For a movie that hasn’t even begun filming yet, we’re sure getting a lot of Fantastic Four-related news lately. First came word that Julia Garner has been cast as the Silver Surfer. Then, Marvel revealed new teaser art and a list of comics that have presumably inspired the latest FF reboot.
If you’re not a hardcore FF reader, some of these reveals may raise more questions than they answer. Why is Silver Surfer a woman in the MCU? Is this movie even set in the MCU in the first place? And what’s the significance of the five comics Marvel singled out? We’re here to break down what you need to know about the latest Fantastic Four news.
How Can the Silver Surfer Be a Woman?
It remains to be seen just how faithful the MCU’s Fantastic Four will be to the comics, but it’s clear at least one major detail is changing. The new movie will introduce a female version of Silver Surfer, played by Ozark’s Julia Garner. Surfer isn’t the first Marvel character whose gender has been changed for the MCU (Captain Marvel’s Mar-Vell is also a man in the comics), but this might be the most significant example to date.
Technically, though, Marvel isn’t changing the character’s gender in this case, but rather which character becomes Silver Surfer. Traditionally, Silver Surfer’s origin depicts him as Norrin Radd, an inhabitant of the utopian world of Zenn-La. Zenn-La becomes the latest target of Galactus’ world-devouring hunger, and so Radd agrees to become Galactus’ herald in exchange for sparing Zenn-La and saving the life of his lover, Shalla-Bal.
Garner isn’t playing Norrin Radd, but Shalla-Bal. In this version of the story, it seems she’s the one who makes the bargain with Galactus. It’s she who becomes doomed to seek out other worlds for her insatiable master to consume. We assume that means Norrin is the one forced to stay behind and lead Zenn-La in his lover’s absence.
However, it’s also possible that both characters become Silver Surfer. This is the case in one particular version of the Marvel Universe introduced in 1999’s Earth X. In that twisted future version of the Marvel U., Norrin bestows a portion of his power onto Shalla and the two serve as the twin heralds of Galactus (who in this universe is actually a hyper-evolved version of Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman’s son, Franklin).
Is Fantastic Four Set in an Alternate Universe?
Rumors and speculation point to the theory that the new Fantastic Four movie is set in an alternate universe rather than the traditional MCU. It would certainly be one way of explaining the FF’s absence in the MCU up until now. Perhaps they simply don’t exist in that universe, or maybe they were stranded in another universe after the fateful spacecraft flight that gave them their powers.
The fact that the movie features the Shalla-Bal version of Silver Surfer is another sign that this theory may actually be correct. This could be a universe where the Silver Surfer’s origin plays out differently. Instead of Norrin Radd making the Faustian bargain with Galactus, it’s Shalla-Bal. But that could still mean the MCU has its own version of Silver Surfer who is Norrin Radd.
That said, it’s just as likely that Marvel made this change simply to diversify its cosmic heroes. Outside of Guardians of the Galaxy characters like Gamora, Mantis and the recently introduced Phyla-Vell, Marvel’s cosmic superhero lineup tends to skew heavily male. That includes Nova, Beta Ray Bill, Darkhawk, Gladiator and Adam Warlock. Rather than setting up an alternate universe, Marvel may simply want to level the playing field a bit.
However, there’s another clue that Fantastic Four is set in an alternate universe. Marvel recently debuted the following teaser image as part of their 4/4 Day event:
This image of Joseph Quinn’s Human Torch is set against the backdrop of New York City, but that skyline is very unlike the one seen in the MCU. There’s a clear retro-futuristic quality to this city that strongly suggests it’s set in an alternate version of New York. And don’t forget the original FF teaser art, which includes an iconic Life Magazine cover from 1963.
Taken together, these teasers hint that the film is set in an alternate Marvel Universe where the year is 1963 and technology and fashion have taken their own turn. The FF themselves may have influenced the course of history, with Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards using his technology to build a bigger, better version of New York City. But what happens when Galactus arrives to consume everything? And if this isn’t the MCU, there’s no guarantee Earth will be saved in the end.
