Summary
- John Malkovich's role in MCU's The Fantastic Four remains a mystery, but fans speculate on potential iconic villains like Annihilus or Diablo.
- Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and others join The Fantastic Four cast, promising to expand the MCU's landscape significantly.
- John Malkovich's versatile acting style could bring depth to characters like Miracle Man, Mole Man, or even Doctor Doom in The Fantastic Four.
Marvel has confirmed that John Malkovich will appear in the MCU's
The Fantastic Four, though there is no hint at whom the actor will portray, there are some likely candidates. Marvel's upcoming Fantastic Four movie is eagerly anticipated after a string of subpar movies depicting Marvel's first family. While several characters have been confirmed, it has not been revealed precisely how many characters from the Marvel pantheon will appear. However, with John Malkovich on board, some Marvel favorites could be about to enter the franchise officially.
The Fantastic Four cast was revealed in Marvel's charming Valentine's Day post. It revealed that Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach will take on the mantle of the titular hero team. Meanwhile, British actor Ralph Ineson has been confirmed as the MCU's Galactus. The Fantastic Four promises to expand the MCU's landscape significantly, and the prospect of the highly revered John Malkovich joining the franchise poses many great possibilities.
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Related Every Upcoming Marvel Movie: Full MCU Phase 5 & 6 List (& Beyond) Between Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment, here is every upcoming Marvel movie release date and what we know about the projects so far.
10 Annihilus Would Be An Intriguing Choice For John Malkovich The Monstrous Villain From The Negative Zone Close Annihilus is a being of immense power and malice. As the ruler of the Negative Zone, he repeatedly poses a significant threat to the Fantastic Four. With his relentless pursuit of conquest and his insatiable hunger for power, Annihilus has
clashed with the Fantastic Four on multiple occasions, showcasing his cunning intellect and his ability to manipulate both technology and cosmic forces to achieve his sinister goals. His distinctive appearance, adorned with a fearsome exoskeleton and wielding the powerful Cosmic Control Rod, makes him a visually striking antagonist.
John Malkovich would bring a mesmerizing presence to the role of Annihilus in The Fantastic Four. His commanding voice and intense demeanor would
perfectly capture Annihilus's ruthless ambition and calculating nature, making him a formidable adversary for Marvel's first family. Malkovich's portrayal would add depth and intrigue to the character, elevating him to new heights of villainy and ensuring a memorable cinematic experience for fans of the Fantastic Four franchise.
9 Malkovich Could Be A Fun Miracle Man The Villainous Stage Magician And Hypnotist Close Miracle Man (AKA Joshua Ayers) is a fascinating villain in the Marvel Comics universe. Once a failed stage magician, Ayers turned to dark arts to enhance his abilities, becoming the formidable Miracle Man. His mastery over hypnotism and matter manipulation make him a formidable foe for the Fantastic Four. In his encounters with the superhero team, Miracle Man has demonstrated his magical prowess,
deep-seated insecurities, and a desires for power and recognition.
John Malkovich's versatility and distinctive style as an actor make him a perfect fit for the role of Miracle Man in a Fantastic Four movie. His ability to portray complex characters with nuance and intensity
would bring a captivating pathos to Miracle Man's character, exploring the layers of his psyche and the motivations driving his actions. Malkovich's spellbinding presence on screen would capture Miracle Man’s magician charisma and his descent into villainy, making him a compelling antagonist for Marvel's iconic superhero team.
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Related John Malkovich's MCU Casting Redeems His Missed Marvel Role 13 Years Later The Fantastic Four"s casting announcement can redeem John Malkovich"s missed opportunity in a 13-year-old Marvel movie with his MCU debut.
8 John Malkovich Could Be An Ideal Diablo The 9th Century Alchemist Close Diablo, a prominent villain in Marvel Comics, emerges from the pages as a genius master alchemist from the 9th Century. With his mastery over potions and alchemical concoctions, Diablo is a formidable adversary for the Fantastic Four. Initially imprisoned for his dark experiments, he is freed from his ancient slumber by the Thing, leading to clashes with the superhero team. Diablo's cunning intellect and his
ability to concoct powerful elixirs and potions make him a unique and challenging opponent.
