Marvel Studios just dropped a new featurette for The Fantastic Four: First Steps featurette, and it feature new footage, stunts, and a cool behind-the-scenes reveals. The sets for this movie are awesome! But, someone is very noticeably absent.
The video includes interviews with director Matt Shakman and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, offering a few more crumbs about how Marvel’s First Family is being rebooted. We also get a look at some stunning practical sets and a glimpse at the action that’s in store. As Shakman explains:
“What we’re doing here is reintroducing these characters in a world that’s both new and familiar. It’s got heart, adventure, and a tone that really leans into the sci-fi roots of the Fantastic Four. This is just the beginning.”
Feige adds:
“This is a foundational piece for what comes next. We’ve been waiting for the right moment, and the right team, and now we have both. Fans are in for something very special.”
But amid all the excitement, fans have been quick to notice that John Malkovich’s name is no longer attached to the project in any official capacity. His name, once included in earlier press material, has now vanished from the credits shown at the end of the featurette.
This follows earlier reports that Malkovich had been removed from the cast list, despite the fact that he was clearly seen in the original teaser trailer.
According to the rumor mill, Malkovich was set to play Red Ghost, a Cold War-era villain known for commanding Super-Apes and trying to prove Soviet superiority over the United States. If that sounds too wild for modern Marvel, that might be exactly the point. It’s possible the role didn’t land well during test screenings or simply didn’t fit the final tone of the film, leading to a quiet exit.
What’s interesting is that while Malkovich is nowhere to be found, other cast members like Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Nilesare still listed, despite the fact that we haven’t seen their characters in any of the trailers yet.
Whether Malkovich was cut entirely or simply sidelined for marketing reasons, Marvel isn’t saying.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is shaping up to be a big swing for the MCU. The movie is set to be released in theaters on July 25, 2025.
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