Fantastic Four: Silver Surfer Found, Who is Shalla-Bal

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is expanding as Marvel Studios' upcoming film "The Fantastic Four" is set to introduce the Silver Surfer character. In a surprising twist, Julia Garner from "Ozark" has been cast to portray Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer, as opposed to the more commonly known Norrin Radd version. Shalla-Bal is known in the comics as the lover of Norrin Radd and the Empress of Zenn-La. The character is sometimes depicted with Silver Surfer powers, as shown in continuities like the Earth X miniseries. Though traditionally Shalla-Bal doesn't hold the title of the Silver Surfer, the MCU has a history of creatively adapting comic book stories, indicating she may step into this role for the film. Helmed by director Matt Shakman, known for "WandaVision," "The Fantastic Four" is anticipated to launch Phase 6 of the MCU with its release date targeted for July 25, 2025.

Will Julia Garner play the traditional Silver Surfer in the new Fantastic Four movie?

No, Julia Garner is confirmed to play Shalla-Bal, a character that is traditionally not the Silver Surfer but could potentially assume the mantle in the MCU's adaptation of the story.

In Marvel lore, the Silver Surfer, or Norrin Radd, is a powerful cosmic entity best known for his role as the herald of the planet-consuming Galactus. His first appearance was in "The Fantastic Four" comic in 1966. Over the years, Silver Surfer has become a fan-favorite due to his complex morality and the visually captivating nature of his cosmic surfing, often portrayed artistically in various comic book series. The character has previously been portrayed on screen in "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" (2007), which was part of the earlier film series produced by 20th Century Fox before Marvel Studios was integrated into Disney.