The Fantastic Four: First Steps director Matt Shakman has confirmed that John Malkovich, the two-time Oscar-nominated actor who was set to play Soviet supervillain Ivan Kragoff (aka Red Ghost), was removed from the movie during the editing process.
A “Heartbreaking” Decision
Speaking to Variety, Shakman said the decision came down to streamlining an already packed story.
“There were a lot of things that ultimately ended up hitting the cutting room floor,” he said. “When we were building a ’60s retro-future world, introducing all of these villains, introducing these four main characters as a group, as well as individually, introducing the idea of a child—there was a lot of stuff to balance.”
John Malkovich being interviewed – YouTube, The Graham Norton Show
Malkovich’s scenes, originally part of a flashback sequence involving the Red Ghost and his team of Super-Apes, didn’t survive the final edit. Shakman called the actor “brilliant” in the role and praised his contribution, saying it was “heartbreaking not to include him.”
For Malkovich, this role was one he deliberately accepted after rejecting others. In a GQ interview earlier this year, the actor revealed he had previously turned down multiple Marvel roles over contractual disputes.
Silver Surfer from Fantastic Four First Steps (2025); Screenshot
“The reason I didn’t do them had nothing to do with any artistic considerations whatsoever,” he said. “I didn’t like the deals they made, at all.” He added that he’d only accept a superhero role if the pay matched the workload, noting the grueling nature of blockbuster shoots.
“If you’re going to hang from a crane in front of a green screen for six months, pay me,” he said.
Ironically, Red Ghost seemed to be the one exception. John Malkovich even appeared briefly in the teaser trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps, sporting long white hair and a beard. He described the experience of playing the character as “not that dissimilar to doing theater. You imagine a bunch of stuff that isn’t there and do your little play.”
A Loss of Star Power Before the Box Office Test
Shakman’s praise for Malkovich, calling him one of his “biggest inspirations” and an icon of stage and screen, makes it clear the cut wasn’t about performance. Still, confirming the removal of a respected actor just days ahead of release does change the optics. Even if Malkovich was never intended as a lead, a performer of his caliber brings prestige to a production. That kind of name recognition can bolster buzz with general audiences and lend weight to press cycles.
Galactus in Fantastic Four: First Steps – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
And Marvel could use that extra momentum. According to current projections, Fantastic Four: First Steps is tracking for a $100–110 million domestic opening, with a possible high-end of $125 million. The numbers are somewhat strong, but slightly behind DC’s Superman reboot. The film carries a reported budget north of $200 million, meaning it’ll need strong international numbers and a solid second weekend to break even and turn a profit.
While Malkovich’s absence isn’t likely to tank those numbers, it could dull some of the film’s cross-demographic appeal. Then again, Marvel may be banking on a different kind of hook: story cohesion.
Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer in The Fantastic Four: First Steps – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
Shakman’s comments suggest the studio is focused on spotlighting the franchise’s core four, rather than overwhelming viewers with an ensemble too large to track.
Could Malkovich Still Return?
While his scenes didn’t make the final cut, that may not be the end of Malkovich’s Marvel story. Director Matt Shakman made it clear that the decision was creative, not personal. And with the multiverse still a key part of the MCU’s long-term plans, there’s plenty of room for the Red Ghost to resurface, or for Malkovich to appear in a completely different role down the line.
The Human Torch and Silver Surfer in The Fantastic Four: First Steps – Youtube, IGN
For now, he joins the growing list of major talents whose Marvel appearances ended up on the cutting room floor. But given the praise he received from Shakman and the unfinished business surrounding his character, it’s still possible this may just be a delayed debut rather than a permanent farewell.
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