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Silver Surfer is one of the most iconic characters in Marvel Comics, making it surprising that the MCU waited 17 years to bring the character to the big screen. As you likely know, Silver Surfer is set to debut in Fantastic Four: First Steps, slated for release next year.
However, this version of the Surfer will be Shalla-Bal, portrayed by Julia Garner. The announcement has sparked significant criticism and fan backlash, as many were hoping the MCU’s primary Silver Surfer would be Norrin Radd, the character most famously associated with the role.
According to multiple industry leaks and reports, Shalla-Bal won’t be the only Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four: First Steps, and her role is reportedly “one and done,” meaning her time in the MCU may be short-lived.
If true, this isn’t too surprising. Kevin Feige has already confirmed that Fantastic Four will take place in an alternate reality, suggesting the MCU’s main Silver Surfer has yet to make their debut. Rumors suggest that Julia Garner won’t be reprising the role in future projects.
Industry insider Daniel Richtman claims that Marvel is actively developing a new Silver Surfer project. It remains unclear if the focus will be on Norrin Radd or Shalla-Bal, but given the speculation around Garner’s brief appearance, it’s likely that Norrin Radd will take center stage.
The project’s producer is set to be Matt Shakman, who took over directing Fantastic Four: First Steps after Jon Watts stepped down from the production.
There’s also uncertainty surrounding how Silver Surfer will be portrayed in Fantastic Four—whether as a hero or a villain—especially with Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson, also making his MCU debut.
What’s your take on the Silver Surfer’s future in the MCU? Let us know in the comments below!