Marvel’s Fantastic Four film has faced unexpected controversy with the removal of John Malkovich’s scenes just days before its global release, raising questions about the fate of minor characters. Despite the upheaval, Paul Walter Hauser, who plays Mole Man, expressed confidence that his role remains intact, offering a rare positive update amid the uncertainty surrounding the film. This development is especially relevant with the John Malkovich Fantastic Four cut dominating recent discussions about the franchise.
As Marvel trims its narrative, cutting the character Red Ghost portrayed by John Malkovich, the spotlight has turned to other supporting roles, including Hauser’s. The actor, known for his work on Cobra Kai and Blackbird, faced speculation over whether his storyline would be similarly excised. However, Hauser has reassured fans that he remains part of the film.
Impact of John Malkovich’s Scene Removal on the Film’s Cast and Storyline
The sudden deletion of Malkovich’s Red Ghost role has not only surprised fans but also unsettled his fellow actors, who now question how the character shifts might affect the overall story. The changes mean Marvel no longer plans to feature the Red Ghost in this iteration of Fantastic Four, removing a notable element of the film’s original villainous ensemble.
In an interview with Screen Rant on July 19, Paul Walter Hauser addressed worries about his own character’s presence. Acknowledging the nature of large studio productions, where editing decisions constantly reshape the film, Hauser conveyed a sense of cautious optimism.
“I think so. I’m pretty sure. Yeah. No, it’s just one of those things where I’ve learned that in a very important film, there [are] a lot of things that they’re trying to accomplish, and sometimes they nip and they tuck. I’m sure one or two of my things have been cut too, from what I heard, but I think I’m still in the movie.”
—Paul Walter Hauser, Actor
Hauser also confirmed his role as the Mole Man, a lesser-known Marvel villain with a persistent grudge against the Fantastic Four. This suggests that while Marvel has pared down certain characters, it intends to retain others that can support the broader narrative arc moving forward.
The Significance of Mole Man’s Role in Fantastic Four and the MCU’s Future
Though Mole Man may not be a headline villain, his presence in the film opens numerous possibilities for Marvel’s storytelling. As a character connected to Subterranea, Mole Man’s conflict with the surface world positions him as an antagonist with potential for development beyond a one-off appearance. His vendetta against the Fantastic Four could serve as a foundation for a more extensive storyline in subsequent MCU installments.
Given Marvel’s focus on expanding its universe with large-scale threats such as Galactus—who is expected to tie into broader Phase 6 events and the anticipated Doomsday storyline—characters like Mole Man are likely designed to play supporting but strategically meaningful roles. They act as initial challenges that ground the heroes before greater conflicts unfold.
Paul Walter Hauser’s depiction of Mole Man might be modest in this film, but it offers Marvel room to deepen his character over time. Additionally, Marvel has already leveraged his image for a prequel comic series, indicating that his narrative threads could become more prominent within the Fantastic Four saga and possibly other connected MCU properties.
As fans await the film’s release, this cautious optimism around Hauser’s secured involvement contrasts sharply with the disappointment over Malkovich’s exclusion. Whether Mole Man’s role grows beyond this film remains to be seen, but for now, he represents a fresh and overlooked element within Marvel’s expanding live-action universe.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to premiere on July 25, 2025, setting the stage for new chapters in the MCU. In the meantime, audiences can catch Paul Walter Hauser’s other acting work, including Cobra Kai, which is currently available on Netflix.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is John Malkovich’s religion?
A. I don’t believe in God, but I don’t completely reject all spiritual ideas.
Q. Is Being John Malkovich dark?
A. When he tells his colleague Maxine (Catherine Keener) about his find, they start a strange business selling experiences of “being John Malkovich.” This quirky and dark comedy looks at identity and the mind, helping writer Charlie Kaufman and director Spike Jonze become well-known in their careers.
Q. What religion is John Malkovich?
A. I don’t believe in a god, but that doesn’t mean I lack all spiritual beliefs. Perhaps I’m agnostic, as I doubt there’s a higher power managing everything while also granting us free will. To me, this idea just doesn’t seem logical.
