The Marvel Cinematic Universe is about to welcome the Fantastic Four. The group, led by The Last of Us fame Pedro Pascal, will pit an older group of superheroes against Silver Surfer and Galactus, two well-known villains. After keeping us guessing for months, Marvel has finally revealed that Julia Garner—best known for starring in the Netflix series Ozark—is being cast as Silver Surfer.
It should be noted, however, that this version will be Shalla-Bal, Silver Surfer’s romantic interest in Marvel Comics. But it seems not everyone is happy with the latest Marvel update on the upcoming flick.
LaKeith Stanfield, best known for his dynamic acting range in films such as Sorry to Bother You and Judas and the Black Messiah, expressed disappointment when Garner was announced as the new Silver Surfer.
Julia Garner Joins The Fantastic Four As A Shalla-Bal (Version Of Silver Surfer)
The Silver Surfer in Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four has finally been cast, and it looks like one of Tinseltown’s biggest rising talents will play the role.
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According to sources who spoke to Deadline, Julia Garner, the Emmy winner, will portray the well-known comic book character in the much-awaited 2025 flick. With Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Pedro Pascal as Reed Richard/Mr. Fantastic, Garner’s casting is the latest to be officially confirmed.
Sources claim that Garner will play Shalla-Bal, a comic book version of Silver Surfer, though the plot of this movie is unknown.
For those who are unaware, Shalla-Bal is Norrin Radd’s (better known as the Silver Surfer) primary love interest in the Marvel Comics canon. For a while, Norrin’s dedication to his work or unforeseen circumstances kept the two apart, even though they wanted to be together.
Well, Marvel has previously cast female actors in male roles, so this gender-swapping is not entirely novel. Some well-known examples are Ajak in Eternals, Taskmaster in Black Widow, and Ghost in Ant-Man and the Wasp.
Matt Shakman, the director of WandaVision, is helming The Fantastic Four, which is based on a screenplay by Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan, Eric Pearson, and Ian Springer. The movie is scheduled to premiere next year, with production starting this summer.
LaKeith Stanfield’s Concerns About The Fantastic Four Casting
In 2008, LaKeith Stanfield made his big-screen debut in the independent drama Short Term 12, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. The flick also starred Brie Larson. Since then, Stanfield has established himself as an actor with compelling narratives, especially in light of his Academy Award-nominated performance in Judas and the Black Messiah and his lead role in the critically acclaimed FX series Atlanta.
But it looks like he is not happy about Julia Garner’s casting as the Silver Surfer in the upcoming Marvel movie. Stanfield vented about his disenchantment, saying (via CanWeGetSomeToast)
“Thought it was going to be me but ig.”
In fact, it seemed from his statement that he was vying for the role and project. Well, the excitement surrounding this potential casting choice has reached a fever pitch, with fans taking to X to express their desire to see Stanfield wear the iconic silver suit.
Let’s hear some of the comments:
Marvel once again not giving fans what they want
— Íkaro AP (@IkaroAp) April 4, 2024
Marvel please cast him
— trizzy (@TravonL96709363) April 4, 2024
Shiddddd 😭that would be a better choice
— Ryuu Saki (@QgtharoninSaki) April 4, 2024
Definitely should’ve Been laKeith!!!
— zoe p (@ZoethaGOAT) April 4, 2024
He should play Norrin in the movie then!
— Hailee Steinfeld’s fiance (@worldofHailee) April 4, 2024
It remains to be seen what Marvel has in store for the Oscar-nominated actor. In terms of work, we last saw him as Clarence / Thomas in the biblical comedy-drama The Book of Clarence (2023), written and directed by James Lassiter.
The Fantastic Four is scheduled for release on July 25, 2025.