John Malkovich's enigmatic presence and ability to convey complexity through his performances make him an ideal candidate for the role of Diablo in a Fantastic Four movie. His portrayal would
capture Diablo's ancient wisdom, his sinister charisma, and his relentless pursuit of alchemical power. Malkovich's commanding yet enigmatic demeanor would be a thrilling addition to Diablo's character, making him a captivating and memorable antagonist for Marvel's iconic superhero team.
7 The MCU Still Needs Its Mephisto Marvel's Hell Demon Close Mephisto is one of Marvel's most infamous villains yet remains conspicuously absent from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As a powerful demon lord with a penchant for manipulation and deals,
Mephisto is often depicted as a sinister force tempting heroes and twisting destinies for his own malevolent ends. Despite his absence from the MCU, audiences eagerly anticipate his introduction, considering his pivotal role in various comic storylines, including those involving the Avengers, Spider-Man, and the Fantastic Four.
John Malkovich's talent for portraying distinctive and morally complex characters would make him an excellent choice for the role of Mephisto in the MCU. His
ability to convey both charm and menace would capture the essence of Mephisto's manipulative nature and his insatiable thirst for souls. Malkovich's stern presence and subtle nuances in performance would bring complexity to the villain, making Mephisto a truly formidable and unforgettable adversary in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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Related Don't Worry, The MCU Proved Galactus Can Work 3 Years Ago Galactus is an inherently difficult villain to adapt, but the MCU already proved that The Fantastic Four"s big bad will be comic-accurate.
6 Malkovich Could Make A Compelling Mole Man Marvel's Subterranean Villain Close Mole Man, one of Marvel Comics' classic villains, is a fascinating character known for his complex motivations and tragic backstory. As the ruler of the subterranean realm known as Subterranea, Mole Man, also known as Harvey Elder, harbors a deep-seated resentment towards the surface world for shunning and ridiculing him due to his appearance and intellect. His mastery over subterranean creatures and advanced technology makes him a notable
first adversary for the Fantastic Four in their comic book debut.
John Malkovich's ability to portray eccentric and morally ambiguous characters would make him an intriguing choice for the role of Mole Man in The Fantastic Four. His knack for bringing depth and humanity to his performances could delve into Mole Man's psyche,
exploring the loneliness and bitterness that drive his villainous actions. Malkovich could add gravitas to the character, elevating Mole Man into a complex and memorable antagonist worthy of the Fantastic Four's attention.
5 Doctor Doom Has Been Long Awaited In The MCU The Mighty Marvel Villain Close Doctor Doom has been eagerly anticipated in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for years. As one of the most formidable adversaries of the Fantastic Four and a complex character in his own right,
Doom's arrival in the MCU holds immense potential for epic storytelling. Known for his genius intellect, mastery of science and sorcery, and unwavering determination to rule, Doom is a villain with depth and complexity, capable of carrying an entire MCU saga on his shoulders.
John Malkovich's commanding presence and ability to convey both menace and charisma make him an inspired choice for the role of Doctor Doom in the MCU.
Malkovich's portrayal would capture Doom's regal bearing, his Machiavellian schemes, and the tragic aspect of his character. Rather than play him as a simple villain, Malkovich would aptly reflect the character’s complexity and has the acting ability to play the villain in not just The Fantastic Four, but throughout an unfolding saga.
4 Malkovich Would Be Perfect As The MCU's Puppet Master Marvel Tragic Puppeteer Close The Puppet Master, also known as Phillip Masters, is a fascinating and nuanced villain from Marvel Comics. His mastery over clay allows him to control people like puppets, hence his moniker. Despite his criminal activities, Puppet Master's motivations
often stem from a tragic and deeply personal place, as he seeks to control those who have wronged him or protect those he cares about - particularly his daughter, the Thing's long-term partner, Alicia Masters.
