In a bold move that has sparked both excitement and controversy, Emmy Award-winning actress Julia Garner is set to portray Shalla-Bal, a female iteration of the Silver Surfer, in Marvel Studios’ upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The casting choice has ignited passionate discussions among fans, with some expressing skepticism about a gender-swapped Silver Surfer. In a recent interview with BBC News, Garner responded to the backlash with grace and confidence, emphasizing the unique nature of her character and her commitment to delivering a compelling performance.
Garner, known for her captivating roles in Ozark and The Americans, addressed the criticism head-on, acknowledging the surprise some fans have expressed over the decision to cast a woman as the Silver Surfer, a character traditionally depicted as male in Marvel comics. “I’m just gonna still do my job,” Garner stated, “and also it’s Shalla-Bal, so it’s different.” Her comments reflect a deep understanding of the character’s comic book roots and a focus on the distinct narrative direction of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Garner’s casting as Shalla-Bal, a lesser-known but significant figure in Marvel lore, signals Marvel Studios’ intent to explore fresh interpretations of classic characters while staying true to the source material.
The announcement of Garner’s role has been a polarizing topic since it was first revealed in April 2024. Some fans have questioned the decision to reimagine the Silver Surfer as a female character, citing the iconic status of Norrin Radd, the primary Silver Surfer in Marvel comics. However, Garner’s supporters argue that her portrayal of Shalla-Bal is a nod to the rich diversity of the Marvel universe, where the Silver Surfer mantle has been held by multiple characters. Director Matt Shakman, known for his work on WandaVision, has been praised for his vision in bringing a retro-futuristic 1960s aesthetic to the film, and Garner’s casting is seen as part of this innovative approach. In her BBC News interview, Garner hinted at the complexity of her character, describing Shalla-Bal as “very complex” with “a lot of feelings,” promising a performance that will unravel the character’s mysterious energy alongside the audience.
The backlash has not deterred Garner, who has embraced the challenge of stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for the first time. Clips released from The Fantastic Four: First Steps showcase her as Shalla-Bal, descending from the skies to deliver an ominous warning about the arrival of Galactus, the cosmic entity known as the Devourer of Worlds. Her sleek, silver-skinned appearance and otherworldly presence have already generated buzz, with promotional art and trailers highlighting her pivotal role in the film’s narrative. Garner’s method dressing during the film’s promotional events, including a shimmering Thom Browne dress and mirror-finish Jimmy Choo heels at London premieres, has further leaned into the Silver Surfer’s iconic metallic aesthetic, earning praise for her commitment to the character.
Shalla-Bal in Marvel Comics
In Marvel comics, Shalla-Bal is a significant figure tied to the Silver Surfer’s mythos, primarily associated with Norrin Radd, the most well-known character to bear the Silver Surfer mantle. Introduced in Silver Surfer #1 in 1968, created by Stan Lee and John Buscema, Shalla-Bal is a native of the planet Zenn-La and serves as Norrin Radd’s beloved partner. When Norrin sacrifices himself to become Galactus’ herald to save Zenn-La from destruction, Shalla-Bal remains a central emotional anchor for his character, representing his connection to his home and humanity.
While Shalla-Bal is not traditionally the Silver Surfer in the main Marvel continuity, she has taken on the mantle in specific storylines, most notably in the Earth X series (1999-2000). In this alternate universe, Shalla-Bal becomes the Silver Surfer after Norrin Radd’s death, wielding the Power Cosmic to serve as Galactus’ herald. This precedent provides a comic book foundation for Garner’s portrayal in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, allowing Marvel Studios to explore a fresh perspective while honoring the character’s legacy. Shalla-Bal’s role in the comics is often defined by her resilience, emotional depth, and connection to cosmic forces, qualities that Garner has teased will be central to her performance.
The decision to cast Shalla-Bal as the Silver Surfer aligns with Marvel’s approach to reimagining classic characters for modern audiences. As Garner noted, the Silver Surfer is a mantle, not a single individual, and comic fans familiar with the lore have pointed out that Shalla-Bal’s inclusion is a faithful nod to the source material. Her character’s complexity and mysterious aura are expected to add a new layer to the Fantastic Four narrative, which is set in a vibrant, 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world.
A New Chapter for Marvel’s First Family
The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks the third cinematic reboot of Marvel’s iconic superhero team, following earlier adaptations in 2005 and 2015. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, with Ralph Ineson as the formidable Galactus. The story follows the Fantastic Four as they confront the cosmic threat of Galactus and his herald, Shalla-Bal, while balancing their roles as heroes and a family.
Garner’s performance is poised to be a standout in the film, which promises to kick off Phase Six of the MCU with a cosmic bang. The trailers and clips released so far suggest that Shalla-Bal will play a pivotal role in the unfolding multiversal consequences, setting the stage for future MCU crossovers like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Despite the initial controversy, Garner’s dedication to the role and the creative team’s vision have sparked optimism among fans eager to see how this new take on the Silver Surfer will resonate.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, with tickets already on sale. The film will open in Australian cinemas on July 24, 2025, and in U.S. theaters the following day, promising an epic introduction to Marvel’s First Family and their cosmic adversaries.
You can watch the recently-released clip of Julia Garner's Shalla-Bal below:
Source: BBC News
