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When you’re gearing up for your debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the last thing you want is to leave fans guessing more than a Rubik’s Cube on a bad day. But when Julia Garner, the talented actress stepping into the shoes of Shalla-Bal, a female version of the Silver Surfer, was asked about her role inFantastic Four: First Steps,her answer didn’t exactly scream clarity.
It was only a matter of time before fans of the MCU andFantastic Fourfranchise started to speculate about how she would fit into the cosmic drama. However, instead of offering a clear, sharp picture of her role, Garner has decided to keep her cards close to her chest—and that’s led to a whole lot of confusion.
Julia Garner’s “shiny” comment on Shalla-Bal leaves us with more questions than answers?
Julia Garner’s ambiguous answer when asked about her role in the MCU had fans raising eyebrows. WhenScreenRantprobed her about whether her version of Shalla-Bal would be CGI or live-action, Garner, with all the enthusiasm of a cryptic wizard, simply said,
You know. I’m—it’s shiny. But all the Silver Surfers are shiny, so it doesn’t give you anything. I’m sorry. So we’ll wait and see. I’m excited.
And there it is. The excitement is palpable, but the details? Not so much. Sure, we get that Shalla-Bal’s silver skin will be part of her character, but Garner’s answer leaves a lot to be desired. No hints at how her costume will look or whether CGI will be the primary tool for rendering her metallic look. Fans who have been chomping at the bit for details are left with a glimmer of hope and a lot of question marks.
Now, it’s not that we don’t understand where Garner is coming from. After all, who wants to spoil all the juicy details before the movie even hits the screens? But here’s the thing: Marvel’s made its mark by keeping fans on the edge of their seats with teasers, set photos, and a carefully orchestrated web of mystery. Unfortunately, Garner’s “shiny” remark doesn’t exactly fit into that puzzle.
Let’s talk about the gender-swap for a second. Marvel fans have always been passionate, and some areless thrilledwith this version of Shalla-Bal. The criticism? A lot of fans feel like Marvel is pushing the “woke” envelope a little too far. The Silver Surfer, as a concept, is one of the most beloved figures in the comic world, and now the powers that be are turning the cosmic icon into something… well, different.
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In fairness, the character of Shalla-Bal was never exactly a household name before. She is, after all, the love interest of Norrin Radd (aka the original Silver Surfer). But, by switching up her gender, Marvel is walking on a very thin line, and the fans have certainly noticed. Some are upset, some are intrigued, and others are just plain confused.
At the end of the day, though, we’re all waiting for something more concrete. Will the shiny costume be all CGI, or will it have a dash of real-world magic mixed in?
We might not have the full picture yet, but Marvel’s latest move isn’t exactly lighting up the sky. In the meantime, all we can do is hang tight, try to keep an open mind, and hope that the upcomingFantastic Fourentry will deliver on the promise of its cosmic characters.
From doubt to stardom: How Julia Garner overcame career struggles
The road to stardom is rarely smooth. For many, it’s a rocky path of rejection, doubts, and the constant struggle to make a name in an industry that thrives on the fresh and the new. Julia Garner knows this all too well. Before she skyrocketed to fame with her unforgettable portrayal of Ruth Langmore inOzark, she faced a year so dry it almost forced her to throw in the towel.
As she reflected on the early years of her career, she admitted (viaPEOPLE):
When I was 21, I had a pretty dry year. This was before I booked Ozark. It wasn’t a great year for me as an actor. I felt a little hopeless. I wasn’t getting jobs for a few months. I remember thinking, ‘if I’m still in the same place in five years, I don’t want to do this’.
For Garner, those moments of doubt were not just temporary hiccups. They were the hard truths that gnawed at her confidence and made her question her future in the acting world.
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Had she walked away then, she would have missed out on everything that followed—becoming a household name, and now stepping into the superhero realm. She’s been cast in the MCU’sFantastic Four: First Steps,alongsidePedro Pascaland Vanessa Kirby.
Fantastic Four: First Stepswill hit theatres on June 12, 2025.
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3309
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
