John Malkovich was stunned when Harvey Weinstein was finally sentenced to prison. The once-untouchable Hollywood powerhouse, a figure long linked with abuse and unchecked power, seemed almost immune to accountability. Malkovich’s reaction highlights just how improbable Weinstein’s conviction once seemed, even with the overwhelming evidence and the powerful momentum of the #MeToo movement.
The shockwaves of the scandal were felt deeply, and Malkovich’s candid reflection on the situation underscores the gravity and impact of this turning point in Hollywood’s history.
John Malkovich on Weinstein’s Conviction: A Surprising Turn of Events
In 2019, John Malkovich made a striking return to the stage after 30 years with Bitter Wheat, a play inspired by the Harvey Weinstein scandal. The play, which carried the provocative tagline ‘Hollywood is a hell hole,’ depicted the downfall of Barney Fein, a character strikingly similar to Weinstein. Further, Pulitzer Prize winner David Mamet wrote and directed the project.
In a 2018 interview with the Chicago Tribune, Mamet revealed that he was inspired to write the play after a conversation with his Broadway producer about Weinstein. Further, the idea of the play came in response to the New York Times’ October 2017 exposé on Weinstein, which detailed decades of sexual harassment allegations.
Reflecting on Weinstein’s eventual 23-year prison sentence in a 2020 interview with The Guardian, Malkovich admitted, “I was shocked he even got a sentence.” He expressed disbelief that such a prominent figure would face jail time, revealing that he did not know anyone who thought Weinstein would be imprisoned.
Malkovich noted that while it was too early to fully assess the #MeToo movement’s impact, he hoped it would lead to meaningful changes in the industry.
He also shared a personal experience from his youth, recalling unwanted advances from a theater professor when he was 19. Although uncomfortable, he felt fortunate that it didn’t hinder his career, contrasting his experience with the more transactional and damaging nature of Weinstein’s actions.
John Malkovich Signs On for Marvel’s Fantastic Four
Veteran actor John Malkovich has been added to the star-studded cast of Marvel’s upcoming Fantastic Four film. While the details of his role are still under wraps, Malkovich will join an impressive lineup that includes Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman, and Joseph Quinn as Human Torc to name a few.
John Malkovich, renowned for his versatility ranging from the intense drama of Dangerous Liaisons to the quirky humor of Being John Malkovich, always brings a distinct energy to his roles. Recently, he has made notable appearances on television in The New Look and Ripley.
Malkovich’s role in Marvel’s Fantastic Four remains a mystery, with details about his character yet to be revealed. Known for his diverse acting skills, Malkovich’s involvement has sparked speculation about which iconic Marvel character he might portray.
Fans are guessing he could take on the role of the cunning Wizard, leader of the Fantastic Four’s adversaries, or the enigmatic Beyonder, a significant entity in the Marvel multiverse.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 15, 2025.
