The “gruelling” movies John Malkovich tried to avoid for years
John Malkovich said he avoided superhero films for years because he disliked the contracts, despite finding the work itself gruelling. His comments have resurfaced as he joins the cast of Martin McDonagh’s upcoming film Wild Horse Nine, which is prompting talk of a possible return to the Oscars.
Malkovich was considered for the role of Vulture in Sam Raimi’s planned Spider-Man reboot, but the part went to Michael Keaton after Raimi left. In 2025, Malkovich joined The Fantastic Four: First Steps as Red Ghost, though his scenes were cut; he reportedly kept his pay. The film earned more than half a billion dollars, and several cast members are due to return in Avengers: Doomsday.
In short
- Malkovich said superhero contracts kept him away from the films.
- His Red Ghost scenes were cut from The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
- He reportedly kept his pay after the role was removed.