In a surprising twist for the upcoming Fantastic Four film, Emmy-winner Julia Garner of Ozark fame is set to portray the franchise’s storied character Silver Surfer.
As per a report by Deadline, “The specific storyline for the movie remains under wraps, but insider sources reveal that Garner will take on the role of Shalla-Bal, a gender-swapped interpretation of the Silver Surfer usually seen in the comic books.”
Traditionally known as Norrin Radd, the normal backstory for Silver Surfer includes him as the reluctant herald for the cosmic entity Galactus, a position he accepted in order to save his home planet and his beloved Shalla-Bal. Although he succeeds in saving his planet, he becomes bound to assist Galactus in devouring other worlds. It is not until Galactus targets Earth and engages with the Fantastic Four that Silver Surfer decides to revolt against his overlord. Garner stepping into these shoes signifies not only a fresh portrayal but also potential shifts in established relationship dynamics.
The inclusion of Silver Surfer hints at the likely appearance of Galactus in the film, as the two characters are deeply interconnected, often featuring together both in the comics and onscreen adaptations. However, their presence doesn’t automatically classify them as the primary villains; they might serve to set up a subsequent installment centering around Galactus.
The character of Silver Surfer, crafted by the iconic duo Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first soared onto the pages in Fantastic Four #48. His previous cinematic outing was in 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, with Doug Jones bringing Silver Surfer to life, complemented by Laurence Fishburne’s vocal performance.
The helm of this Fantastic Four reboot is taken by director Matt Shakman, known for his work on Marvel’s WandaVision. The star-studded cast includes Oscar Isaac as Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as the Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as the Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bacharach as the Thing.
After a series of postponements, the release of Fantastic Four is slated for July 25, 2025, in cinemas.
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Image Source: Julia Garner @ Instagram
