John Malkovich On ‘Billions’ Is Basically Teddy KGB From ‘Rounders’ And We’re 100% On Board

There’s no shortage of theatrical razzle-dazzle on Billions. Led by Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis, the sleek Showtime drama is replete with potential “For Your Consideration” accolades. Asia Kate Dillon’s Taylor? Yes. Maggie Siff’s iron-willed Wendy Rhoades? Sign me up. Bryan Connerty, Kate Sacker, Ari Spyros, Dollar Bill, Mafee, and the acerbic ray of sarcastic sunshine known as Bonnie?! That’s enough talent for a Billions prequel — a zany work-place comedy titled Millions — led by the heart and soul of the series: WAGS, baby.

As you can glean from the title, Billions is no stranger to avarice. Earlier this season, the show augmented their opulence with the addition of Academy Award-nominee John Malkovich, who portrays seedy Russian billionaire Grigor Andolov. Malkovich’s Andolov is your typical enigmatic antagonist; the type of nefarious oil baron who has no qualms about chopping off an arm or threatening a family as long as it helps his bottom line. Malkovich portrays the menacing magnate with a familiar, soft-spoken aplomb. Very familiar, in fact, because anyone who’s ever seen Rounders has surely noticed that Grigor Andolov is basically just Teddy KGB minus the Oreos.

First, I’m all for this. I love Rounders, and Billions is terrific. Any show would be improved by adding a threatening Malkovich monologue into the mix. Second, Grigor channeling his inner Teddy KGB shouldn’t come as a surprise. Rounders was penned by Billions co-creators David Levien and Brian Koppelman, and the trio have also worked together on the film Knockaround Guys. If anyone knows how to write for John Malkovich, it’s Levien and Koppelman.

It didn’t take long for the show to slyly acknowledge the obvious similarities between the two characters. The diabolical oil tycoon and underground poker legend seem to share an affinity for using the phrase “hopes and dreams” to subtly strike fear in their adversaries.

It’s unclear if this is a coincidence or wily wink to fans of the cult film. Regardless, in true Billions form, the show should extravagantly embrace the connection. Teddy KGB is one of the most memorable antagonists in modern sports film history! I want to see a Grigor/Wags/Axe poker game or a casual mention of a disreputable former rival of Grigor’s named “Worm.” There are so many different ways to go:

“You beat me, Axe. Straight up. Pay him. Pay that man his money.”

Swimming with Wags: “Im my pool, I will splash the water whenever the f*ck I please.”

I can’t wait to watch next week’s season finale in which Axe saves his company by flopping the nut straight against Grigor.

No matter what happens, I’m just glad that Malkovich seems to have alligator blood. He keeps hanging (or hannnnnggggging) around on Billions, and we’re 100% here for it.

RELATED: The Best Part of ‘Billions’ is Wags, Baby!

Where to stream Billions