In a groundbreaking casting announcement, Julia Garner, acclaimed for her roles in Ozark and Inventing Anna, is set to portray the Silver Surfer in Marvel’s upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This film marks a significant expansion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), introducing the iconic superhero team to the big screen.
Garner’s casting as the Silver Surfer, traditionally depicted as a male character, introduces a fresh perspective to the role. In The Fantastic Four: First Steps, she will portray Shalla-Bal, a female version of the Silver Surfer. This adaptation aligns with Marvel’s ongoing efforts to diversify its characters and storytelling.
According to Screen Rant, the film’s synopsis hints at Shalla-Bal’s appearances, describing how the Fantastic Four “must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer.” In tackling this challenge, the superhero team is “forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bonds.” The Fantastic Four: First Steps also hints at a conflict that “gets very personal,” although how Shalla-Bal will be involved is yet to be revealed, as the Silver Surfer is typically portrayed as a male underling of Galactus who eventually betrays him.
During a recent interview promoting her film Wolf Man, Garner expressed her excitement about joining the MCU. She told Entertainment Weekly, “I can’t really speak a lot about that project. All I can just say is that I’m very lucky to have a part in that project, and the Fantastic Four are fantastic. They are so amazing in this. I’m very excited for people to see them. I’m assuming that this Silver Surfer is gonna be really shiny like in the other previous ones and the comic books. So, yeah, that’s all I’m gonna say.”
ComicBook also spoke with Garner about her role as Silver Surfer in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. When asked if anything surprised her during preparation, Garner shared, “I mean, just how big it is. It’s a big universe, and I feel so grateful I get to be a little part of it, to be honest.” She also praised the team behind the film, adding, “Everybody on that job, I think the casting is phenomenal and they’re so wonderful. And [director] Matt Shakman is amazing. I’m very excited.”
Directed by Matt Shakman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set in a retro-futuristic 1960s universe, offering a unique take on the team’s origin story. The film features a stellar cast, including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, and Ralph Ineson as Galactus.
Fans are eagerly anticipating The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which is scheduled for a US release on July 25. The film promises to deliver a fresh and dynamic addition to the MCU, with Garner’s portrayal of the Silver Surfer adding a compelling new layer to the franchise.
