Rumors are swirling around John Malkovich’s role in the highly anticipated Fantastic Four MCU film after some fans noticed changes that raised questions about his involvement. Concerns grew when updates related to John Malkovich Fantastic Four MCU status appeared online, leaving followers of Marvel’s First Family uncertain about the final cast list.
Recent Changes Heighten Speculation Over Casting
In less than a month, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will premiere in United States theaters, under the direction of Matt Shakman. The cast includes Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing), and Joseph Quinn taking on the role of Johnny Storm (Human Torch).
Earlier, AMC Theatres indicated the movie would last for two hours and ten minutes (130 minutes), but this listing was quietly altered a few days ago. The official runtime now stands at one hour and fifty-five minutes (115 minutes). This unexpected adjustment has sparked speculation that certain scenes may have been trimmed during post-production—a situation not uncommon for major studio releases, as editing can continue until close to a film’s debut.
Ongoing Questions About John Malkovich’s Involvement
Fans became more concerned when John Malkovich’s name could not be found on The Walt Disney Company’s official site for the MCU movie. His casting was announced publicly in May 2024, but no character details were confirmed at the time. The absence of his name has led many fans to question whether his role might have been cut during the latest round of edits.
Some frustration has emerged in fan discussions online, with comments such as,
“if you cut john malkovich out of your movie you don’t deserve to make the movie i’m sorry”
—many fans, online commenter, and
“only the mcu can cast an actor like john malkovich and just straight up cut him from the movie”
—many fans, online commenter. Amid the concern, positive sentiments remain, including,
“I’m really excited for F4, I just love Malkovich ?”
—many fans, online commenter.
Recent Updates and Official Sources Offer Some Reassurance
For those worried about potential changes, it’s notable that Malkovich’s name does still appear on Marvel’s official website page devoted to The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This detail may reassure fans that his scenes could survive the final cut, or official information about his involvement is simply being clarified ahead of release.
The official movie synopsis describes the film as,
“Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm/Human Torch and Ben Grimm/The Thing as they face their most daunting challenge yet.”
—Marvel Studios, official synopsis
Filmgoers can expect The Fantastic Four: First Steps to debut in the United States on July 25, 2025, with further details and final cast listings likely to become clear as the premiere approaches. For now, speculation around John Malkovich’s status reflects the high level of audience investment in both the actor and the MCU’s future plans.
