AceShowbiz - John Malkovich, known for his distinctive roles in films like "Con Air" and "Being John Malkovich," is about to add a new feather to his cap by stepping into the Marvel Universe.

The Oscar-nominated actor will appear in the eagerly anticipated "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," set to hit theaters on July 25. While his role remains a mystery, fans speculate from a bearded glimpse in the teaser trailer that he might portray Ivan Kragoff, also known as the Red Ghost.

Malkovich's involvement in the MCU, however, was not easily secured. He recently revealed in an interview with GQ that he had turned down numerous offers from Marvel in the past.

"The reason I didn't do [Marvel movies] had nothing to do with any artistic considerations whatsoever," Malkovich stated, attributing his refusals to the unsatisfactory deals offered.

"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."

The tide turned when Matt Shakman, who directed Malkovich in the 2014 thriller "Cut Bank," came aboard "The Fantastic Four" reboot. Malkovich was eager to reunite with Shakman, leading to his eventual casting in the film.

The actor described the experience as "not that dissimilar to doing theater," explaining that "you imagine a bunch of stuff that isn't there and do your little play."

Other actors have also voiced their challenges with the demanding nature of MCU productions. Christian Bale, who starred in "Thor: Love and Thunder," mentioned that using classical acting techniques in front of green screen is nearly impossible.

In a 2022 GQ interview, Bale said, "That would've been a pitiful attempt to do that, as I'm trying to get help getting the fangs in and out and explaining I've broken a nail, or I'm tripping over the tunic."

"That's the first time I've done that [working with green screens]. I mean, the definition of it is monotony. You've got good people. You've got other actors who are far more experienced at it than me. Can you differentiate one day from the next? No. Absolutely not. You have no idea what to do. I couldn't even differentiate one stage from the next."

Anthony Hopkins, who appeared in multiple "Thor" films, similarly described his experience as quite mechanical, "They put me in armor; they shoved a beard on me. Sit on the throne, shout a bit. If you're sitting in front of a green screen, it's pointless acting it."

Regardless, the excitement surrounding "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," set in a retro-futuristic 1960s during the space race, is fervent. With a star-studded cast that includes Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and others, the film promises to be a summer blockbuster.

As Marvel fans eagerly await its release, John Malkovich's long-awaited entry into the MCU is poised to be one of the significant highlights.