Julia Garner will play the Silver Surfer in Marvel Studios’ upcoming movie, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, using motion-capture technology. The film is set to come out on July 25, 2025, and will introduce the Fantastic Four to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Pedro Pascal will star as Reed Richards, with Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Ralph Ineson will take on the role of Galactus.
Garner’s version of the Silver Surfer will be different from what fans are used to; she’ll portray a female character named Shalla-Bal who serves as Galactus’ Herald instead of the original character, Norrin Radd. This new take aligns with a storyline from the Earth X comic series. The movie will have a retro-futuristic vibe inspired by the 1960s.
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To bring the Silver Surfer to life, Garner’s role relies entirely on motion capture, meaning she had to use her imagination for the character since she won’t wear a costume, wig, or makeup during filming. This process is different from the 2007 film, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, where Doug Jones performed on set and Laurence Fishburne provided the character’s voice.
Garner chose to join the MCU to connect with a wider audience, which she considers important for her career. She found the mystery of the Silver Surfer character fascinating, which added to her interest in the role. Working with motion capture was a new challenge for her, pushing her to imagine the character fully.
The movie will also feature an impressive supporting cast, including Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, and Natasha Lyonne in various roles that haven’t been announced yet. Matt Shakman will direct the film, focusing on the Fantastic Four’s battle against Galactus and his Herald. The plot will show how the family juggles their heroic duties with personal relationships while facing a major threat to Earth, highlighting the stakes of Galactus’ plan to destroy the planet.
Source: Who What Wear
