Mark Gatiss Beat the Marvel Audition System, But Not the Edit [Exclusive]

2 days ago 6

Published Feb 9, 2026, 12:50 PM EST

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Even in a career packed with genre heavyweights, landing a role in Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps still felt like a surprise for Mark Gatiss — especially because he didn’t have to jump through the usual hoops. Gatiss played Ted Gilbert, a vintage-style television host featured in the film’s retro-flavored opening sequence. And according to him, the job came about in the most low-key way possible. “Matt Shakman just asked me to do it, which was thrilling and I think very unusual,” Gatiss said of working with the film’s director. “I think almost everyone has to audition. So yeah, I was delighted.”

For Gatiss, the straightforward offer was a rare luxury in an industry where even established actors often have to fight for superhero roles. But while he made it into the film, not everything he shot survived the edit — including a sequence he was initially dreading. And you could taste his disappointment at having faced his fears, to an extent, only for it to end up lying on the cutting room floor. “And my only regret is I had a dance number with my girls in the beginning," Gatiss told Collider. "And I was dreading it, but I ended up really enjoying it, and then it was cut,” he said. “And I’m a bit sad about that, because it started with Ted Gilbert, it was like proper 405 line, American black and white, the whole sequence, and then it sort of pulled out.”

What Else Was Cut From 'Fantastic Four'?

The moment was designed as a stylized, retro television performance, leaning fully into the character of Ted Gilbert before transitioning into the larger Marvel story — and it clearly left an impression on Gatiss. Still, in the ruthless world of big-budget editing, even the most charming detours aren’t guaranteed to make it. However, he did manage to get one over on John Malkovich, whose role in the movie was cut altogether. He will take the wins where he can. “But I survived, and Malkovich didn’t, so that’s all right,” he added with a laugh, referring to the ever-shifting fate of scenes and characters in major franchise filmmaking.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently streaming on Disney+. Keep an eye on Collider for more from our interview with Mark Gatiss.