Willem Dafoe Says "Tension" With Robert Pattinson Helped 'The Lighthouse' & Talks His Co-Star's Batman-Worthy Chin

We’ve already heard that the production of Robert Eggers’ “The Lighthouse” was far from luxurious. The weather was miserable, the film itself is dark, and overall, it was about the opposite of an Adam Sandler vacation movie. That being said, the film is a hit at Cannes, and the tension between the folks involved seems to have helped.

And in a new interview with Variety, “The Lighthouse” star Willem Dafoe talked about the real tension between him and co-star Robert Pattinson, and how this helped the finished product.

READ MORE: ‘The Lighthouse’: Robert Eggers’ Brilliant, Tempestuous Psychodrama With Robert Pattinson & Willem Dafoe [Cannes Review]

“We’re different, and the truth is, because our methods were different, they sort of mirrored the differences in the characters,” Dafoe explained. “If it was a problem, I’m sure [writer-director] Rob Eggers would have corrected it. But in fact, he liked the tension and difference.”

The actor would go on and say that he and Pattinson have no “animosity” between them. It’s just that Dafoe and the younger actor didn’t really connect on set. “It wasn’t a method thing. We worked hard, and it was miserable weather so when you’re free, you head for cover,” he explained.

Well, whatever their relationship actually was on set is secondary to the finished product. And by most accounts, the work that Dafoe and Pattinson turn in for “The Lighthouse” is nothing short of amazing. It would appear that Eggers has followed up “The Witch” with something else unique and well-made. Hopefully, it hits theaters sooner than later.

READ MORE: Enough Already, ‘The Lighthouse’ Performance Proves Robert Pattinson Is More Than Worthy Of Respect [Cannes]

Another film that is hitting theaters sooner or later (most likely, later) is Matt Reeves’ “The Batman.” And recently, it was announced that Robert Pattinson is the front-runner to play the Caped Crusader in the new superhero film. Considering Dafoe worked side-by-side with the actor for a while making “The Lighthouse,” he should have a pretty good idea whether or not Pattinson is up to the task of playing the world’s most popular superhero.

“He’s got a strong chin,” Dafoe said. “That’s a part of it. Can you imagine anyone with a weak chin ever playing Batman? I don’t think so.”

When we talked about all the reasons that Pattinson would be good for the role, especially in light of Eggers’ latest film, we forgot to mention the chin. But gosh darn it, Dafoe is right. Pattinson does have a hell of a strong chin.