Marvel’s cinematic universe is back with full force in 2025, and fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Fantastic Four: First Steps. One of the most intriguing aspects of this reboot is the casting of Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, a key character connected to the Silver Surfer. In a recent interview, Garner shared the unexpected journey that led her to join the Marvel franchise, explaining why she took the role and the amusing reasons she didn’t think she’d be cast at all.
Julia Garner’s Surprising Decision to Join the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Julia Garner’s transition into the world of Marvel came with a specific aim: to reach a broader audience. Known for her standout performances in Ozark, Inventing Anna, and The Assistant, Garner admitted she had no idea she’d be cast as Shalla-Bal in Fantastic Four: First Steps. Speaking to EW, she revealed that the opportunity to step into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was intriguing because it allowed her to branch out into a different genre and connect with a diverse audience.
“I’ve always wanted to challenge myself by playing characters that are so different from what I’ve done before,” Garner shared. “Joining Marvel was a way to do that and reach people who might not have seen my other work, whether it’s on Netflix or elsewhere.”
While Garner’s prior roles were mostly centered in drama, her entry into the MCU marks a significant shift, one that aligns with Marvel’s strategy of bringing a fresh, diverse set of talents to the superhero genre. With this new role in Fantastic Four, Garner hopes to expand her reach beyond the more niche audiences of her past projects.
The Unexpected Casting of Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer’s Shalla-Bal
As fans prepare for the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot, the reveal of Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal has been met with excitement and curiosity. When Garner first met with Fantastic Four: First Steps director Matt Shakman, she didn’t know she was being considered for the role of the Silver Surfer’s companion. Instead, she initially thought she was being offered a different part.
“I was confused because I thought, ‘Wait, isn’t the Silver Surfer a man?’” Garner recalled. “But then I thought, ‘Okay, well, I’ll play anything.’”
This initial misunderstanding led to a meeting that went in an unexpected direction. During the conversation, which touched on topics ranging from communism to brutalist architecture, Garner didn’t believe the casting would actually happen. However, Shakman was clearly impressed, as he later revealed that she had landed the role of Shalla-Bal in Fantastic Four: First Steps.
“We talked about so many things in that meeting. I didn’t know how it was going to go,” Garner admitted. “Then they said, ‘You got it,’ and I was like, ‘Wait, what?’”
This candid recollection only adds to the intrigue surrounding the new Fantastic Four film and the Silver Surfer’s role within it. Shalla-Bal, typically portrayed as the Silver Surfer’s companion and romantic interest in the comics, will surely add depth and complexity to the film’s narrative. With Garner’s background in complex and dramatic roles, she seems well-suited to bring a unique energy to this character.
The Future of Fantastic Four: First Steps and Marvel’s Bold New Direction
Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, marking the fourth cinematic iteration of Marvel’s First Family of superheroes. With Julia Garner’s Shalla-Bal, a character deeply tied to the Silver Surfer’s cosmic storyline, fans are eager to see how this latest version of the Fantastic Four will integrate into the broader MCU.
As the film approaches, Marvel fans are also looking forward to other upcoming releases, including Thunderbolts, which will hit theaters on May 2, 2025. The buzz around Fantastic Four continues to grow, and with fresh faces like Garner’s, the MCU seems ready to break new ground in the superhero genre.