John Malkovich's ability to portray complex characters with charm and depth makes him an excellent choice for the role of Puppet Master in The Fantastic Four. His
distinctive appearance and enigmatic presence would lend a sense of gravitas to the character, while his charismatic nature could add layers to Puppet Master's interactions with both heroes and villains alike. Malkovich's portrayal would delve into the psychological nuances of Puppet Master's motivations, making him a compelling and memorable antagonist within the Fantastic Four's rogues' gallery.
3 Willie Lumpkin Would Be A Small But Memorable Role The Fantastic Four's Famous Mail Man Close Willie Lumpkin, the lovable postal worker of the Fantastic Four, may seem like a minor character, but his presence is integral to the team's dynamic and the sense of community within their universe. Despite his small role,
Willie's interactions with the Fantastic Four often provide moments of levity and humanity among the cosmic adventures and superheroic drama. John Malkovich's versatility as an actor could infuse Willie Lumpkin with unexpected charm, despite the character's limited screen time.
Malkovich's ability to bring authenticity to even the smallest roles would undoubtedly enrich Willie's portrayal, adding layers to his personality and
enhancing his significance within the Fantastic Four's world. It is unlikely that such a renowned actor would take on such a minor part. However, Malkovich's portrayal could pay homage to Stan Lee's memorable cameo as Willie Lumpkin, ensuring that the character remains a beloved fixture in the Fantastic Four mythos.
2 Malkovich Would Be A Great Live-Action Molecule Man The Marvel Villain-Turned-Reluctant Hero Close Molecule Man, aka Owen Reece, is a complex character in Marvel Comics known for his reality-altering powers derived from control over molecules. His frequent clashes with the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom
stem from his struggle to understand and master his abilities, often leading to unintended consequences and conflicts. Despite his immense power, Molecule Man is portrayed with vulnerability and emotional depth, making him a compelling antagonist and, at times, an anti-hero.
John Malkovich's ability to embody characters with depth and complexity makes him a natural fit for the role of Molecule Man in a Fantastic Four movie. His nuanced performances could capture the internal turmoil of Owen Reece as he
grapples with the consequences of his powers and his place in the world. Malkovich's presence on the screen would bring gravitas to Molecule Man's character, elevating him into a formidable yet empathetic adversary for the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom alike.
1 John Malkovich Would Be A Fantastic HERBIE The Fantastic Four's Faithful Robot Close HERBIE, the Fantastic Four's robotic companion, is an endearing and iconic character in Marvel Comics. Designed by Reed Richards as a replacement for the Human Torch in the 1978 animated series due to licensing issues,
HERBIE quickly became a beloved addition to the team. With his advanced AI and quirky personality, HERBIE provides comedic relief and technological support to the Fantastic Four.
John Malkovich's
distinctive voice and ability to convey both wit and seriousness make him an ideal choice to voice HERBIE in a Fantastic Four movie. His rich vocal tones could bring HERBIE to life, infusing the character with charm, intelligence, and humor. Malkovich's versatility as an actor would allow him to capture HERBIE's dynamic range of emotions, from dry wit to genuine concern for his teammates. HERBIE was confirmed has been confirmed in
The Fantastic Four, and is perhaps the most likely candidate for John Malkovich’s role in the MCU.
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The Fantastic Four (2025) Not Yet Rated Marvel's Fantastic Four is the first MCU movie to feature Marvel's First Family in the same live-action universe as the Avengers. It introduces the Marvel Cinematic Universe's version of Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm, and Johnny Storm, and precedes Phase 6's Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Director Matt Shakman
Release Date July 25, 2025
Writers Josh Friedman , Jeff Kaplan , Ian Springer
Cast Pedro Pascal , Vanessa Kirby , Ebon Moss-Bachrach , Joseph Quinn Upcoming Marvel Movies
Release Date
Deadpool & Wolverine
July 26, 2024
Captain America: Brave New World
February 14, 2025
Thunderbolts*
May 2, 2025
Fantastic Four
July 25, 2025
Blade
November 7, 2025
Avengers: The Kang Dynasty
May 1, 2026
Avengers: Secret Wars
May 7, 2027
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