Latest news with #MattShakman
Geek Tyrant
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
New THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Images Feature Galactus, Silver Surfer, and The Fantastic Four — GeekTyrant
Marvel has just dropped some new images for The Fantastic Four: First Steps thanks to Empire Magazine with a couple of striking new covers for its June issue, and they're loaded with character reveals. One cover spotlights Marvel's First Family with Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm—posing heroically with Silver Surfer soaring behind them. The second, a stylized piece from artist @_doaly, goes full cosmic, giving us a surreal new look at both the Silver Surfer and the looming presence of Galactus. I'm excited that Galactus is officially coming to the MCU, and that he's being played by the thunder-voiced Ralph Ineson. I'm excited to see how his story will play out over the course of the film As for Silver Surfer, she's portrayed by Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, a femal version of the iconic Herald of Galactus that fans have mixed feeling about. Set in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is being described as a bold stylistic shift for the MCU. 'Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios' The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel's First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm/Human Torch and Ben Grimm/The Thing—as they face their most daunting challenge yet.' Directed by Matt Shakman ( WandaVision ), the film stars Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrachas The Thing. Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, and Natasha Lyonne also appear in the film in undisclosed roles. Michael Giacchino is scoring the film, so expect the soundtrack to match the retro-future vibe. The film marks the start of Phase Six and hits theaters July 25, 2025.
Geek Tyrant
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Marvel's FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Gets a New Clip and TV Spot — GeekTyrant
Marvel just dropped new clip and couple of tie-in TV spots for The Fantastic Four: First Steps promoting the NBA Western Conference Finals. The retro-futuristic tone that I love about the film is front and center. The clip sees Reed Richards, Sue Storm and Johnny Storm in an elevator going to the top of the Baxter Building, where Ben Grimm and H.E.R.B.I.E. are making dinner. Johnny is eager to catch the start of the game, and considers "flaming on" to fly ahead. We already knew First Steps was going to take us to an alternate version of the 1960s, a world where technology has advanced far beyond even our modern world, but still looks and feels like the Space Race-era. That blend of retro optimism and bif futurism is what gives this film its unique pulse, and the latest TV spot leans into that aesthetic. We also get a shot of Ben Grimm jumping intot the drivers seat of the car. Much of this universe's progress is thanks to Reed Richards aka Mister Fantastic whose mind-bending tech has reportedly reshaped the very course of human evolution in this timeline. Director Matt Shakman recently described the film's visual approach as 'a blend of Jack Kirby's vibrant artistry and Stanley Kubrick's epic, otherworldly vision.' That gives us a pretty good idea of the creative ambition behind this thing. It's cosmic, it's colorful, and it's daring in a way that feels like a fresh jolt to the Marvel formula. 'Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel's First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ben Grimm/The Thing—as they face their most daunting challenge yet. 'Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus' plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren't bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.' Directed by WandaVision 's Matt Shakman, the film boasts a high-profile cast led by Pedro Pascal (Reed), Vanessa Kirby (Sue), Joseph Quinn (Johnny), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben), with a supporting lineup that includes John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, and Sarah Niles in yet-to-be-revealed roles. The script was originally written by Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer, it was revised by Cameron Squires and Avatar: The Way of Water co-writer Josh Friedman, with Eric Pearson ( Thor: Ragnarok, Black Widow ) giving it the final pass.
Geek Tyrant
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
New THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Image Hints at Second Space Mission — GeekTyrant
Fandango recently dropped a new image from the upcoming MCU film The Fantastic Four: First Steps featuring Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards and Joseph Quinn's Johnny Storm suited up in full space gear. Unlike the first teaser trailer where the team's uniforms were more basic and noticeably missing the '4' logo—this new shot showcases custom space suits with the '4' insignia proudly displayed on the chest. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Fandango teased:'Take flight with Marvel's #TheFantasticFour First Steps, starring Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Vanessa Kirby and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Exclusively in movie theaters this July 25.' So what are we looking at here? The prevailing theory is that this photo doesn't show the team's origin story—but their second mission into space, and fans are speculating that this journey could take them deep into the cosmos for their first confrontation with none other than Galactus. There may be more to the story if you connect the Marvel dots. The Thunderbolts* post-credit scene teased the Fantastic Four's extra-dimensional spaceship fly into Earth's atmosphere. Some fans thing they could be preparing for that journey in this photo. It's worth noting that First Steps kicks off Phase 6 of the MCU, with director Matt Shakman ( WandaVision ) at the helm. This movie is setting the stage for something massive and I'm excited to see how it turns out! The movie is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025. Marvel seems poised to reintroduce the First Family of Comics with ambition and heart. So what do you think? Is this the mission that puts them face-to-face with Galactus? Or are we about to watch them crash-land into Earth-616? Either way, the multiverse just got a lot more fantastic.
