John Malkovich Opens Up About Turning Down Marvel Roles Over ‘Pay Disputes’ Before Joining ‘Fantastic Four’

February 20, 2025: Veteran actor John Malkovich, known for his diverse and captivating roles, recently revealed why he turned down previous opportunities to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In an interview, Malkovich shared that his decision to pass on Marvel films was primarily driven by disagreements over pay.

“The reason I didn’t do them had nothing to do with any artistic considerations whatsoever,” Malkovich confessed, as per The Hollywood Reporter. “I didn’t like the deals they made, at all.” The actor elaborated, saying that the physically demanding nature of superhero movies, often involving months of hanging from cranes or acting in front of green screens, was a major factor. “These films are quite gruelling 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,” Malkovich stated, highlighting his preference for stage work or directing plays over the physically taxing work required for blockbuster films.

However, Malkovich’s stance changed when he was offered a role in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, directed by Matt Shakman, who previously worked with Malkovich on Cut Bank (2014). The actor expressed that he agreed to join the project to work with Shakman again. Interestingly, he also mentioned that once he began shooting for the superhero film, he found that it wasn’t much different from performing on stage, noting, “You imagine a bunch of stuff that isn’t there and do your little play.”

While Malkovich has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of his character in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the film is already generating considerable buzz. Alongside Malkovich, the movie will feature an impressive cast including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Directed by Shakman, who gained fame for his work on the Marvel series WandaVision, The Fantastic Four is expected to deliver an exciting cinematic experience.

The movie, set to be released on July 25, 2025, is one of the most anticipated entries in the MCU, with Kevin Feige, the head of Marvel Studios, at the helm. Malkovich’s involvement has further intensified fan excitement, given his status as a two-time Oscar nominee and his rich, versatile career.

Recently, Malkovich has been seen in The New Look on Apple TV+, where he portrayed the French fashion designer Lucien Lelong. His film and television career has spanned decades, with notable appearances in Netflix’s Ripley, Showtime’s Billions, and Netflix’s Space Force. His participation in The Fantastic Four marks a thrilling new chapter in his career as he steps into the MCU.