Marvel Studios has dropped a new clip from The Fantastic Four: First Steps, featuring Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer and the delivery of a grim prophecy — the imminent arrival of Galactus.
The Silver Surfer descends from the skies and delivers a chilling message to our superheroes and the people of Earth. “Are you the protectors of this world?” she asks The Fantastic Four. Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) responds, “Yes, we are.”
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“Your planet is now marked for death. Your world will be consumed by the devourer,” the Silver Surfer declares. “There is nothing you can do to stop him, for he is a universal force as essential as the stars.” Everyone watches on in silence as she continues: “Hold your loved ones close and speak the words you’ve been afraid to speak.” Sue and Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) look at each other in concern.
The clip ends with the messenger’s terrifying proclamation. “I herald his beginning, I herald your end. I herald… Galactus.”
The scene offers a proper look at Garner’s Shalla-Bal — a lesser-known Silver Surfer variant from the comics — and shows more of the character’s otherworldly presence. It’s a distinct take on the cosmic character and already a striking departure from past depictions.
A Different Kind of Herald
Garner spoke to Entertainment Weekly in April about her casting and how the role took her by surprise. “I was confused because I was like, ‘Wait, isn’t the Silver Surfer a man?’” she said. “And then [director Matt Shakman] was explaining to me that it’s actually Shalla-Bal and that whole thing.”
She added that the version of the character she plays has a deliberate ambiguity. “She is the herald of Galactus, so she works for Galactus, but you’re not sure where she stands… Does she stand with her boss, or is she just doing what she’s told?” Garner explained. “She has this mysterious energy about her, and slowly that mystery will get solved with the audience.”
A Cosmic Reboot Approaches
The film is directed by WandaVision helmer Matt Shakman and also stars Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. As for Galactus, the cosmic entity is played by Ralph Ineson.
Not long now! The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which marks the first chapter in Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is slated to open in Australian cinemas on July 24 and in U.S. cinemas on July 25.
