John Malkovich Discusses Marvel Offers and Payment Issues

Renowned actor John Malkovich, known for his role in the upcoming Fantastic Four film, has openly addressed his previous reluctance to participate in Marvel productions, citing compensation as a significant factor. In a recent interview, Malkovich explained that his decisions were not influenced by artistic considerations but rather by the financial terms offered to him.

Malkovich expressed that he found the prospect of working on a Marvel film quite exhausting, particularly the idea of spending extensive time suspended on a crane in front of a green screen. He emphasized the importance of being adequately compensated for such demanding work, stating that if the financial offer does not meet his expectations, he would prefer to perform on stage instead.

However, during the filming of Fantastic Four, Malkovich discovered that the experience bore similarities to theatrical acting, as both involve substantial imagination and creativity in envisioning elements that are not physically present. This realization marked a change in his perspective on such productions.

The Fantastic Four film, part of the extensive Marvel Cinematic Universe, is set to be released in July 2025. The characters, originally created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1961, have been depicted in several films over the years, with the most recent adaptations released in 2015.

The film features a cast that includes Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (The Invisible Woman), Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing), and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (The Human Torch). The project is directed by Matt Shakman, known for his work on WandaVision.

As the superhero genre continues to thrive, Malkovich's candid remarks about the industry highlight the ongoing discussions about fair compensation for actors, especially in blockbuster films that demand a significant commitment of time and energy.