Julia Garner has officially been cast as the new Silver Surfer in the upcoming Fantastic Four film. The MCU reboot is shining a spotlight on a lesser-known version of the Silver Surfer, a transformed Shalla-Bal. This female variant diverges significantly from the more common portrayal. Here’s a breakdown of this new Silver Surfer, including details of her powers.
Who is Fantastic Four’s new Silver Surfer Shalla-Bal?
Shalla-Bal is best known as the lover of Norrin Radd, the better-known Silver Surfer. However, in the new Fantastic Four movie, Shalla-Bal will be taking the Silver Surfer mantle for herself.
In the comics, Shalla-Bal holds the title of Empress on Zenn-La, a utopian world. When Galactus threatened their planet, Norrin Radd offered to become Galactus’s herald in exchange for sparing Zenn-La. Thus, he was bestowed with the Power Cosmic and transformed into the Silver Surfer. This led to a prolonged separation from Shalla-Bal.
With The Fantastic Four movie’s Shalla-Bal becoming the Silver Surfer herself, it’s clear that the creators will be taking the story in a different direction.
What are Shalla-Bal Silver Surfer’s powers?
Assuming she wields the Power Cosmic, Shalla-Bal’s Silver Surfer will have super strength, endurance, energy manipulation, and speed.
Additionally, as Shalla-Bal is a member of the extraterrestrial species known as Zenn-Lavians, she possesses an exceptionally extended lifespan. Her power allows her to have lived for centuries while maintaining a youthful appearance.
Apart from her longevity, Shalla-Bal exhibits tremendous leadership skills, capable of effortlessly commanding armies.
The portrayal of the Shalla-Bal version of Silver Surfer has never been depicted in any Marvel movie, making it intriguing to see how Marvel will introduce this underrated comic character on screen.
Fans are already beginning to react to the news of Julia Garner’s casting. Additionally, LaKeith Stanfield has weighed in on the choice, saying that he “thought it was going to be [him].”
The upcoming Fantastic Four film is set to release in July 2025. Alongside Julia Garner, the film boasts an impressive cast including Pedro Pascal portraying Mr. Fantastic, Joseph Quinn as The Human Torch, Vanessa Kirby as The Invisible Woman, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing.
