John Malkovich Gives Positive Comments For The Fantastic Four: First Steps

A lot of the focus from the trailer of The Fantastic Four: First Steps was placed on those in the lead roles or the brief glimpse people were given of Galactus. However, there was a lot going on within that trailer and that included a glimpse at John Malkovich’s character, who will be appearing in the movie.

It’s unknown at this stage who Malkovich will play in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, but there has been no shortage of speculation. Seeing him involved in the movie certainly built up interest ahead of its July 25, 2025, release date. However, the legendary actor’s latest comments have only increased anticipation and expectation for what the movie will entail.

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What Has John Malkovich Teased About The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

Malkovich spoke to GQ about taking on the mysterious role in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, where he confirmed he’s turned down other MCU roles in the past. He said, “The reason I didn’t do them had nothing to do with any artistic considerations whatsoever. I didn’t like the deals they made at all. These films are quite grueling to make. If you’re going to hang from a crane in front of a green screen for six months, pay me. You don’t want to pay me; it’s cool, but then I don’t want to do it because I’d rather be onstage, or be directing a play, or doing something else.”

He also revealed that one of the reasons he agreed to be part of The Fantastic Four: First Steps was to work with director Matt Shakman once again, with the two men having previously worked together on Cut Bank. It showcases a level of trust that Malkovich has in Shakman to create something interesting as Marvel Studios looks to kickstart phase six of the MCU heading into Avengers: Doomsday. That’s a positive sign for this movie from the fan’s perspective because they should be able to put the same level of trust into Shakman delivering an entertaining film.

Why John Malkovich’s Casting Is A Positive For The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Malkovich being hired for The Fantastic Four: First Steps is certainly a positive situation for the movie because having an actor of his quality in the cast should raise the standard throughout. Malkovich is an Oscar-nominated actor, and anytime someone of that standard can be brought into an MCU movie, it can only be considered a good thing. While it doesn’t necessarily translate to brilliant performances, as has been proven in the past with some underwhelming performances, the chances are that the overall quality of acting within this film will rise because of his involvement. Not only due to his quality, but the expectations he has should raise the quality of everyone else in the cast.

However, the fact that Malkovich seems genuinely interested and excited about the role is a positive situation. He has rejected Marvel Studios in the past, therefore him taking on this particular part is something that should pique people’s interest. There must have been something genuinely interesting and intriguing about this character that made Malkovich say yes to Marvel Studios to be involved. It also hints at him having an important role in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, as it’s hard to see him agreeing to be part of a franchise he has previously been unsure of and has questioned.

Who Could John Malkovich Be Playing In The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

Even though Malkovich’s involvement in the movie is a big deal that Marvel kept under wraps for a reason: to gain as much buzz as possible from the trailer alone, it’s unknown who he is playing. Nothing has been revealed outside of the brief visual clip that has had fans spinning into overdrive. Ivan Kragoff, who is better known as Red Ghost, is one character that fans believe he could end up playing in this film. That would likely see him be a villain as he usually fights the Fantastic Four in the comics after he copies their space accident and gains his own personal powers to help him fight against them in a compelling way. However, there is no shortage of options as to who he might be, but either way, people are talking, and that can only be seen as a positive for Marvel Studios.

Regardless of which character Malkovich will be taking on, seeing him as part of the movie is an exciting enough situation that people should be intrigued. Fans want The Fantastic Four: First Steps to perform critically and commercially well, with this film coming at an important time for the MCU. There have been plenty of misses lately that haven’t quite lived up to expectations, but all of the early signs are pointing toward The Fantastic Four: First Steps delivering on expectations and setting Marvel on a positive path.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Release Date

July 25, 2025

Director

Matt Shakman

• 

  Pedro Pascal

  Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic

• 

  Vanessa Kirby

  Sue Storm / The Invisible Woman

• 

  Joseph Quinn

  Johnny Storm / Human Torch

• 

  Ebon Moss-Bachrach

  Ben Grimm / The Thing