The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is gearing up for a cosmic spectacle with the upcoming release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025. A recent trailer sparked excitement, offering fans their first glimpse of Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, a female iteration of the iconic Silver Surfer. Garner’s casting as the herald of Galactus has generated buzz, with her comments about the character’s appearance adding to the anticipation.
Julia Garner, known for her Emmy-winning performances in Ozark and Inventing Anna, steps into the MCU as Shalla-Bal, a character from Marvel Comics who serves as a love interest to the more familiar Silver Surfer, Norrin Radd. Unlike the 2007 film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, which featured a CGI-heavy Norrin Radd voiced by Laurence Fishburne, Garner’s Shalla-Bal promises a fresh take. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Garner was asked about her reaction to seeing herself as the Silver Surfer for the first time, and here's her response:
I wasn't super surprised, because Matt showed me a mockup of it. I just thought it was so cool. It kind of oddly looked like ... well, I don't want to say fashion-y, but you could totally see it on, I felt like, a runway, which is something I always notice the best. The costume has to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, especially with Marvel. People love that. At the end of the day, it is a comic book. I'm excited to see it — I really haven't seen anything besides the trailer and some mockup scenes, so it's going to be interesting.
The trailer showcases Garner’s Silver Surfer gliding on her signature surfboard, delivering a chilling warning: “Your planet has been marked for death.” This ominous introduction positions Shalla-Bal as a formidable presence, serving the planet-devouring Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson. The character’s design, achieved through a blend of motion-capture and visual effects, draws inspiration from the comics, with chrome-like skin and hair that reflect her otherworldly nature.
Set in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic universe, The Fantastic Four: First Steps follows Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)—as they confront their greatest challenge yet. The MCU film diverges from previous adaptations by skipping the origin story, diving into the team’s established dynamic as they balance heroism and family bonds.
Garner praised the ensemble cast, telling ComicBook.com, “Everybody on that job, I think the casting is phenomenal, and they’re so wonderful.” The film also features Natasha Lyonne, John Malkovich, and Paul Walter Hauser in undisclosed roles, adding intrigue to an already stacked lineup.
In the comics, Shalla-Bal is the Empress of Zenn-La, granted a fragment of the Power Cosmic by Galactus. While typically a supporting character to Norrin Radd, her role as the Silver Surfer in The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks a bold departure. Garner hinted at a mysterious arc, telling Entertainment Weekly that Shalla-Bal’s story “will unfold more towards the end of the movie.” This suggests a complex journey, possibly involving her loyalty to Galactus or a potential betrayal, a common trait of the Silver Surfer in comic lore.
The trailer’s visuals have sparked mixed reactions. Some fans have criticized the CGI, comparing it unfavorably to the 2007 Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Others, however, praise the unsettling, alien quality of Shalla-Bal’s design, likening it to the T-1000 from Terminator 2: Judgment Day. With post-production still underway, the final look may evolve, but Garner’s performance is poised to anchor the character’s emotional depth.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a Cosmic Setup for the MCU
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is not a standalone tale. The film sets the stage for Avengers: Doomsday, where the Fantastic Four will face Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. Shalla-Bal’s cosmic ties could extend beyond this film, especially with the MCU’s expanding multiverse narrative. Garner’s enthusiasm for the “big universe” of the MCU hints at future appearances, potentially exploring her connection to Norrin Radd or other cosmic entities.
The trailer also revealed a major plot point: Sue Storm’s pregnancy, likely with Franklin Richards, a character with multiverse-altering powers in the comics. This development adds a personal stake to the Fantastic Four’s battle against Galactus, reinforcing the film’s theme of family unity.
With its retro aesthetic, high-profile cast, and bold reimagining of the Silver Surfer, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is shaping up to be a pivotal MCU entry. Julia Garner’s Shalla-Bal brings a fresh perspective to a beloved character, blending comic fidelity with a modern, eerie edge. As fans await the movie's release, the question remains: will Shalla-Bal emerge as a hero, a villain, or something in between? One thing is certain—her shiny presence will leave a mark.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to release in theaters on July 25. Release dates may vary depending on your region.