Geek Tyrant
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Silver Surfer Reportedly Set to Appear in Multiple MCU Projects Including a Solo Film — GeekTyrant
It looks like Marvel Studios may have big cosmic plans for Silver Surfer beyond his upcoming debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps , and we might not be getting just one Surfer, either. According to industry scooper Daniel Richtman: 'There are plans for Silver Surfer [to] be in multiple projects after [ The Fantastic Four: First Steps ] including a solo film.' While he didn't clarify which version of the character will be leading the charge, or when and where he'll appear next, I've been hoping that Silver Surfer would have a long-term, cosmic role in the MCU. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set in a retro-futuristic 1960s-inspired alternate timeline, not the Earth-616 continuity that most MCU projects occupy. Director Matt Shakman has teased that the film pulls inspiration from various eras of Fantastic Four comics, including Earth X, a timeline that features a twist on the traditional Silver Surfer by introducing Shalla-Bal, a female version of the character who takes on the mantle instead of Norrin Radd. Some have called her inclusion 'woke,' despite the fact that Shalla-Bal has been part of Silver Surfer lore for decades. That said, the expectation among many fans is that we'll still see the more well-known version of the character, Norrin Radd, eventually show up in Earth-616, especially if a solo film is truly in development. There's even speculation that Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars could be the next logical places for the Surfer to reappear. Both would offer a grand, multiversal playground where different versions of the character including Shalla-Bal and Norrin Radd could exist side by side. But again, take it all with a grain of cosmic dust. Marvel Studios is known for keeping its long-term plans close to the chest, and with The Fantastic Four set to hit theaters this July, it's unlikely we'll get any official confirmation about spin-offs or future appearances until after the film lands. As for Shakman, he's made it clear his focus is on bringing the Fantastic Four and their world to life by going straight to the source material. 'I'm not so much looking at the other movies,' he explained in a previous interview. 'I'm looking at the comics themselves. I'm a huge comic book fan. I've been a big fan of the Fantastic Four since I was a kid.' 'So going back to Kirby and Lee and Byrne and following all the way up to what's happening — certainly Hickman and Waid and Ryan North, what he's been doing,' he continued. 'I'm trying to figure out who these characters are to me and how to bring them to life in the best possible way, and that's really where I've started and how we've approached it.' Whether it's Shalla-Bal, Norrin Radd, or both, it's exciting to hear that Silver Surfer may finally be getting the spotlight the character deserves in the MCU. If Marvel plays its cards right, the next phase of cosmic storytelling could be one of its most ambitious yet. What are your hopes for Silver Surfer's future in the MCU? Would you be down for a solo film featuring both versions?
