Fantastic Four: First Steps would introduce one of Marvel’s oldest villainous heroes

John Malkovich would be one of the villains of Fantastic Four: First Steps according to a new rumor.

The character of John Malkovich in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Charles Murphy of Murphy’s Multiverse says so The acclaimed actor will play one of the oldest villains of the first Marvel family, Ivan Kragoff, also known as the Red Ghost.

In the comics WonderKragoff was a Russian scientist who aimed to replicate the conditions that gave the The Fantastic Four his powers. Kragoff flew to the moon with three trained monkeys: Peotor the orangutan, Miklho the gorilla and Igor the baboon. During the mission, cosmic rays gave Kragoff and his fellow apes powers: Peotor now has control over magnetism, Miklho is much stronger, and Igor has been transformed into a shapeshifter. As for Kragoff, he has become a being with the ability to become intangible at will, which is why he is known as Red Ghost.

Fantastic Four: Getting Started will be released in theaters on July 25, 2025.