Earlier today, we informed you about Julia Garner joining MCU’s The Fantastic Four as the Silver Surfer. However, the Ozark actress will play a different version of the comic book character. She will portray the Shalla-Bal version of the character in the film.
Who is Shalla-Bal?
In the comics, Shalla-Ball ruled over Zenn-La, a fictional utopian planet in the Deneb System. She was also the lover of Norrin Radd, a scientist who later became the Silver Surfer. The pair has gone through many troubles to keep their love alive. For instance, when Galactus threatened to consume Zenn-La, Radd made a bargain, becoming the Silver Surfer as a result. He became Galactus’ herald as the Silver Surfer and agreed to search suitable planets for him to devour. Radd accepted the offer due to his love for Shalla-Bal. Radd’s love for Shalla-Bal was too strong, inspiring him to protect her and her home planet from Galactus.
Norrin and Shalla-Bal loved each other. But the former’s obligations as the Silver Surfer kept pulling them apart. Later, she becomes the Keeper of the Great Truth, forcing her to enforce Zenn-La’s ways and culture on other planets across the galaxy. This puts her in conflict with the Silver Surfer and many of the Earth-616’s superheroes.
Marvel could omit or reduce the screentime of Norrin Radd’s version of the Silver Surfer in The Fantastic Four, enabling the makers to focus more on Shalla-Bal. The character was voiced by Camilla Scott in the 1998 Silver Surfer animated series. Now, Julia Garner is set to portray the character in the live-action form for the first time. Stay tuned for more updates.