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Marvel Cuts Major Actor From 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps': "Heartbreaking"
With the film's relatively short runtime, tough decisions had to be made regarding the cast, resulting in some significant cuts.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps reportedly runs for 1 hour and 55 minutes. That's short for a Marvel film. With such a runtime, you can't pack too much into the movie.
Apparently, director Matt Shakman experienced this himself. The filmmaker spoke with Variety about the upcoming superhero movie and revealed that one major actor was cut from the film.
This concerns John Malkovich. The Hollywood legend had a small role in the film as the villain Red Ghost. This is a Russian scientist who battles the Fantastic Four with three 'super-monkeys.'
Malkovich did film scenes for the movie, but Shakman had to cut them out. "There was a lot to balance," he says. "Some things ultimately had to go so that the final version could take shape."
There is indeed a lot going on in the film. First Steps not only introduces four superheroes but also an entirely different universe. And then there’s the evil villain Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his messenger, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Oh, and Reed and Sue's baby.
Still, you would think that Marvel could have extended the runtime a bit to include Malkovich. But Shakman remains tight-lipped about it. He simply describes the whole situation as "heartbreaking."
Next week we will be able to judge whether Marvel made the right choice. The Fantastic Four: First Steps finally hits theaters.
Apparently, director Matt Shakman experienced this himself. The filmmaker spoke with Variety about the upcoming superhero movie and revealed that one major actor was cut from the film.
Red Ghost
This concerns John Malkovich. The Hollywood legend had a small role in the film as the villain Red Ghost. This is a Russian scientist who battles the Fantastic Four with three 'super-monkeys.'
Malkovich did film scenes for the movie, but Shakman had to cut them out. "There was a lot to balance," he says. "Some things ultimately had to go so that the final version could take shape."
Busy Film
There is indeed a lot going on in the film. First Steps not only introduces four superheroes but also an entirely different universe. And then there’s the evil villain Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his messenger, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Oh, and Reed and Sue's baby.
Still, you would think that Marvel could have extended the runtime a bit to include Malkovich. But Shakman remains tight-lipped about it. He simply describes the whole situation as "heartbreaking."
Not Long To Wait
Next week we will be able to judge whether Marvel made the right choice. The Fantastic Four: First Steps finally hits theaters.
