Fantastic Four's Silver Surfer 'backlash' explained and what fans really think it means
*This article may contain minor spoilers for Fantastic Four: First Steps*
Marvel's latest entry into its cinematic universe has nearly arrived on the big screen and like a few before it has already been causing apparent controversies.
However, the issue raised by a minority over a key character in The Fantastic Four: First Steps is not so straight forward. Fans also have their own ideas and theories for the decisions being made by the filmmakers.
The latest film is being directed by Matt Shakman, who is known for helming episodes of hit shows such as Game of Thrones, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Succession. Previously for Marvel, he also directed every episode of the series WandaVision.
Fans will be treated to a new version of the Fantastic Four heroes, last seen on the big screen in 2007. when the characters were owned by Fox. This time, the lead roles are played by Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-bachrach.
It was also revealed that the movie will feature a female Silver Surfer played by Julia Garner. Some corners were not pleased with this and it reportedly caused a backlash.
During an event promoting the film, a reporter for a segment shared on BBC News asked Garner: "Your role received some backlash when it was first announced as a 'gender swap', followed by a very positive reaction with the trailer. How did you handle that initial reaction?"
Garner responded: "Well, you know, the first one I was like I'm still just gonna do my job. And also it's Shalla-Bal, so it's different. And then you know, the second one I was just happy that people are resonating with it just like any other project so I'm just grateful to be at this dance to be honest."
The star received plenty of praise following this response from fans, not only who support her casting but for being aware of the original character and comics.
Who is Shalla-Bal?
According to Marvel's bio of the character, Shalla Bal is a Zenn-Lavian, an extremely long-lived, race of humanoid aliens who generations ago achieved virtual utopia, having eradicated disease, poverty and other social ills.
She falls in love with Norrin Radd, who is the original Silver Surfer in the comics. He is turned into the cosmic power being after offering to become Galactus' herald, in return for sparing Shalla-Bal's home planet.
Footage from First Steps sees that Shalla-Bal has seems to be the one who has taken on this mantle instead.
What do Marvel fans think about a female Silver Surfer?
Fans think that the creatives at Marvel have done all this on purpose. Especially since the MCU has just come out of its Multiverse saga.
Shalla-Bal is the Silver Surfer for a short time in the comic Earth X. This was a limited series which was set on an alternate Earth and portrayed a more dystopian Marvel universe.
Some fans have theorised the new film could be doing something similar. A thread on Reddit suggests two possible reasons although be warned, they could be seen as potential spoilers if proved correct.
The post said: "I understand the confusion on why they chose Shalla-Bal over Norrin Radd, which is the way more mainstream character, I have two theories on this topic. One: First Steps is set in another universe that'll eventually merge and be destroyed on Doomsday(or Secret Wars), I believe they're saving Norrin Radd for the main timeline."
They continued: " Two: Shalla-Bal is the key to beating Galactus, she was chosen to relate most on Sue(who is starting a family), to be touched by the love of Sue and Reed, to be touched by their family dynamic as the four, and to be amazed at the birth of life. Remembering Norrin(who I assume has died because his power of Cosmic is passed to someone else) and her family through the four."
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