The Fantastic Four Comics That Influenced the Movie
Also as part of 4/4 Day, Marvel released a list of five comics that have presumably influenced the plot of the upcoming Fantastic Four movie. The list of comics is presented in the form of a message from the Future Foundation, an organization spearheaded by the Fantastic Four that mentors various child geniuses (including Reed and Sue’s own daughter, Valeria). Is this a clue we’ll see the Future Foundation in the new movie as well?
It’s worth taking a closer look at each one to see what they reveal about the tone and plot of the FF reboot.
Fantastic Four #1
It makes sense that the new movie would go back to the very beginning for its reboot of Marvel’s First Family. This is the very first Fantastic Four comic, and the first of many FF adventures from creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. It chronicles the team’s origin story, as brilliant scientist Reed Richards, his girlfriend Sue Storm, Sue’s kid brother Johnny and skilled pilot Ben Grimm take an ill-fated ride on a spaceship and are bombarded by cosmic rays. That radiation transforms them into something fantastic (maybe not so fantastic in Grimm’s case).
This issue is notable for downplaying the superhero elements that would become commonplace in the series a few issues later. The FF didn’t don costumes and become a full-fledged superhero team right out of the gate. There’s an almost body horror element to this issue as the characters confront their respective transformations.
That could be a clue as to the role they play in the film. They may be less traditional Marvel superheroes and more a dysfunctional family of metahuman adventurers. But perhaps the arrival of Galactus forces this motley crew to become something more to save their world.
Fantastic Four #48-50
It’s no surprise Marvel is looking to this trio of Fantastic Four issues for inspiration. This is the original Silver Surfer and Galactus storyline - a rare three-part tale in an era when superhero comics mainly focused on standalone issues.
These three issues pit the FF against Galactus and his herald with the fate of Earth in the balance. Even The Watcher shows up to warn our heroes of their impending doom. Does that mean we should expect Jeffrey Wright to reprise his What If…? role in the film? It’s possible.
If the movie is anything like these issues, expect the focus to be on Silver Surfer as she’s won over by the humanity shown by the FF and turns against her master. Also expect a tense climax as Reed Richards seeks out some device or invention that can turn the tide against the unstoppable Galactus. But again, with all the signs that point to this movie being set in an alternate universe, there’s always the possibility that the FF won’t be able to save their world.
Fantastic Four: Life Story #1
This limited series from writer Mark Russell and artist Sean Izaakse is set in an alternate universe where the Fantastic Four and other characters age in real time. It begins in the 1960s and serves as a retelling of the FF’s many adventures as the team slowly ages and grows apart.
The fact that Marvel is singling out the first issue of the series is another sign that the new movie is likely a period piece set in the 1960s. We’ll probably see a movie set against the backdrop of the Space Race (or whatever version of it existed in this Marvel Universe). We assume the film will avoid some of the darker developments in later issues of the series, however.
Earth X
Marvel didn’t specifically include Earth X in the list of comics that inspired the new movie, but it’s still worth mentioning these comics because they introduced the idea of Shalla-Bal becoming Silver Surfer. Earth X is sort of the Dark Knight Returns of the Marvel Universe - a story set in a grim, alternate future where things have turned out badly for many heroes. That includes Reed Richards, who is one of the central figures of the original story.
In this universe, Silver Surfer eventually bestows some of his power onto Shalla-Bal and they become the twin heralds of Galactus. Will the movie follow that example, or is Shalla-Bal Silver Surfer instead of Norrin Radd? Whatever the case, we don’t foresee the movie drawing too much inspiration from Earth X. It’s a dark story, and everything we’ve seen of the new Fantastic Four so far suggests something more hopeful and uplifting.
For more on the new Fantastic Four movie, find out how the reboot can take advantage of Marvel’s biggest weakness and learn why Doctor Doom should be played by a voice actor.
Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.
