Marvel Studios has finally dropped the highly anticipated trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a film set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025. Shared by Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) on April 17, 2025, the trailer introduces Marvel’s First Family in a fresh, retro-futuristic setting inspired by the 1960s. The post, captioned “Together. As a family. Marvel Studios’ #TheFantasticFour: First Steps arrives in theaters July 25,” has sparked widespread excitement among fans, alongside a heated debate about one particular casting choice: Julia Garner as Silver Surfer. This article dives into the trailer’s highlights, the controversial gender swap of Silver Surfer, and how the comics’ alternate universe lore supports this bold creative decision.
A Glimpse into the Trailer: Marvel’s First Family in a New Universe
The trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps offers a visually stunning look at Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). Set in a 1960s-inspired alternate universe, the film takes a departure from the main Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) timeline, known as Earth-616, and instead unfolds in a parallel world where history, technology, and culture have evolved differently. The trailer showcases the team’s iconic blue suits, their retro-futuristic vehicle, the Fantasti-Car, and glimpses of their powers, such as Reed’s stretching abilities and Johnny’s fiery transformation.
The plot centers on the Fantastic Four as they face their greatest challenge yet: defending Earth from the cosmic threat of Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds (Ralph Ineson), and his herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). The trailer hints at a narrative steeped in family dynamics, with the team balancing their roles as heroes and their personal bonds. One surprising reveal, is the confirmation that Sue Storm is pregnant—a detail that aligns with the comics, where Sue and Reed have two children, Franklin and Valeria Richards, both of whom possess extraordinary abilities.
The Silver Surfer Controversy: From Norrin Radd to Shalla-Bal
One of the most talked-about aspects of the trailer is the introduction of Julia Garner as Silver Surfer, a character traditionally depicted as male in the comics. In the classic Marvel lore, Silver Surfer is Norrin Radd, a humanoid alien from the planet Zenn-La. Created by Jack Kirby and first appearing in Fantastic Four #48 in 1966, Norrin Radd becomes Galactus’ herald to save his homeworld, gaining the Power Cosmic and a surfboard-like craft that allows him to traverse the cosmos. His story is one of nobility and torment, as he eventually rebels against Galactus to save Earth, leading to his exile on the planet.
However, The Fantastic Four: First Steps reimagines Silver Surfer as Shalla-Bal, Norrin Radd’s lover from Zenn-La, a decision that has sparked both intrigue and debate among fans. Below is a chart comparing the traditional Silver Surfer (Norrin Radd) with the film’s new interpretation (Shalla-Bal):
| Aspect | Norrin Radd (Classic Silver Surfer) | Shalla-Bal (Film’s Silver Surfer) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | A humanoid from Zenn-La who sacrifices himself to save his planet by becoming Galactus’ herald. | Likely takes on the role of herald in this alternate universe, possibly to save Norrin or Zenn-La. |
| Gender | Male | Female |
| First Appearance | Fantastic Four #48 (1966) | The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) |
| Comic Precedent | Main Earth-616 Silver Surfer | Appears as a Silver Surfer in Earth X and Universe X |
| Powers | Power Cosmic, cosmic surfboard, superhuman abilities | Expected to have similar powers as the herald of Galactus |
Shalla-Bal as Silver Surfer: A Comics Precedent in Alternate Universes
The decision to cast Shalla-Bal as Silver Surfer is rooted in Marvel Comics lore, particularly in alternate universe stories. Here are some key points from the comics that support this change:
- Earth X and Universe X Storyline: In the Earth X series, set in a dark alternate future, Shalla-Bal becomes a Silver Surfer alongside Norrin Radd. Franklin Richards, the son of Reed and Sue, evolves into a new Galactus and transforms Shalla-Bal into a herald, granting her the Power Cosmic and a silver surfboard.
- Alternate Universe Flexibility: The comics have a long history of exploring “What If?” scenarios, such as in What If: Silver Surfer Possessed the Infinity Gauntlet, where Shalla-Bal plays a significant role. This tradition allows Marvel to experiment with character roles without affecting the main timeline.
- Shalla-Bal’s Emotional Depth: As Norrin Radd’s lover, Shalla-Bal’s story in the comics is one of longing and sacrifice. Her transformation into Silver Surfer in Earth X adds a layer of tragedy and empowerment, which could resonate with the film’s themes of family and unity.
The choice to make Shalla-Bal the Silver Surfer in The Fantastic Four: First Steps makes perfect sense given the film’s setting in an alternate universe. Unlike the main MCU timeline, this movie takes place in a parallel world where history has unfolded differently. This retro-futuristic 1960s setting allows Marvel to experiment with new interpretations of classic characters without disrupting the established Earth-616 continuity.
Why This Change Works for the Film
The decision to cast Shalla-Bal as Silver Surfer aligns with both the film’s narrative goals and broader cultural shifts. Here’s why this reinterpretation works:
- Diversifying Cosmic Heroes: Marvel’s cosmic roster has their share of characters like Nova and Adam Warlock. Now they have added another female to even things out as Disney is notoriously known for doing. A female Silver Surfer adds diversity to this lineup, alongside characters like Gamora and Mantis.
- Thematic Resonance: The film’s focus on family, as highlighted in Marvel Studios’ X post, is complemented by Shalla-Bal’s emotional connection to Norrin Radd. Her potential sacrifice to become Galactus’ herald could mirror the Fantastic Four’s own struggles.
- Alternate Universe Freedom: By setting the film in a 1960s-inspired alternate universe, Marvel can explore new dynamics without affecting the main MCU timeline, allowing for creative risks like the gender swap but again, it is not simply that because of comic lore there is a good reason behind it.
As The Fantastic Four: First Steps approaches its July 25, 2025 release, the film promises to deliver a fresh take on Marvel’s First Family while paying homage to the comics’ rich history of alternate universes. The introduction of Shalla-Bal as Silver Surfer is a bold move, but one that’s grounded in Marvel’s tradition of experimentation and storytelling. Whether fans embrace this new vision or not, the film is poised to make waves in the MCU, potentially revitalizing the franchise with its retro-futuristic charm and cosmic stakes.
