John Malkovich as the Red Ghost in The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

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In the thrilling preview for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” one intriguing revelation that caught my eye was the glimpse of John Malkovich. His distinctive long white hair and bald head hint towards speculations about his character. Many believe he might embody the iconic villain, the Red Ghost. The Red Ghost is a formidable adversary who was among the earliest foes the team encountered, debuting alongside heavyweights like Dr. Doom. However, it’s fascinating that we haven’t seen him in live-action before. It could be because the Red Ghost is deeply rooted in his era, making him the perfect fit for the ’60s setting of the MCU’s FF. This inclusion feels long overdue and adds an exciting layer to the upcoming film.

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The Marvel Comics Origin of the Red Ghost and the Super Apes

Similar to many renowned villains from Marvel Comics, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby introduced the character known as Red Ghost. He made his debut in issue #13 of Fantastic Four, published in 1963. This character embodied all the stereotypes of the Cold War era, reminiscent of the James Bond movies popular during that time, but amplified significantly. In the initial run of the Fantastic Four comics, Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm, and Johnny Storm embarked on a space journey to reach the Moon before the Soviets, reflecting the intense competition of the Space Race in 1961. Ivan Kragoff, a Soviet scientist, was driven by the desire to surpass America in reaching the lunar surface and had knowledge about how the FF gained their powers through cosmic rays. Consequently, he attempted to recreate their accident… with himself and three apes.

The Red Ghost Is a Truly Cold War-Era Marvel Villain

So, you might wonder why apes were chosen? In the late ’50s and early ’60s, it wasn’t entirely unusual to use primates for test flights. The idea of a Soviet scientist traveling into space with apes may sound absurd today, but back then, it was less far-fetched. Ivan Kragoff embarked on a rocket voyage accompanied by Mikhlo (a gorilla), Igor (a baboon), and Peotr (an orangutan). His aim was to recreate the event that bestowed the Fantastic Four with their powers.

The plan succeeded. Each of them acquired powers, but they weren’t exactly like the Fantastic Four’s. Kragoff was granted the ability to turn himself invisible or intangible, adopting the identity of Red Ghost. Mikhlo became incredibly strong, while Igor developed shape-shifting abilities. Peotr gained control over attraction and repulsion forces. Over time, the Red Ghost and his Super Apes often clashed with the Fantastic Four as villains, but their association with Soviet Russia made them less significant as the years passed, so they were never considered for any earlier versions of the FF movies, until now.

The Red Ghost in The Fantastic Four: First Steps

In “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” which is set during the ’60s Cold War era, a Russian villain plays a significant but minor role. It’s unlikely he will be the main antagonist, with Galactus filling that position. There are whispers that characters from the Silver Age like the Red Ghost and the Mole Man might make brief appearances in the movie. This could possibly be achieved through a montage depicting the team’s adventures over time, where we may also encounter other FF villains of the same era such as the Molecule Man and maybe even Puppet Master. And with his charisma, John Malkovich seems perfectly suited to portray this ’60s Russian antagonist.

We’ll find out for sure when The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25.

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2025-02-05 00:32