John Malkovich on Marvel Films: Pay and Process
Renowned actor John Malkovich has shed light on his absence from Marvel films, citing financial concerns. In an interview with GQ magazine, the 71-year-old star revealed that the main reason he had never participated in a Marvel production was due to unsatisfactory payment offers.
Artistic Considerations vs. Remuneration
Malkovich emphasized that his decision was not based on artistic preferences. "The reason I didn’t do [Marvel films] had nothing to do with any artistic considerations," he stated. Instead, he expressed dissatisfaction with the monetary proposals he had received.
The Demanding Nature of Marvel Films
Malkovich also described the process of making a Marvel film as "grueling." He explained that spending "six months hanging from a wire in front of a green screen" required significant compensation. If such remuneration was not forthcoming, he preferred to engage in stage acting instead.
Theatrical Similarities in ‘Fantastic Four’
However, Malkovich noted that his experience working on "Fantastic Four" proved to be surprisingly similar to stage work. "You’re imagining things that aren’t there," he said about the film’s reliance on digital effects and imagined environments.
The Fantastic Four: A Comic Book Legacy
The Fantastic Four, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first emerged as comic book characters in 1961. The superhero quartet has enjoyed multiple film adaptations, with releases in 2005, 2007, and 2015. The team comprises Human Torch (Johnny Storm), Invisible Woman (Sue Storm), The Thing (Ben Grimm), and Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards).
Upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe Adaptation
In February 2024, Marvel Studios announced the cast for their upcoming Fantastic Four film, slated for release in July 2025. Pedro Pascal was cast as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm. Matt Shakman, known for his work on "WandaVision," will direct the film.
Malkovich’s Future in Marvel
While Malkovich’s comments indicate that financial considerations will continue to factor into his decision-making regarding Marvel films, he did not rule out the possibility of participating in future projects. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe expanding at a rapid pace, fans may still have an opportunity to see Malkovich grace the screen as a Marvel character in the years to come.
