The Fantastic Four: First Stepswill bring a different Silver Surfer to theMarvel Cinematic Universe, but a new update hints at the original version of the character also showing up in the 2025 film. I can’t wait to seehow Marvel pulls off the third cinematic franchise based on Marvel’s First Family, aka the Fantastic Four. Given how pastFantastic Four movieshave taken inspiration from both the modern and Ultimate Universe’s iterations of the team, I knew that the MCU would put its own spin on the franchise.
To that end, I believe the plan forThe Fantastic Four: First Steps' storyis perfect. Marvel Studios chose to set the film in an alternate universe, making them the only heroes in a 1960s retro-futuristic reality. To fit this route,the MCU has cast Julia Garner as the Shalla-Bal version of Silver Surferinstead of using the original take on the character, Norrin Radd. While I understand how Shalla-Bal fits theFantastic Four movie’s castbetter, I was disappointed we were not getting to see Norrin Radd, but a new MCU update now gives me hope he will appear.
Shalla-Bal Explained - Who Is The MCU’s Silver Surfer?
The Character Has Quite An Interesting Backstory In The Comics
Shalla-Bal and Norrin Radd are deeply connected in the comics. Marvel’s original Silver Surfer fell in love with Shalla-Bal as they grew up together on the planet of Zenn-La. In fact, it was in part thinking of her that he would become Galactus' herald, the Silver Surfer. When the Devourer of Worlds came to their planet,Norrin Radd selflessly told Galactus that he would serve him if Zenn-La was spared. As such, he was imbued with the Power Cosmic and became the Silver Surfer.
A long time later, Shalla-Bal would become Zenn-La’s Empress. While Shalla-Bal played a key role in Norrin Radd’s story in the main Marvel Comics timeline, it would be on Earth X that she would debut as the version of the character seen inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.That alternate universe saw Shalla-Bal become Silver Surfer alongside Norrin Radd, helping Franklin Richards' version of Galactus when Radd realized after the original Galactus' destruction that he had brought balance to the universe. The lovers acted as the Silver Surfer at the same time.
Fantastic Four Movie Set Photos Tease Shalla-Bal’s Origin Story
Marvel Studios Seems To Be Diving Into The Complex Character’s Potential
The latestThe Fantastic Four: First Stepstrailer revealed the first look at Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer. She looked just like one would expect, with chrome hair and body. Interestingly, we now have a very different look at the character, which comes in the form of new MCU Fantastic Four movie set photos shared by theDaily Mail.In the set photos, Garner’s Shalla-Bal appears in civilian clothes. The character is not in Silver Surfer mode, instead looking like what she did before her transformation.
Based on the fancy dress sported by Shalla-Bal and the way Garner is looking serious and even bows in the direction of the sea,my Fantastic Four movie theory is that the set photos depict the moment that Galactus imbues Shalla-Bal with the Power Cosmic, turning her into his Silver Surfer. If we are getting Shalla-Bal’s backstory inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, then given how Norrin Radd plays such a crucial role in both versions of it in the comics, I’m convinced we will see the original Silver Surfer in the MCU’s Fantastic Four movie.
How Norrin Radd Could Become The MCU’s Silver Surfer After The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Thunderbolts* Sets Up The Fantastic Four’s MCU Arrival
If Norrin Radd is inThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsthrough Shalla-Bal’s backstory, then I believe there could be a dark twist to Garner’s MCU journey. IfShalla-Bal were to die in the 2025 movie, it would make sense for Galactus to go after her lover, Norrin Radd, to take over her spot as his herald. The character might accept out of rage to find out who was responsible for the death, which could even be Galactus himself, but the blame should be put on the Fantastic Four.
Natasha Lyonne
Undisclosed
There is another path to how the original Silver Surfer could come to be the MCU’s main version of the character afterThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.Thunderbolts*’s post-credits scenerevealed that the Fantastic Four make their way to Earth-616, andwith Galactus going after their world, it seems like their Earth will be destroyed. I believe Marvel could be setting up a way for Norrin Radd to be the Silver Surfer of the MCU’s main universe, debuting in a sequel toThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsafter they switch universes, and audiences could get familiar with his variant beforehand.
