Julia Garner Teases Shiny Silver Surfer Role in Marvel’s Fantastic Four

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Julia Garner has offered a tantalizing glimpse into her portrayal of Shalla-Bal, the female Silver Surfer, in Marvel Studios‘ upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Garner, known for her Emmy and Golden Globe-winning performances, confirmed her role as the cosmic herald of Galactus, though details about her character’s on-screen appearance remain shrouded in mystery.

In an interview with ScreenRant, Garner teased, “It’s shiny. But all the Silver Surfers are shiny, so it doesn’t give you anything. I’m sorry. So we’ll wait and see. I’m excited.” Her comments suggest a blend of practical effects and CGI, though she remained tight-lipped about specifics.

Shalla-Bal, created by Stan Lee and John Buscema in 1968, is a pivotal character in Marvel Comics. Originally the Empress of Zenn-La and the love interest of Norrin Radd (the original Silver Surfer), Shalla-Bal wields the Power Cosmic, a gift from Norrin to help restore her planet after its devastation by Galactus. Garner’s casting marks the first live-action portrayal of the character, following Doug Jones and Laurence Fishburne‘s CGI-assisted depiction of Norrin Radd in 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.

Garner joins a star-studded cast, including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm. Ralph Ineson will portray Galactus, with Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, and John Malkovich in undisclosed roles. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film is set to premiere on July 25, 2025.

While set photos have hinted at a retrofuturistic aesthetic, Garner’s comments about the “shiny” nature of her costume suggest a comic-accurate design. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who plays The Thing, revealed in a recent interview that “so many amazing animators” are working on his character, indicating a potential mix of practical and digital effects for the film’s more fantastical elements.

Fans eagerly await further details about Shalla-Bal’s role and appearance, as Marvel Studios continues to build anticipation for its reintroduction of the Fantastic Four into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.