Movies

9th Major Actor Cut from MCU: John Malkovich’s Red Ghost Revealed

BBG News

In a surprising turn of events, John Malkovich was dropped from the final version of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” a Marvel Studios film, at the last moment. This incident adds to the list of potential cameos that didn’t materialize in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The MCU is renowned for its interconnected nature, facilitating the introduction of new characters from Marvel Comics and the appearances of familiar ones across various projects. However, not every planned cameo or character debut makes it to the screen, as demonstrated by John Malkovich’s absence in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Last year, John Malkovich was chosen to portray a hidden character in the The Fantastic Four movie. This role turned out to be Red Ghost, one of the team’s well-known villains. In fact, glimpses of Red Ghost and Malkovich’s name were featured in previews for the film, and he was included among the cast in promotional materials. Yet, director Matt Shakman has now disclosed that his scene didn’t end up being included in the final version of the movie.

On numerous occasions, actors initially slated for Marvel Cinematic Universe films have ultimately been omitted during the filmmaking phase, and Malkovich now finds himself among a list of prominent figures whose scenes will remain unseen.

Other Actors Who Were Cut From MCU Films

Naomi Ryan – Guardians of the Galaxy

Naomi Ryan, known for her role in ‘Mr Selfridge’, was initially going to make her appearance in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ as one of the Nova Centurions. Director James Gunn shared that she was unfortunately removed from the film, expressing his fondness for her by stating, “She was one of my favorites.

In a different scenario, the character in question was actually Naomi Ryan, another girl featured at the movie’s conclusion. Unfortunately, due to our decision to streamline the third act for maximum impact and pace, many of her scenes ended up on the cutting room floor – including some of her most crucial moments. It was quite disappointing as she was one of my personal favorites in the production.

William Sadler – Ant-Man

Originally, actor William Sadler, known for his role as U.S. President Matthew Ellis in Iron Man 3, was scheduled to make a comeback in the 2015 film Ant-Man. However, a scene he filmed for the movie didn’t make it into the final version that was released.

Tony Todd – Doctor Strange

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but share an intriguing tidbit about Tony Todd, the chilling star of “Final Destination.” In a fascinating twist, he was once considered for a role in “Doctor Strange.” This esteemed actor, whose voice resonated as Venom in “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2,” was initially tapped to provide an alternative voice for Dormammu. Alas, the creative team ultimately chose Benedict Cumberbatch’s recording instead.

Jona Xiao – Spider-Man: Homecoming

Despite her character not being revealed, Jona Xiao (from “Raya and the Last Dragon”) was featured in “Spider-Man: Homecoming”. Although she wasn’t shown in the film, her character remains a mystery. However, we can look forward to learning more about this actress’s role in the MCU later this year, as she will appear in “Eyes of Wakanda”.

Katherine Langford – Avengers: Endgame

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Avengers: Endgame, Katherine Langford was originally cast and later dropped from the movie. Her character was intended to be an older version of Morgan Stark, Tony Stark’s daughter who is initially portrayed as a five-year-old in Endgame. Langford filmed scenes alongside Robert Downey Jr., but these moments didn’t end up being included in the final version of the movie.

Lena Headey – Thor: Love and Thunder

A buzz surrounded Lena Headey’s entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Thor: Love and Thunder, but sadly her character didn’t make it to the screen, leaving fans in the dark about her role. Interestingly, the behind-the-scenes situation involving Headey in Thor: Love and Thunder led to several complex legal issues for her.

Rob McElhenney – Deadpool & Wolverine

In an alternative scenario, Ryan Reynolds’ fellow actor and collaborator, Rob McElhenney (known for “Mythic Quest”), was initially set to make a brief appearance as a TVA agent in the movie “Deadpool & Wolverine”. This role was even teased in trailers. Unfortunately, this scene didn’t make it into the final version of the project, a decision that Reynolds expressed regret over but understood was necessary for the overall flow of the film.

Seth Rollins – Captain America: Brave New World

A notable WWE personality, Seth Rollins, had been one of the anticipated newcomers to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, scheduled to premiere in “Captain America: New World Order.” Initially, Rollins was chosen for a mysterious antagonist part and was even captured on set during filming for “Captain America 4.” Unfortunately, the movie experienced an extensive reshoot phase, leading to the removal of his character.

John Malkovich – The Fantastic Four: First Steps

In an interview with Variety, director Matt Shakman expressed it as a sad necessity when they couldn’t include John Malkovich in the final cut of First Steps, as tough decisions had to be made during the editing phase.

In this movie, there were numerous elements that needed careful handling, which meant certain aspects had to be sacrificed. Among the many individuals who I deeply admire, John stands out as both a beloved figure and a significant inspiration. Regrettably, we couldn’t find a way to incorporate him into the film.

It seems Malkovich likely had a minor part in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps“, but he was scheduled to play one of six villains in an upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film. Regardless, his character would’ve introduced Red Ghost to the MCU, so here’s hoping the actor gets another opportunity to portray that role at some point down the line.

Bonuses: MCU Characters Who Got Cut from Other Movies

Tom Hiddleston’s Loki – Avengers: Age of Ultron

Initially, Tom Hiddleston was slated to reprise his role as Loki in the second Avengers film, “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” However, a scene featuring Loki appearing in Thor’s dream due to the Scarlet Witch’s mind control was filmed with Hiddleston but ultimately edited out by director Joss Whedon.

Glenn Close’s Nova Prime – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

In Guardians of the Galaxy, Glenn Close portrayed Nova Prime Irani Rael, leader of the Nova Corps. She planned to reenact this character in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and even filmed a scene; however, her part was eventually removed from the final cut of the movie.

Jon Favreau’s Happy Hogan – Avengers: Infinity War

Jon Favreau, who often appeared in Marvel Cinematic Universe films as Tony Stark’s friend and chauffeur, Happy Hogan, initially planned to make a guest appearance in this role during the film “Avengers: Infinity War”. However, this cameo never took place, leaving us without witnessing his confrontation with paparazzi.

Lexi Rabe’s Morgan Stark – Spider-Man: No Way Home

Regarding Morgan Stark, Lexi Rabe – who played the character in her younger years – initially planned to reappear in Spider-Man: No Way Home. However, Rabe has confirmed that she filmed scenes for the film, but their purpose remains a mystery as they were ultimately cut from the third Spider-Man movie.

Jeff Goldblum’s Grandmaster – Thor: Love and Thunder

In the film “Thor: Love and Thunder,” a character who didn’t make the final cut was Jeff Goldblum’s Grandmaster, a beloved figure introduced in “Thor: Ragnarok.” Director Taika Waititi stated that Goldblum’s scenes were eliminated during editing because he felt they weren’t up to the mark.

Peter Dinklage’s Eitri – Thor: Love and Thunder

Additionally, it was announced that Peter Dinklage’s character, King of the Dwarves Eitri, will not be appearing in “Thor: Love and Thunder.” In “Avengers: Endgame,” Eitri aided Thor in forging Stormbreaker. It is uncertain how Eitri would have been integrated into “Thor: Love and Thunder,” but it appears that he would have interacted with Christian Bale’s character, Gorr the God Butcher, on screen.

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2025-07-19 10:40

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