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Julia Garner is seen filming Marvel's Fantastic Four for first time after fans left divided over Silver Surfer role
Julia Garner was spotted for the first time on set of The Fantastic Four: First Steps in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The Ozark actress, 31 - who recently turned heads at a Gucci event in Paris - has taken on the role of the female version of Silver Surfer (Shalla-Bal) which has left some fans divided. The upcoming Marvel superhero film is set to hit theaters later this year on July 25 - after a 'woke' teaser was dropped last month in April. Garner could be seen standing on top of jagged rocks as waves crashed down around her amidst shooting what appeared to be a dramatic scene. She wore a white and blue-patterned dress that had caped details on the back and fell down past her ankles. Julia's blonde locks were combed back away from her face and at one point, she held her arms out while looking at the ocean. The movie - which is directed by Matt Shakman - also stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ralph Ineson and John Malkovich. The premise is: 'Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, the Fantastic Four must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer,' per IMDB. An adaptation of the Marvel comic was released 20 years earlier in 2005 titled Fantastic Four and had cast Jessica Alba, Ioan Gruffudd, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis and Julia McMahon in leading roles. The movie was a box office success and a sequel hit theaters in 2007 called Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer. Laurence Fishburne had voiced the character of Silver Surfer while Doug Jones portrayed the physical role. In 2015, a reboot was also dropped - but garnered negative critical reception and made $167.9 million in the box office on a budget of $120 million. Last month in April, a first look teaser was unveiled to fans ahead of the upcoming film's release - and garnered a divided reaction from fans, with some calling the movie 'woke' and others slamming the gender-swapping of Silver Surfer. One penned on X, 'Another flop for Disney,' and another typed out, 'Ehm isn't silver surfer a man? Another film ruined.' 'Silver surfer is a dude,' a social media user wrote, while one added, 'This is gonna be a woke disaster.' Another shared, 'First impressions aren't great if i'm honest,' and a fan commented, 'Totally unnecessary. Disney is still more about erasing than they are about good stories.' 'Was interested in this movie until this. Sure you could say she was in the comics, but we all know the iconic silver surfer was male. Not watching this anymore,' one added. An X user wrote, 'Since when was Silver Surfer a Woman? WTF!!' and another penned, 'There's no way this is supposed to be impressive.' Others slammed the way the visual effects looked in the trailer, such as one fan who typed, 'Looks more like Tin Foil Surfer to me.' 'How can the special effects that brought Silver Surfer to life 18 YEARS AGO, somehow, look better than the MCU version? How?!' another questioned. One also shared, 'I have zero problem with a female Silver Surfer, but am I trippin or the CGI looks a bit off?' and another said, 'I'm sure the VFX are still being worked on and hopefully it looks better when the film comes out.' Some came to the defense of Garner's casting as Silver Surfer, and a fan added, 'She looks bada**! Can't wait for the movie to come out.' One penned on X, 'Another flop for Disney,' and another typed out, 'Ehm isn't silver surfer a man? Another film ruined' 'Silver surfer is a dude,' a social media user wrote, while one added, 'This is gonna be a woke disaster' Another shared, 'First impressions aren't great if i'm honest,' and a fan commented, 'Totally unnecessary. Disney is still more about erasing than they are about good stories' 'It's crazy how you guys see a female and think she can't be a silver surfer,' one typed, and another wrote, 'y'all know there's a female silver surfer right? it took one google search to find that.' One X user shared, 'For those who thinks Marvel is misgendering The Silver Surfer, there's a female version that was introduced in 1968 as Shalla Bal. She became a Silver Surfer after she asked Galactus to spare her planet.' 'Amazing how many absolute tourists are outing themselves,' a fan commented. 'I can't wait to see more of live action Shalla Bal. And comic accurate Galactus are you kidding me??? Give now.' Julia recently opened up about taking on the role of Silver Surfer as she makes her grand debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe During an interview with Entertainment Weekly last month, the Inventing Anna actress recalled meeting with director Matt Shakman and initially believed she would not be offered a role in the film. 'I was confused because I was like, "Wait, isn't the Silver Surfer a man?" I was just like, "Okay, well, I'll play anything,"' she expressed. 'I was a very big fan of Matt's, so there was already, in my mind, like, "I should probably meet with Matt Shakman because he's a very smart director and I love his work."' Garner added, 'And then he was explaining to me that it's actually Shalla-Bal and that whole thing.' The star stated that her meeting with the filmmaker had been 'all over the place' and believed she 'wasn't actually going to get the part' due to that. 'I was like, "I don't know how he will hire me for this job." I mean, we were talking about communism, brutalist architecture, all this stuff. 'And then they were like, "You got it." I was like, "Wait, what?" So I think that we vibed, but you never know, basically, is what I'm saying,' Garner told the outlet. The actress also revealed that it was her first time doing motion capture for a project and expressed that 'it was crazy.' The Wolf Man actress continued, 'It was such a surreal experience. It was wild. Normally, last looks would be hair and makeup, and then all of a sudden, it was just wires.' When it came to filming scenes when she was riding a surfboard, Julia prepared by taking yoga classes. 'I did a lot of yoga just because I knew that I was going to be doing positions all day surfing.' Julia added, 'But it was weird - I was in motion-cap, but I mean, I wasn't eating donuts and hamburgers every day and not moving.'
