured prominently in countless films throughout history, and his voice is unmistakably iconic, while his acting prowess is nothing short of legendary." The *IT* actor showered praise on the Oscar nominee, stating, "Working alongside him never lost its magic, quite honestly."
Moreover, Finn shared invaluable advice imparted by Willem. "I engaged in numerous enlightening discussions with him, inquiring about his experiences as a theater actor in New York during the '70s and '80s," explained Finn, who also directed *Hell of a Summer*. He continued, "It was incredibly inspiring to tap into his wealth of knowledge on those topics."
The *The Goldfinch* actor noted that observing Willem at work was a transformative experience. "By watching him, I believe I gained profound insights into the art and craft of acting," Finn said. He added, "Willem has always been someone deeply committed to the artistic aspect of his craft."
For those unfamiliar, *The Legend of Ochi* revolves around a young girl named Helena Zengel, who embarks on an exhilarating journey to reunite a baby forest creature with its family.
