Red Ghost Was in the 'Fantastic Four' Teaser — So Why Wasn’t He in the Movie?
Yep, I have a theory.
The new Fantastic Four is finally here, officially kicking off Marvel’s next era. But while critics and fans pick it apart, one detail quietly vanished: Red Ghost, played (supposedly) by John Malkovich.
He was teased early on — a cult villain, tied to Soviet-era super science and an army of enhanced apes. A weird, bold choice that immediately sparked curiosity. But in the final cut? He’s gone. No scene, no fight, just a vague mention.
So what happened?
Here’s what I think: Red Ghost was never meant to be part of the main story. His scenes were likely shot — or partially shot — to build buzz and test audience reaction. Maybe the tone didn’t fit, or Marvel’s just saving him for something bigger — Thunderbolts 2, Secret Wars, who knows.
And let’s be real: you don’t cast John Malkovich for a throwaway cameo. They’re saving him.
And what about the Avengers connection?
We saw the Excelsior hovering above Earth at the end of Thunderbolts. But Fantastic Four: First Steps skips right past it. Is Sue Storm protecting Franklin from Doctor Doom? Has Doom already destroyed their home universe?
We’re clearly just getting started.
