Silver Surfer’s Shocking Gender Swap in Fantastic Four: First Steps

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Summary

  • Female Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four: First Steps expands multiverse lore with unique possibilities.
  • The speculated gender swap for Silver Surfer in the MCU might lead to deeper character development.
  • Silver Surfer being gender-swapped is a familiar creative choice in the comic book genre.

In 2025, few titles have sparked as much enthusiasm among fans as “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Alongside Superman, it is one of the most eagerly awaited releases this year. Both die-hard MCU followers and casual audiences are justified in their excitement for several reasons – the debut of Marvel’s original family under the MCU label after two previous adaptations, and a visually appealing blend of retro-futuristic style. Marvel Studios recently released a full-length trailer for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” giving fans a glimpse into what they have been eagerly waiting for – the antics of the Fantastic Four family. Reed Richards is seen stretching, The Thing is shown carrying a vehicle and tugging at a ship, Johnny ignites, Sue demonstrates her powers, and Galactus’ feet are depicted stomping on skyscrapers.

As a passionate comics enthusiast, I must admit that this latest trailer didn’t entirely escape criticism, but it’s no surprise when you consider the intriguing blend of tradition and innovation that comic book trailers often offer, complete with a dash of dissent. The casting of Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic and the design of The Thing are still subjects of intense debate. However, what set the comic book community abuzz – in an unpleasant manner – was none other than Silver Surfer. In this movie adaptation, the character is portrayed by Julia Garner, a departure from the male version we’ve grown accustomed to. Some fans have cried “Marvel went ‘woke'” regarding the Silver Surfer’s gender switch, but seasoned comics aficionados should stay unfazed. In fact, a female Silver Surfer could potentially bring advantages that her male counterpart may not possess.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Silver Surfer Was Not Gender Swapped

The Silver Surfer’s Legacy Is More Than Just Norrin Radd

Most people who are familiar with The Fantastic Four concept would recognize the Silver Surfer, often known as Norrin Radd, the Herald of Galactus. While his 2007 live-action debut in “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” made him widely known to mainstream audiences, it’s worth noting that the role of the Silver Surfer is actually a cosmic position rather than an individual. In Marvel Universe history, various characters have assumed this role, not all being male. For instance, in Earth-829, Juno, the granddaughter of Hercules, took on the Silver Surfer’s form to prevent Galactus from destroying another planet. Shalla-Bal, the lover of Norrin Radd, is yet another example.

In the comic series “Fantastic Four: First Steps”, Shalla-Bal – known as the Silver Surfer – was changed into her form by Franklin Richards in the universe named Earth X, making her Galactus’ Herald alongside Norrin. Characters like Maybelle Parker from Earth-8417, Candy Goodstroke of Earth-8908, Nancy Whitehead, and Scout from Earth-616 are other female adaptations of this character. Creating a female version of this iconic symbol is not about betraying the original or pandering to any group, but rather a logical progression in exploring the vastness of the multiverse.

A Shalla-Bal Silver Surfer Might Be What This Alternate Universe Requires

In a somewhat intriguing manner, venturing into multiple universes (often referred to as “multivers-ing”) provides the MCU with a substantial creative edge following “Avengers: Endgame“. This allows writers to delve into various corners of alternate timelines without drastically modifying the primary timeline that fans have grown accustomed to. For example, in “Fantastic Four: First Steps“, Marvel’s first family exists in a different universe. To put it simply, Shalla-Bal’s presence doesn’t breach canon; instead, it broadens and enriches it.

There’s talk among some knowledgeable folks that the “gender-swap” is intended to allow for better character growth for Norrin Radd in future MCU films, rather than squandering a significant character in a timeline they may never revisit again. If Shalla-Bal manages to make it through this movie, though, further appearances can’t be completely dismissed.

Shalla-Bal, a character we’re introducing, has an intriguing dynamic with Doctor Doom, who is slated as the main antagonist in the upcoming phase of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This relationship holds potential storylines that Kevin Feige could explore if she stays. Moreover, Shalla-Bal marks the debut of a female Silver Surfer in live action. Why not leverage this unanticipated twist to intrigue only MCU fans?

Gender-Swapping Isn’t New To The Comic Book Genre, Nor Is It Always Fatal

If we imagine that Silver Surfer’s gender was changed, it might not be as drastic an alteration as one might initially presume, despite potential concerns from longtime fans. Superheroes, whether in comic books, animated series, or live-action adaptations, are not inflexible when it comes to change. While iconic figures like Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, and the Hulk often carry a significant amount of cultural baggage associated with their characters (making them seem untouchable), lesser-known heroes (B and C-listers) are more open to creative revisions.

To illustrate, let’s consider Ghost, as portrayed in the movie ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this character is one of the seven confirmed members of the Thunderbolts. In the comics, Ghost was originally a male inventor and hacker who could become invisible and intangible due to his suit. However, in the MCU, the character has been reimagined as Ava Starr, a female version of Ghost with a new background. This transformation resulted in her maintaining her comic abilities, but without the need for a suit and the prodigious intellect that was traditionally associated with the character. This change transformed Ghost from an unmemorable villain into a compelling antihero.

While some may dispute it, The Silver Surfer isn’t on par with characters like Spider-Man or Superman. However, whether this affects a Fantastic Four story remains unclear. Nonetheless, early signs suggest that The Fantastic Four: First Steps is shaping up to be a financially and critically successful movie. If there’s any cause for concern about Julia Garner’s portrayal of the Silver Surfer, it’s the subpar CGI, which makes the 18-year-old version appear groundbreaking in comparison.

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2025-04-19 23:44