John Malkovich has played down rumors that he might be planning to step back from Hollywood.
The storied actor, 72, is currently at the Venice Film Festival with Wild Horse Nine, the latest film from Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri filmmaker Martin McDonagh.
While speaking to the press at the festival, Malkovich was asked about his future plans and, per People, responded: “As far as what I want to do — carry on. I mean, I’m pretty much doing, and I’ve been doing what I love my whole life, and I plan to carry on doing that.”
He added: “I don’t plan to retire because I think they will retire me when it’s time. That seems to be the natural course of things.”
The much-anticipated Wild Horse Nine sees Malkovich star opposite Sam Rockwell, who won an Oscar for his work in Three Billboards. The pair play CIA agents who are dispatched to Easter Island.
Regarding his decision to work on the film, Malkovich added: “I think it’s a beautifully written script and I had been sent a couple of things Martin had written before, which I was unable to even consider because I had other commitments, which I read and loved.
“So when this one came around, I decided absolutely I would do it. And thankfully I didn’t have anything standing in the way in terms of commitments.”
The Being John Malkovich star played down early speculation that the film could be an Oscar contender, saying: “I’ve had really spectacular collaborators and collaborations with directors, writers and actors. So I never feel in competition with any of them because generally I love them too.
“So for me it’s a very nice thing, but the nicest thing is that the film gets attention and the film has several terrific performers and it’s beautifully written and beautifully directed and that’s what matters the most to me.”
“The reason I didn’t do them had nothing to do with any artistic considerations whatsoever. I didn’t like the deals they made, at all,” the Dangerous Liaisons actor told GQ.
“These films are quite grueling to make,” Malkovich added. “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 actor did ultimately agree to play a small role in Fantastic Four: The First Steps, but his part was cut out of the finished film.
Venice Film Festival turns to politics as Hollywood faces ‘a huge crisis’
Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman in talks to buy stake in Norwich City
Sean Astin praises Trump as Hollywood unions unite around US job push
Disney Channel star dies aged 33
Practical Magic child star says nobody told her she’d been recast in sequel
George Clooney defends Mark Ruffalo amid antisemitism claim: ‘It’s ridiculous’
