John Malkovich explains why he signed 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' after avoiding Marvel movies

Veteran actor John Malkovich is set to appear in Marvel’s upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which is scheduled for release on July 25, 2025. In a recent interview, Malkovich shared the real reason he had avoided joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) until now.
According to Deadline, he explained that his decision was not based on artistic concerns but rather on the pay structure. According to him, the offers he had received from Marvel in the past were not appealing, and he was not interested in working under those conditions. He pointed out that making these blockbuster films is a demanding process, involving long hours, complex stunts, and months of filming with green screens. He felt that if he was going to put in much effort, he should be compensated fairly. If the studio was unwilling to meet his expectations, he had no problem turning down the roles and focusing on other projects, such as theatre or directing plays.
Now, with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Malkovich has finally reached an agreement that he finds acceptable. He compared the experience of acting in a Marvel movie to performing in a theatre production, saying that both require actors to imagine things that are not physically present and bring them to life on stage or screen.
The film, directed by Matt Shakman, boasts an impressive cast, including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ralph Ineson, and Julia Garner, among others. Fans are eager to see how Malkovich will contribute to the MCU with his renowned acting skills.
In addition to his upcoming Marvel role, Malkovich has several other projects lined up. He has been confirmed to star in Wild Horse Nine, a film by Martin McDonagh, where he will appear alongside Mark Ruffalo and Sam Rockwell. He also made an impression at the Sundance Film Festival with his performance in A24’s genre comedy Opus, co-starring Ayo Edebiri.
Throughout his career, Malkovich has received critical acclaim for his performances. He has been nominated for two Academy Awards in the Best Supporting Actor category—once for Places in the Heart and again for In the Line of Fire. He is also widely recognized for his unique, self-satirical role in Being John Malkovich.