Even now, some 30 years into his career, Willem Dafoe is still up for a challenge.

IN John Carter, veteran actor Willem Dafoe plays the titular hero’s ally, Tars Tarkus, a three-metre tall, four-armed, green-skinned Martian – a role that required him to brave the stifling heat of Utah’s Great Salt Lake Desert (in the United States) and perform on stilts. Yes, CGI was used to enhance Tars’ look as well as add the green skin, tusks and four arms. However, in order create the illusion of authentic interaction with his co-stars, particularly Taylor Kitsch, director Andrew Stanton was insistent that Dafoe not just contribute his voice but be physically present on set for all his scenes.