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Marvel Excises John Malkovich’s Red Ghost From The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Director Matt Shakman called the choice heartbreaking—a measure that prioritizes core family dynamics alongside major antagonists within a 115-minute runtime

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"Fantastic Four: First Steps" director Matt Shakman explains why John Malkovich was cut from the upcoming film.
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Overview

  • John Malkovich’s scenes as Ivan Kragoff, aka the Red Ghost, were filmed for The Fantastic Four: First Steps but removed from the final theatrical cut.
  • Matt Shakman said the decision stemmed from the need to streamline multiple villains and character arcs within a sub-two-hour runtime.
  • Shakman described cutting Malkovich as heartbreaking, citing their collaboration on his 2014 feature debut, Cut Bank.
  • A brief shot of Malkovich in the Red Ghost suit appeared in the first teaser trailer, leading to speculation before his name vanished from later promotional materials.
  • The Fantastic Four: First Steps will premiere in Los Angeles on July 21 and open in theaters worldwide on July 25, 2025.