The Fantastic Four: First Steps centers on the iconic superhero family as they gain extraordinary powers following a journey into space, committed to defending Earth from emerging threats. The story introduces a new member of the family and a fresh adversary, creating a complex conflict that drives the plot forward. Unexpectedly, the group faces Galactus, who demands Franklin Richards—the infant son of Reed Richards and Sue Storm—as payment to spare the planet. Refusing to comply, the heroes devise a plan to protect Franklin and stop the cosmic menace.
Among the key players revealed behind the scenes, actor John Malkovich was slated to appear as an additional villain, Red Ghost. His character was intended to add more conflict during a crucial moment involving Reed Richards’s efforts to activate transportation bridges designed to move Earth to a safe, hidden location from Galactus’s reach. However, these scenes were ultimately removed before the final cut of the film.
Reasons Behind the Removal of Malkovich’s Character According to Matt Shakman
Director Matt Shakman explained the decision to exclude John Malkovich’s Red Ghost role during a press event for the movie. Originally, the Red Ghost was going to sabotage the transportation bridges Reed Richards had orchestrated with collaboration from various cities. This plot thread was changed during editing in favor of having the Silver Surfer return to create complications. Shakman stated,
“There was, yeah, we had a different idea of how those bridges could go awry early on. And then, when we were putting the film together, it just made more sense to have the Surfer come back. It stayed more on story with the antagonist we knew, and were spending the most time with.” —Matt Shakman, Director
The streamlined focus on the Silver Surfer as the main antagonist helped maintain narrative coherence by keeping the audience’s attention on a single, more developed villain, rather than introducing a second major adversary. While this choice strengthened the film’s storytelling, it unfortunately meant cutting a potentially captivating performance from Malkovich.
The Impact of John Malkovich’s Cut Role on the Film
Although John Malkovich’s portrayal of Red Ghost was removed, the role’s initial inclusion reflects the film’s ambitious scope. The Fantastic Four: First Steps continues to explore complex themes of family, sacrifice, and heroism against an expansive backdrop involving cosmic dangers and world-saving strategies. By focusing on a limited number of antagonists, the movie maintains a steady pace and emotional clarity for viewers.
Now playing widely in theaters, The Fantastic Four: First Steps showcases the beloved characters while hinting at possibilities for future stories. Malkovich’s omitted scenes leave fans curious about what might have been, but the film’s success suggests that director Matt Shakman’s creative choices have delivered a compelling and intense cinematic experience.
