Marvel Studios is set to release Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25, 2025. Julia Garner will play Shalla-Bal, who is the love interest of the Silver Surfer. This is a new direction for the character compared to previous versions and marks Garner’s debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The casting choice has sparked some debate among fans, as they are used to seeing Norrin Radd as the Silver Surfer.
In this movie, Shalla-Bal, created by Stan Lee and John Buscema in 1968, is not just a love interest but also the Empress of Zenn-La. Her story includes being manipulated by Mephisto and gaining cosmic powers to help restore Zenn-La. Some fans are worried about this depiction, but it seems Garner’s role might be limited, leaving space for the traditional Silver Surfer to appear later.
Garner said, “I mean, just how big it is… It’s a big universe, and I feel so grateful I get to be a little part of it to be honest. Everybody on that job, I think the casting is phenomenal and they’re so wonderful. And [director] Matt Shakman is amazing. I’m very excited.”
The cast features several well-known actors: 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. Ralph Ineson will portray Galactus, and Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, and John Malkovich will have undisclosed roles, which has led to speculation about their characters. The film is directed by Matt Shakman, who has worked on other big projects.
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Fantastic Four: First Steps will take place in an alternate universe within the MCU, but Marvel has mentioned that the Fantastic Four will show up in future films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. This could lead to crossover moments with the main MCU storyline. While there hasn’t been an official trailer yet, some leaked versions have appeared online from events such as San Diego Comic-Con and D23.
Source: CB
