Julia Garner will introduce a new version of the Silver Surfer in Marvel’s upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This movie will mark Silver Surfer’s first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The character was last seen in the 2007 movie Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. In that film, the original comic character Norrin Radd appeared, portrayed through motion capture by Doug Jones and voiced by Laurence Fishburne.

However, this time, the film will showcase a different version of Silver Surfer. Garner will play Shalla-Bal, the female counterpart of Norrin Radd from the Marvel Comics. Shalla-Bal first appeared in The Silver Surfer #1 in 1968.

Julia Garner Responds to Backlash

Julia Garner’s casting as the Silver Surfer received backlash from some fans, who felt the role should have gone to a male actor. Speaking at the film’s London premiere, Garner told the BBC that she ignored the criticism. She explained, “I said, ‘I'm just going to still do my job.’”

Addressing the controversy, Garner highlighted that she is playing a different version of the character. She clarified, “Also, it's Shalla-Bal, so it's different.”

About The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The upcoming film features a star-studded cast. Pedro Pascal will play Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), while Vanessa Kirby will appear as Sue Storm (the Invisible Woman). Joseph Quinn will take on the role of Johnny Storm (the Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach will play Ben Grimm (the Thing).

Meanwhile, Ralph Ineson is cast as Galactus, and the film also stars Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, and John Malkovich in supporting roles.

Marvel Studios has scheduled the film to release in theatres on July 25.