John Malkovich explains why he's turned down Marvel movies

Universal Studios/Being John Malkovich

John Malkovich explains why he previously turned down Marvel movie opportunities

By Chris Morgan | Last updated Feb 19, 2025 2:11 PM ET

John Malkovich is a distinct screen presence who has been in Oscar fare and unusual, artsy movies like, "Being John Malkovich." However, it's not like he's avoided down-the-middle studio fare. The dude was in not one, but two "Red" movies, not to mention "Con Air."

He's playing a heretofore unknown role in 2025's "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," but apparently this was not the first time Malkovich has been offered a role in a Marvel. It's just the first time he felt it was worth his time.

In a recent feature from GQ, Malkovich's history circling the Marvel Cinematic Universe was part of the conversation. He stated that previously instances of his turning down Marvel movies "had nothing to do with any artistic considerations whatsoever." He them clarified the simple logistics of it all:

These films are quite grueling to make… If you're going to hang from a crane in front of a green screen for six months, pay me. You don't want to pay me, it's cool, but then I don't want to do it, because I'd rather be onstage, or be directing a play, or doing something else.

It's a sensible reaction to have, especially for an actor who was well-established prior to the existence of the MCU. Many an actor has been swallowed up in the machine that is Marvel, so if the work isn't rewarding, and the money isn't sufficient, why do it?

Evidently, Marvel (through the coffers of Disney, of course) mined the couch cushions enough to give Malkovich a deal for "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" that got him willing to hang from a crane.

(h/t Entertainment Weekly)

Chris Morgan

Chris Morgan is a Detroit-based culture writer who has somehow managed to justify getting his BA in Film Studies. He has written about sports and entertainment across various internet platforms for years and is also the author of three books about '90s television.

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