Fantastic Four: Fans Have Already Figured Out the MCU Villain John Malkovich is Playing, Claim ‘It’s a Massive Waste of Casting’ If Not True

The Fantastic Four has John Malkovich in it’s cast, and fans have the perfect character for him to play in the film.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will take place in an alternate 1960s New York, possibly distinct from the MCU. However, with the cast that seems to be growing every day, fans suspect that they will be treated to a slew of classic Fantastic Four villains, such as Mole Man, Galactus, and now, Puppet Master.

The latest addition to the rogues’ gallery of the film’s rumored cast of characters has gotten fans excited after the casting of John Malkovich. The legendary actor’s presence in the cast has convinced fans that he will be playing the Puppet Master, along with Natasha Lyonne, who might be playing his daughter Alicia Masters in the film.

Fans believe it would be a waste if John Malkovich is not Puppet Master

Puppet Master is one of the oldest villains that Marvel’s First Family has faced. Combined with the possible ensemble for The Mole Man and Galactus, the film could be looking towards emulating the 60s from the comics, which would be the setting of the film, and also the time the Fantastic Four made their debut in the comics. Fans on Reddit really want John Malkovich to play Puppet Master in Fantastic Four: First Steps, given how well he fits into the role.

Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four is entering the MCU very close to Secret Wars. While the characters have been confirmed to be a part of the sixth Avengers film, Marvel will have just one shot to get the First Family right. Further, they will need to be juggled with the X-Men and the Avengers, who are all yet to cross paths to begin with.

Could The Fantastic Four be following RDJ’s Doctor Doom from their own timeline?

Doctor Doom is set to be the main antagonist of the Avengers in the MCU. Debuting in Avengers: Doomsday, the character is set to appear in Avengers: Secret Wars as well, perhaps as the main antagonist of the Multiverse Saga.

Given the possible lineup of characters that audiences are expecting to see in Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel’s First Family may fail to thwart Doctor Doom’s plans in their own universe and end up following the character into the Sacred Timeline, where Doom has already started causing havoc on the Avengers before the Fantastic Four’s arrival connects the film to the MCU.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theatres on July 25, 2025.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theatres on May 1, 2026.

Avengers: Secret Wars hits theatres on May 7, 2027.