Home News Shalla-Bal: The Female Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four

Shalla-Bal: The Female Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four

by Thomas Mar 27,2025

With Marvel releasing the first teaser trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, fans are buzzing with excitement, particularly about Julia Garner's portrayal of Silver Surfer. Let's dive into why Silver Surfer is depicted as a woman in this film and explore the universe in which First Steps is set.

In The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Julia Garner's character, Silver Surfer, represents a fresh take on the iconic figure. Traditionally, Silver Surfer is Norrin Radd, a male character from the planet Zenn-La. However, in this iteration, the character is reimagined as Shalla-Bal, Norrin Radd's love interest, who also becomes the Silver Surfer in certain comic storylines. This gender swap adds a new dimension to the narrative, offering a different perspective on the character's journey and powers.

The universe of First Steps is set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), specifically in the Earth-616 continuity. This choice aligns the film with the broader MCU, allowing for potential crossovers and a deeper connection to the established Marvel lore. By situating First Steps in Earth-616, Marvel is signaling its commitment to integrating The Fantastic Four into the larger tapestry of its cinematic universe, promising fans an exciting blend of familiar and new elements.

Julia Garner's Silver Surfer not only brings a unique twist to the character but also enhances the diversity and representation within the MCU. As fans eagerly await the film's release, the anticipation around this new take on Silver Surfer and the exploration of the Earth-616 universe continues to grow.

Latest Articles More+