Breaking news, everyone! The MCU’s first Silver Surfer has been found for July 2025’s The Fantastic Four!

Per Deadline, Emmy-winner Julia Garner of Ozark fame has officially been cast as the Silver Surfer in The Fantastic Four! But not the Norrin Radd version — she will be playing the Shalla-Bal version of the character.

Shalla-Bal in the comics was Norrin’s (the traditional Earth-616 Silver Surfer) lover, whose life and planet he bargains with Galactus for, turning him into the conqueror’s herald, The Silver Surfer. Clearly the MCU is trying something different. Which is exciting for us and hilarious for sexist trolls.

Though Shalla-Bal in the 616 continuity is the immortal Empress of Zenn-La and the lover of Norrin Radd, in the Earth-X universe, she actually was also one of the two Silver Surfers, alongside Norrin.

Garner is a terrific actor and I’m sure she’s going to crush the role. And for purists out there, I’m sure this will only open up the door for an appearance from Norrin Radd. Until then, have faith and reserve judgement for when the final product comes out! I think it’s going to be… fantastic!

The Fantastic Four hits theaters July 25, 2025.