John Malkovich has confirmed to join the cast of the upcoming Marvel film, ‘The Fantastic Four, ‘as told by Deadline.
His involvement adds to the already impressive cast which includes Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in the leading roles.
However, details about his specific role or any hint about the plot in the movie are not revealed at this time.
John Malkovich Is Expected As the F4 Villain
Fans are excited about the potential roles John Malkovich could play in “The Fantastic Four”, highlighting his versatility as an actor.
Some envision him portraying a sassy version of HERBIE, a robot assistance created by Reed Richards and Master Xar, which could add a unique twist to the character.
FYI: In Fantastic Four #209 (1979), HERBIE was controlled by Xar’s enemy – Doctor Sun, to stand against the F4.
However, Malkovich could be a good choice for a villain like Annihilus – an insectoid tyrant, the ruler of the Negative Zone, a villain obsessed with immortality.
A notable event between their clash in Marvel is the “Annihilation,” when Annihilus led a Negative Zone fleet against the galaxy, clashing with the Fantastic Four and others.
John Malkovich’s distinctive voice traits of elegance, darkness, and extravagance make him a standout choice, hinting at the depth he could bring to a villainous character like Annihilus or even a nuanced ally or side character.
Anyway, there’s a consensus that John Malkovich’s involvement opens up a range of exciting possibilities for “The Fantastic Four.”
Fans hope his character won’t be limited to a minor, original side role created solely for the MCU adaptation.
How Is The Production Line of MCU F4 So Far?
Announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2022, ‘The Fantastic Four’ was initially set for a November 8, 2024 release.
However, a SAG-AFTRA strike delayed casting, pushing the date first to February 2025, and now it’s marked for July 25, 2025.
Directed by Matt Shakman of ‘WandaVision’ fame, the script is a collaboration among Eric Pearson, Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer, with Peter Cameron adding his touch.
By Valentine’s Day 2024, the cast was set: Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as the Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as the Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing.
Rumors swirl about Galactus as the villain and possible appearances by the Silver Surfer. Speculation also points to tie-ins with ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ and ‘Secret Wars’.
Importantly, this won’t be another origin story. Details remain scarce, keeping the plot tightly under wraps.