Why Marvel’s Gender-Swapped Silver Surfer Was The Right Choice In Fantastic Four: First Steps

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Contains spoilers for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”

In some online communities, transforming a character’s gender is seen as disrespectful and hurtful to devoted fans, similar to insulting them or desecrating their cherished memories. Consequently, the news that Julia Garner would portray a female version of Silver Surfer in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” was received with a fair amount of apprehension, to understate it. In fact, when director Matt Shakman approached her for the role, Garner confessed to Deadline that she was initially puzzled, questioning, “Wait, isn’t the Silver Surfer male?” She then added, “Alright, I’ll play anything.

In essence, it’s important to acknowledge that multiple female characters have assumed the role of Silver Surfer within Marvel Comics over time. Specifically, in this instance, we’re discussing Shalla-Bal, who steps into the role previously held by Norrin Radd due to an agreement made to save her and their planet from Galactus. However, it’s worth noting that this twist doesn’t significantly impact the plot of the film.

Moreover, since “Fantastic Four: First Steps” unfolds on Earth-828, whereas the main Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) stories primarily occur on Earth-616, there remains a possibility for Norrin Radd to join the MCU in future narratives, respecting the established timeline.

After viewing “First Steps,” it’s evident that making the Silver Surfer character female was necessary in this tale to emphasize its themes about motherhood and the extraordinary measures parents take to shield their kids.

Shalla-Bal’s arc is a testament to the strength of motherhood

The essence of motherhood is central to “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” The story begins with Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) revealing a positive pregnancy test to her spouse, Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal). During negotiations with Galactus (Ralph Ineson), Sue’s pregnancy catches his attention. In exchange for sparing Earth, he requests Franklin, sensing immense power within the baby, as he aims to make him his successor, relieving himself of the perpetual hunger that drives him to consume entire planets. Predictably, the team declines, and eventually, Sue delivers Franklin aboard their spaceship during their journey back to Earth.

In general, the masses grow enraged at the Fantastic Four for risking the planet’s safety when they might have given up Franklin to save everyone. However, Sue refuses this option. Even as Reed acknowledges it as a horrific possibility, Sue maintains her resolve to find a solution that safeguards both their child and the world. Likewise, we discover that Shalla-Bal was presented with an unethical proposition by Galactus: she would become his herald, and he would spare Zenn-La and her child. Instead, she seeks another way to protect them both.

In a similar vein, both mothers prioritize their children’s safety, yet they adopt contrasting methods. Shalla-Bal secures her child’s survival along with countless others, but at the expense of numerous other planets. On the other hand, Sue could safeguard Earth by giving up Franklin to Galactus, who would ultimately consume multiple worlds as well. In both instances, the children are rescued; however, the mothers unintentionally condemn many other lives – women, men, and children. The revelation of Shalla-Bal’s complicity in such destruction leads her to renounce her position as Galactus’ herald and assist the Fantastic Four in banishing him from Earth, seeking redemption for her wrongdoings.

Mothers like Sue Storm and Shalla-Bal carry the weight of the universe

In the time leading up to its premiere, Vanessa Kirby shared insights about Sue Storm’s character complexity with People. She noted, “Sue Storm was indeed a mother, and in the comics, this is so deeply ingrained. However, she’s also a team member who faces and overcomes significant threats.” It seems that society often expects more from mothers than fathers, as being a great dad might just involve showing up and doing slightly more than the bare minimum, while many women must excel as moms in addition to their roles as cooks, homemakers, and professionals. If Reed Richards had considered handing Franklin over to Galactus, viewers might have been understanding. But would they have forgiven Sue for the same decision?

Kirby’s remark underscores the fact that mothers are often required to be both a nurturer and guardian for their children, as well as for everyone else around them. In Sue’s situation, she could have potentially saved the world by sacrificing her son, yet she wouldn’t have been able to bear the emotional burden of losing him, knowing that he would then destroy worlds. Shalla-Bal, however, didn’t grapple with such internal conflicts. She rescued her daughter but condemned many others to their deaths, a fate that likely includes countless mothers and children who were preparing for their last moments together.

In reality, Shalla-Bal likely had few options to save her daughter before the Silver Surfer’s transformation. However, when she was reminded of her role as a mother and the worlds she had contributed to destroying, she made the correct choice in the end. There is a valid reason for Galactus to be wary of the Silver Surfer, but above all, he should never underestimate the might of mothers.

– Instead of “Truth be told,” use “To be honest.”
– Instead of “pre-Silver Surfer transformation” use “before the Silver Surfer changed.”
– Instead of “But when reminded of her motherhood and the worlds she helped destroy,” use “However, after being reminded of her role as a mother and the destruction she caused to other worlds.”
– Instead of “there’s good reason for Galactus to fear the Silver Surfer,” use “Galactus has valid reasons to be afraid of the Silver Surfer.”
– Instead of “But more than anything, Galactus should never underestimate the power of mothers” use “Above all, Galactus must never underestimate the strength of mothers.

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2025-07-25 06:00