It’s taken ages, but Marvel is finally bringing the Fantastic Four into the MCU. And with the First Family of heroes already cast, it’s time to start setting who will play the other key characters in the FF’s universe. Deadline reports that Emmy-winning Ozark star Julia Garner will play Shalla-Bal, who was briefly a female version of the Silver Surfer.
Shalla-Bal is an interesting character. Debuting in the pages of Silver Surfer #1 in 1968, Shalla-Bal was the lover of Norrid Radd who would become the Silver Surfer and herald of Galactus. After a lot of scheming by Mephisto, Doctor Doom, and others, Shalla-Bal was gifted a portion of Silver Surfer’s Power Cosmic.
So don’t be surprised if you see both Galactus and the O.G. Silver Surfer in the movie, too, although that has yet to be confirmed. Rumors continue to swirl as to who could play both roles.
Garner joins a cast that will be led by Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. She recently starred in last year’s thriller The Royal Hotel, and is currently shooting supernatural horror Wolf Man.
The Fantastic Four opens July 25th 2025 directed by Matt Shakman.
