The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a whirlwind of excitement lately, with news and rumors swirling around the highly anticipated Fantastic Four reboot. We were informed of its revised release date and casting news yesterday, Valentine’s Day. Fans are delighted with Pedro Pascal’s casting in the film, but disturbing reports have surfaced regarding Doctor Doom and Silver Surfer’s appearances.
The OG Silver Surfer’s MCU debut is reportedly not happening in the upcoming The Fantastic Four, despite earlier rumors to the contrary. Galactus will still appear in the film, and the character will at least have another herald. Recent reports suggest that Galactus and, more intriguingly, a female Silver Surfer could play antagonistic roles in the movie.
Doctor Doom, the Fantastic Four’s arch-nemesis, is also an important figure in their universe, but his appearance in the MCU is uncertain, according to recent reports.
Ant-Man 3 Has Revealed the Fantastic Four Villain Pedro Pascal Will Fight in Upcoming Movie – Theory
The Fantastic Four: Doctor Doom’s MCU Debut Is Met With A Disappointing Update
A depressing update on Doctor Doom’s MCU debut was provided by a recent Variety report that detailed the cast of Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four. Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian), Vanessa Kirby (Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning), Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) have been confirmed as the cast members after years of speculation.
Alongside the announcement, the first official key art for the movie was unveiled, giving fans a first glimpse at the official Fantastic Four costumes. Marvel Studios revealed the news on Valentine’s Day, and Variety’s report on the announcement mentioned that Doctor Doom (Dr. Victor Von Doom) is still “yet to be cast”.
Primarily recognized as a Fantastic Four antagonist, Doctor Doom made appearances in all three of Fox’s live-action films. Julian McMahon portrayed the character in the 2005 (Fantastic Four) and 2007 (Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer) films, while Toby Kebbell played it in the 2015 reboot.
Although Doctor Doom’s involvement in The Fantastic Four is unknown, there have been rumors that he will not play the primary antagonist role; instead, Galactus will do so. Throughout his time with Marvel Comics, Galactus has had a number of female heralds, such as Stardust and Juno, an Earth-829 variation of Silver Surfer.
🚨 GALACTUS and a herald of his {Juno} will reportedly still appear in the ‘FANTASTIC FOUR’ Anya Taylor-Joy was recently rumored to play The female silver surfer
The MCU's version could be a mashup of Norrin Radd and Frankie Raye.
Production begins this Summer in the UK… pic.twitter.com/OgLUI2HjUi
— MCU News and Updates (@HolyfieldM5) February 14, 2024
Ben Mendelsohn recently stated to GQ that he “would almost give my eyes and teeth” to play the antagonist in the MCU.
“I would almost give my eyes and teeth to play Doctor Doom. I think Doctor Doom is the great unread Marvel character that could and should be done.”
On the other hand, The Fantastic Four will also not feature the Silver Surfer’s MCU debut. If this rumor about Marvel going with Galactus and a female Silver Surfer is true, then this might have been a great movie to introduce both Silver Surfer and Doctor Doom.
Marvel Is Going With Galactus and Female Silver Surfer?
Silver Surfer, also known as Norrin Radd, made an appearance in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Laurence Fishburne provided the voice of the character, which was portrayed by Doug Jones in the 2007 film. We may see a different Silver Surfer (at least based on the reports) now that the Fantastic Four team is ready for their next MCU premiere.
As we already mentioned, the movie would have a female Silver Surfer serving as Galactus’ herald, and rumors have it that Anya Taylor-Joy is being considered for the role.
Anya Taylor-Joy is reportedly being eyed to play a villain in MCU’s ‘FANTASTIC FOUR’.
(Via: @DanielRPK) pic.twitter.com/t9Kn7xmsSX
— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) November 23, 2023
Rumors that Taylor-Joy would play a gender-flipped Silver Surfer in the MCU’s The Fantastic Four quickly spread after the news went viral online. Some fans were upset or completely perplexed, even though it was not their first time. However, it should be acknowledged that Norrin Radd was not the sole Silver Surfer or Herald of Galactus in Marvel Comics.
The story of the character began when young Norrin Radd, an astronomer from Zenn-La Planet, gave his life as a sacrifice to the planet-devouring supervillain Galactus in order to save his home planet and become his Herald Silver Surfer. Before coming to Earth and going through a moral metamorphosis after meeting the Fantastic Four and even joining them as an ally, he used to look for planets to devour for his master.
Nevertheless, a female Frankie Raye played the same role in Marvel Comics. Although our excitement is piqued by the unexpected possibility of the original Silver Surfer’s appearance and the uncertain fate of Doctor Doom, Pedro Pascal’s casting inspires immense joy. With the arrival of Galactus and the female Silver Surfer, The Fantastic Four’s future could take an unexpected turn, heightening anticipation for the next chapter of the MCU.
The release date of The Fantastic Four has been rescheduled for July 25, 2025.
Fantastic Four (2015) is streaming on Max.
