Summary

Additional photography forThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsis actively underway in Los Angeles, and a newly surfaced behind-the-scenes photo featuring one of the film’s stars might have just dropped a major MCU spoiler.

In April, Marvel gave fans the firstfull-length trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and the internet had many thoughts. The teaser stirred controversy, with some viewers accusing the film of pushing a politically correct agenda and criticizing the choice to reinvent Silver Surfer as a woman. Following the teaser’s controversial debut, the movie has been undergoing reshoots in Los Angeles, with Julia Garner spotted on set, fueling further speculation. TheOzarkstar was initially thought to be portraying a female version of Silver Surfer, but it has now been revealed that she’s playing Shalla-Bal instead, further confusing fans.

Julia Garner was spotted filming a visually striking scene by the ocean, balancing atop rugged rocks as waves crashed around her. Dressed in a flowing white gown laced with cosmic blue patterns and dramatic cape-like accents, she fully embodied Shalla-Bal. Her platinum-blonde hair added to the celestial vibe as she faced the shoreline, arms outstretched in what looked like a pivotal moment. While the context remains a mystery, the scene could be a key origin flashback or perhaps a climactic resolution where Shalla-Bal is freed from her cosmic duty. There’s even speculation itmight tie into futureAvengersfilms, though Garner isn’t officially attached to any of those projects yet. Regardless, the scene suggests Marvel is crafting something bold and possibly multiverse-altering with this version of the Silver Surfer. All eyes are now on how Garner’s portrayal fits into the evolving MCU timeline.

Julia Garner recently shared her excitementabout joining the MCU as the Silver Surfer, though she admitted she was surprised by the offer. When director Matt Shakman approached her, she recalled thinking, “Isn’t the Silver Surfer a man?” Still game to be part of Marvel’s world, she agreed to hear him out, only to discover she’d beplaying Shalla-Bal, the powerful female version of the cosmic hero. For fans concerned that Marvel is changing the character’s gender, Shalla-Bal debuted back in 1968 as a female Silver Surfer who took on the mantle after pleading with Galactus to spare her home planet.

While preparing for her role, Garner was asked if she hit the waves to get into character. She laughed and admitted, “I’m actually afraidof the ocean.” Instead, she leaned on her acting chops and a little coaching from surfer friends to mimic the sport’s posture, using those to nail the character’s physicality. But once she landed in London, her inspiration took a turn. Rather than strictly channeling surfers, Garner looked more to the comic books themselves than the sea. She noticed the characters' dynamic poses – less beach-ready, more sculptural. Blending those striking, statue-like poses with graceful, dance-like movement, she crafted a performance that fused subtle surf posture with the dynamic, iconic visuals of the source material.

WithThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsexpectedto wipe out the team’s original universe, characters like Galactus and Shalla-Bal could be short-lived. Still, ongoing speculation suggests Galactus may become a looming threat across the Multiverse.

The Fantastic Four: First Stepsis set to hit theaters on July 02, 2025.