There have been many notable actors throughout the MCU: Christian Bale, Tilda Swinton, Anthony Hopkins, and Glenn Close, to name a few. In a recent interview for GQ Magazine, John Malkovich explained why it took him so long to join the MCU in the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps. According to Malkovich: “The reason I didn’t do them had nothing to do with any artistic considerations whatsoever. I didn’t like the deals they made at all”. He expanded, saying: “These films are quite grueling to make… If you’re going to hang from a crane in front of a green screen for six months, pay me. You don’t want to pay me, it’s cool, but then I don’t want to do it because I’d rather be onstage, or be directing a play, or doing something else.”

While it’s not known if Malkovich had previously been offered roles in the MCU, he was one of Sony’s original choices for the role of Norman Osborn/Green Goblin in 2002’s Spider-Man before Willem Dafoe was given the role. Malkovich was also set to play Adrian Toomes/The Vulture in the canceled Spider-Man 4. So, the actor does have a history with the comic book movie genre.

Malkovich’s character in Fantastic Four: First Steps is also unknown. Considering the actor’s previous villainous roles in films like In the Line of Fire and Con Air, it’s safe to assume the actor will again play a villainous character. The Fantastic Four have an extensive rogues gallery, so it’s tough to guess who exactly Malkovich could be playing. However, according to Movieweb.com, many theories exist online, such as Malkovich playing Ivan Kragoff / The Red Ghost, The Mad Thinker, or even a member of the Council of Reeds as an alternate Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic.

The true answer to who Malkovich plays in Fantastic Four: First Steps will only be known when the film is released in theaters worldwide on July 25th.