Speaking with Variety about Malkovich's scenes being cut from the film, director Matt Shakman noted that the two-time Academy Award nominee “was brilliant in it and gave it his all" as baddie Ivan Kragoff/Red Ghost. But at the end of the day, “There were a lot of things that ultimately ended up hitting the cutting room floor,” said Shakman, 49.

Months of speculation over John Malkovich’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” character were done in vain. TheWrap has learned Malkovich has been cut from “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” less than two weeks ahead of the film’s July 25 release.