Julia Garner’s Marvel Role as Shalla-Bal in ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Revealed Following Chaotic Meeting with Director Matt Shakman
Julia Garner was left stunned after learning she was cast as the Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four: First Steps, a highly anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) reboot. Garner, who will portray the female version of the iconic character, Shalla-Bal, marks her MCU debut in this prequel to the rebooted franchise. However, she admits the casting process came as a surprise after what she describes as a “chaotic” meeting with director Matt Shakman.
Garner recalls, “I’ve been a huge fan of Matt’s work, so I knew I had to meet with him. He’s such a smart director, and I love his approach,” she shared with Entertainment Weekly. Initially, Garner was confused about even being considered for the role of Silver Surfer, as she assumed the character was male. “I’ll play anything,” she added, highlighting her openness to diverse roles.
Shakman’s Directorial Approach: Garner’s meeting with Matt Shakman spanned a range of unexpected topics, including Communism and Brutalist architecture, leading her to believe that the discussion was too scattered to secure the role. “The meeting was all over the place,” she explained. “I honestly thought I didn’t get the part. We were talking about the 1960s, Communism, architecture… It was so random, I didn’t know how he would hire me for the role.”
However, the unexpected happened when Shakman surprised her with the casting news. “Then they said, ‘You got it,’ and I was like, ‘Wait, what?’” Garner recalled, revealing that despite the unconventional meeting, she and Shakman had a strong connection. “I think we vibed, but you never know in this industry.”
A 1960s-Inspired Silver Surfer Costume for the MCU: Garner also discussed the Silver Surfer costume for Fantastic Four: First Steps, revealing that it draws inspiration from the 1960s era. She shared her excitement over the design, saying, “The costume had a retro, high-fashion quality to it. It felt like something you could see on a runway.” The Marvel production values and visual aesthetics are a big part of what fans love, and Garner appreciates the importance of crafting a visually striking character in the MCU.
Anticipation for the Final Cut of ‘Fantastic Four’: As the Fantastic Four reboot continues to build excitement among Marvel fans, Garner is eagerly awaiting the release of the film. “At the end of the day, it’s a comic book,” she said. “I’m excited to see the final version. I’ve only seen the trailer and some mockup scenes, so it’s going to be interesting to see the completed film.”
Following her MCU debut in Fantastic Four: First Steps, Julia Garner will next appear in Zach Cregger’s “Weapons”, set in the universe of his acclaimed film Barbarian.
