Movies

John Malkovich Confirmed to be Cut from ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, Director Calls Decision ‘Heartbreaking’

BBG News

According to the director of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” Matt Shakman, it was decided during post-production that John Malkovich, the two-time Academy Award nominee who had been cast as Soviet supervillain Ivan Kragoff (also known as Red Ghost), would no longer be appearing in the film.

A “Heartbreaking” Decision

Speaking to Variety, Shakman said the decision came down to streamlining an already packed story.

He mentioned that numerous elements had to be discarded during the editing process. “When we were constructing a world that blended the 1960s with the future, adding multiple villains, developing these four primary characters as both a team and individually, and introducing the concept of a child character – there was a great deal to manage and find balance in all aspects.

In the end, Malkovich’s scenes, which were initially included in a sequence depicting the Red Ghost and his group of Super-Apes, were cut from the final version. Director Shakman commended Malkovich’s performance, calling him “outstanding” for the role, and expressed regret that he wasn’t able to be part of the film due to these scenes being left out. It was a real shame not to have his contribution included.

Malkovich chose this part specifically, having declined other opportunities beforehand. In an interview with GQ earlier this year, he disclosed that he passed on several Marvel roles due to disagreements about contracts.

He explained that his decision not to take on those tasks had nothing to do with artistic concerns. Instead, he disliked the deals they proposed, strongly. He stated that he would only consider playing a superhero if the compensation reflected the intensity of the work involved, pointing out the demanding nature of blockbuster filming.

“If you’re going to hang from a crane in front of a green screen for six months, pay me,” he said.

Interestingly, Red Ghost seemed to be the one outlier in this case. John Malkovich, in fact, made a brief appearance in the initial trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps. With his long white hair and beard, he portrayed the character. He compared the experience of playing this role to theater, stating that it involved conjuring up many imaginary elements and performing a mini-play of sorts.

A Loss of Star Power Before the Box Office Test

Shakman’s high regard for Malkovich, labeling him as one of his major influences and a legend on both stage and screen, indicates that the decision to cut him wasn’t based on acting skills. However, announcing the removal of such a respected actor so close to release does alter the public perception. While Malkovich might not have been the main character, an actor of his stature adds credibility to a project. His fame can boost audience interest and strengthen media coverage.

Marvel might benefit significantly from the momentum that Fantastic Four: First Steps could provide. As per recent predictions, the film is expected to earn between $100-$110 million in its domestic debut, with a potential peak of $125 million. Although these figures are promising, they trail slightly behind DC’s Superman reboot. With an estimated budget surpassing $200 million, the movie will require robust international earnings and a successful second weekend to cover costs and generate profits.

Although Malkovich’s absence probably won’t significantly impact the movie’s box office performance, it might reduce its ability to attract a wide range of audiences. However, Marvel might be relying on a different factor to draw viewers: maintaining the narrative continuity.

Shakman’s remarks hint that the studio aims to emphasize the main four characters of the franchise, ensuring the audience won’t get lost in a crowd that’s too big to follow.

Could Malkovich Still Return?

Although his scenes weren’t included in the final version, it doesn’t necessarily mean John Malkovich’s Marvel journey has concluded. Director Matt Shakman emphasized that this choice was based on creative reasons, not personal ones. Given the multiverse’s continued importance within the MCU’s future developments, there’s a possibility for the Red Ghost character to reappear or for Malkovich to take on a new role further down the line.

Currently, he’s added to an expanding roster of notable talents whose Marvel roles were trimmed during editing. However, considering the accolades he garnered from Shakman and the lingering storylines tied to his character, it’s plausible that this could be a postponed introduction instead of a permanent departure.

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2025-07-22 16:56

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