Alfred Molina is widely known for his iconic role as Dr. Octopus in 2004’s ‘Spider-Man 2’ and 2021’s ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’. He revealed that his father was very critical of his acting career during his struggling days. He currently sits on a stellar career but he had some bumpy initial days.
Related: Top 10 Spider-Man Villains
Alfred Molina Believes He Let His Father Down
The British actor revealed to Vanity Fair that his father got him a waiter job when he was trying to make it as an actor. Molina claimed that he was a good waiter and that the management at the restaurant wanted him to do a two-week management training course.
However, Molina turned down this offer for his acting job. Molina revealed his father got furious about him turning down this job. Molina said, “So, my father says, ‘What is this acting job, how much are they paying you? I said, ‘Well, I am getting union. You know, unions get 15 pounds a week.’ He said, ‘15? How much do you make here?’ I said, ‘About 30-35.’ My father said, ‘Wait a minute. You are making 30, 35 here, then you go to do making 15.’ I said yeah.”
He continued, “He looked at me and that look on his face that you reserve for the mad and the lost. He just stared at me like he didn’t recognize me. And the only thing I could say to him was: ‘This is what I love, Dad.’ And he never quite got it. I did disappoint my dad. Yeah. I think if my dad had lived a little longer, I think he hopefully would’ve realized that I hadn’t wasted my time.”
He got emotional after revealing it. His father not being there to see him succeed was really sad. Molina currently has multiple awards including three Tony Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two BAFTA Awards.
Alfred Molina Talks About His Return As Dr Octopus In ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ After 17 Years
Molina played the role of the main antagonist in 2004’s ‘Spider-Man 2’. His character was killed off at the end of the movie. However, Marvel brought back Molina after 17 years to reprise his role in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’.
During the interview, he revealed that he was surprised to receive the offer to return as Dr Octopus. He said, “Coming back 17 years later to play the character again, no one was more surprised than me. When they asked me, I said, ‘You realize I’m quite a bit older? I’ve got crow’s feet, I’ve got a wattle, you know, a double chin, I’ve got bad knees.’ And [director] Jon Watts and [producer] Amy Pascal said, ‘No, no, it’s your role. We want you back. We can fix all that, we’ll de-age you. We’ve got the technology, we can change everything.“
Molina said he loved playing the role of Dr Octopus and claimed it changed his life. His return as Dr Octopus was owing to the impact Molina made as the Spider-Man’s foe.
You might also like to read:
