When Marvel Studios announced Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps,’ the internet bristled. Longtime fans balked at the idea of gender-swapping the iconic Norrin Radd. But now, after the film’s release, those same skeptics are singing a very different tune.
The film didn’t just reinvent the character—it reintroduced a lesser-known but canonically rich figure from Marvel Comics lore: Shalla-Bal. Rather than replacing Norrin Radd, ‘First Steps’ spotlights Shalla-Bal’s own tragic and heroic arc. In a brief but poignant flashback, we learn she once lived on the peaceful planet Zenn-La. When Galactus arrives to consume it, she offers herself as his herald in exchange for her planet’s survival.
“To all those people who complained about Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer casting, you were wrong,” one viewer admitted. “She was one of the best parts of the Fantastic Four.”
To all those people who complained about Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer casting, you were wrong. She was one of the best parts of the #FantasticFour pic.twitter.com/qW1w2AXvmD
— David Welsh Jr (@DavidWelshJr) July 25, 2025
Garner’s screen presence is undeniable from her first appearance. Cloaked in the iconic silver sheen, she delivers a haunting performance that blends stoic resolve with quiet vulnerability. “I was floored by Julia Garner’s performance as the Silver Surfer in The Fantastic Four!” another fan shared. “She brings an unforgettable presence — from her voice to her line delivery — and absolutely commands the screen.”
I was floored by Julia Garner’s performance as the Silver Surfer in #TheFantasticFour!
She brings an unforgettable presence — from her voice to her line delivery — and absolutely commands the screen.
Get ready for a thrilling cosmic chase with her and the F4. pic.twitter.com/fAD426Rjop
— Anthony Jenkins (@AJMAC2000) July 22, 2025
The emotional and visual peak of the film unfolds in a high-stakes battle in Times Square. With just 37 seconds left to force Galactus into a portal, the Fantastic Four struggle to hold their ground. As the planet-devourer returns for one final strike, Johnny Storm prepares to sacrifice himself—until Shalla-Bal makes the ultimate move, launching both herself and Galactus into the void.
“Yeah so I’m gonna need more Silver Surfer ASAP,” a viewer declared. “Because Julia Garner absolutely crushed it here.”
Yeah so I’m gonna need more #SilverSurfer ASAP because Julia Garner absolutely crushed it here #FantasticFour pic.twitter.com/lVEsdGdHX6
— RoFF (@RoffsRamblings) July 25, 2025
“Every single scene in Fantastic Four with Galactus and Shalla-Bal were absolutely perfect,” added another. “I really was not expecting to like Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer so much.”
Every single scene in #FantasticFour with Galactus and Shalla-Bal were absolutely perfect. I really was not expecting to like Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer so much. The online trailers/scenes do not do the CGI justice either. It looks even better on the big screen. pic.twitter.com/zl7YbCyZp7
— 𝙊𝙬𝙚𝙣 (@owen02_) July 24, 2025
Visually, Garner’s portrayal is amplified by stunning CGI, far surpassing the glimpses offered in trailers. The character’s cosmic chase and final sacrifice left audiences breathless—and eager for more. “Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal was the best part about this movie I don’t care what anyone say and I will fist fight anyone Fantastic Four,” said a fan.
Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal was the best part about this movie I don’t care what anyone say and I will fist fight anyone #FantasticFour pic.twitter.com/8qgcQ8fm6v
— Cody Blake (@Phantom_Kook) July 25, 2025
Another added, “Julia Garner as silver surfer is just pure perfection.”
Julia Garner as silver surfer is just pure perfection #TheFantasticFour pic.twitter.com/h3qKeSXoHu
— Gio (@GioRebel_) July 25, 2025
Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer was one of my favourite things about #FantasticFour
— Roan (@RoanMCU) July 24, 2025
Then she arrives… her. Julia Garner, the Silver Surfer, alluring, celestial, she is not herald, she is your worlds lament, painting #FantasticFour with a quiet sorrow woven in chrome, a dancer turned watcher, sent to put a blessing upon her choice of world… to die with yours. pic.twitter.com/5oYFRUHyLk
— Brendan O’Malley (@brendanjohnanth) July 24, 2025
Julia Garner in #FantasticFour pic.twitter.com/UQr6UWdtJD
— traviswatchesstuff (@traviswatchess1) July 25, 2025
Me every time Julia Garner is on screen in #FantasticFour pic.twitter.com/z8dHguiehL
— Swag_Master_64 (@SlimSummers97) July 25, 2025
Finally! Somebody got the four characters right. Congrats to everyone involved. The movie is Fantastic!
Apologies to the Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, and Julia Garner. I may have judged you too harshly.#FantasticFour
— Paulo Malto (@Hirogummy) July 25, 2025
julia garner could literally spit in my french earl grey tea, throw me into a black hole and cut off a finger because holy shit the fucking BADDIE she is in Fantastic4 😩😩😩😩😩😩😩 #FantasticFour pic.twitter.com/A4AYQm1Y2H
— darky (@_lilmello) July 25, 2025
Fantastic Four First Steps is one of the most enjoyable Marvel movies I’ve seen in a long time. Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal is spectacular! #FantasticFour #FantasticFourFirstSteps #movies
— Marcelo (@popclixx) July 25, 2025
#TheFantasticFour gotta say i absolutely LOVED Julia Garner as silver surfer she was fantastic https://t.co/Q5G4uhVGoB
— Clea | watched F4 (@thirteenkei) July 24, 2025
In the end, ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ didn’t just deliver another Marvel spectacle—it gave fans a new icon in Julia Garner’s Shalla-Bal. And now, the call is loud and clear across the cosmos: bring back the Silver Surfer.
