Breakout star of Ozark, Julia Garner has been cast as Silver Surfer in Matt Shakman’s Fantastic Four movie. The news was reported first by Deadline and it indicates Galactus will indeed be the main villain of the upcoming reboot. Garner’s star rose as one of the lead characters (Ruth) in Netflix drama series Ozark. Cue a few Emmy awards later and by the time Ozark ended Garner was on the hot list. Now she will make her first steps into the franchise world within Fantastic Four.

As per the trade.

‘Sources tell Deadline that Emmy winner Julia Garner is set to play the iconic comic book character in Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four. Pedro Pascal will play Reed Richards (aka Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby is Sue Storm (aka the Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn is Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach is Ben Grimm (aka the Thing).’

Now, you know and I know, that the army of neckbeards and misogynists online will be preparing hate videos as we speak. Or, they may even already be up. How dare Marvel gender swap Surfer, etc, etc.

However, there is one key detail from Deadline‘s report, which I believe helps this make sense. Though, eveyrone’s is entitled to their opinion I guess.

‘While plot details for this film are unknown, sources say Garner will play Shalla-Bal, a version of Silver Surfer from the comics.’

Specifically for those who pretend to know the comics only, Shalla-Bal is the wife of Norrin Rad. I doubt most of the grifters will even bother mentioning this detail. In the comics Norrin Rad agrees to become Herald of Galactus in order to save his own world from the god-like villain. Norrin’s main reason being it saves his wife Shalla-Bal.

Theory

Now bear in mind some of the rumors for this movie. The one I’m thinking of is that Fantastic Four is not set in the 616 Universe. This is an alt-Universe story and we can therefore assume things do not go well. Ultimately we need this team to abandon their own Universe and end up in the 616 either before or after Secret Wars.

Now add in that Marvel is rumored to be working on a Silver Surfer project. Therefore, I think I can see how this may play out? Eventually 616 Earth will face the same threat from Galactus. However, this time it’s Norrin Rad and not Shalla-Bal who is his Herald. Then Reed and co can turn Surfer to their side like the comic book arc. Ultimately making a deal with Galactus to leave Earth alone. This would also mean Garner could return in the role of Shalla-Bal within the Silver Surfer project but not be the one who becomes Surfer.

Now, I could be wrong, and Garner is the 616 Surfer and will also star in the Surfer project. However, I think my theory is at least worth exploring if nothing else.

RELATED: Fantastic Four Set In Alt Universe – Avengers 5 Begins Filming Next Year | Barside Buzz

Few other small bits of news for Fantastic Four. Deadline’s Justin Kroll also took to social media after this story was published. Namely to state that although Galactus is the antagonist, Marvel has not yet cast the role, or offered it out. One of the names long rumored was Javier Bardem, but it seems like a deal is still to be done with an actor. Finally some rumors from Daniel RPK on his Patreon. He says both Franklin and Valeria Richards will also be cast for the film. That’s a rumor we have heard before, also from RPK actually. However, he does say he’s heard the FF will be a famous superhero team in their own Universe. They’ve been around for a while.

So, what do you think as Julia Garner has been cast as Silver Surfer in Matt Shakman’s Fantastic Four movie? Thoughts below as always.

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