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.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Malkovich’s reluctance is understandable: superhero roles can involve restrictive, long-term contracts and demanding work, so an actor may reasonably protect their freedom to choose projects. His experience also shows that joining a high-profile production does not guarantee that a performer’s scenes will reach audiences.
The case against
Superhero films can offer actors the chance to work with large creative teams, reach broad audiences and take part in popular stories; a contract may be a reasonable trade-off for those opportunities. Malkovich’s eventual participation, even though his scenes were cut, also illustrates that an actor can decide the potential benefits are worth trying the work.
Explained simply
Superhero films are part of a long-running genre built around characters with extraordinary abilities, often adapted from comic books. Large productions can involve lengthy shoots and contracts that may commit actors to more than one film.
John Malkovich is a US actor known for work in film and theatre. Sam Raimi, who directed the original Spider-Man films, considered him for the villain Vulture in a planned reboot; Michael Keaton later played the character in a different Spider-Man film. Martin McDonagh is a writer and director whose films have received major awards, including Oscar nominations.
The Fantastic Four is a team of comic-book superheroes owned by Marvel, whose characters also appear in films alongside other Marvel heroes. The series includes ensemble projects such as the Avengers films, which bring together characters from different stories.