Summary:
- The Marvel Cinematic Universe is bringing us The Fantastic Four, with Pedro Pascal leading the charge.
- Julia Garner, known for her role in Ozark, will play the Silver Surfer.
- However, LaKeith Stanfield isn’t happy about Garner’s casting in the role.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is preparing to introduce the Fantastic Four, led by Pedro Pascal. They’ll face off against villains like Silver Surfer and Galactus.
Julia Garner, known for Ozark, will play Silver Surfer, though some, like LaKeith Stanfield, aren’t happy with the choice.
Julia Garner Joins The Fantastic Four as Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer’s Variant
Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four has secured its Silver Surfer, and it’s none other than rising star Julia Garner.
According to sources speaking to Deadline, the Emmy winner will bring the iconic comic book character to life in the highly anticipated 2025 film.
Garner’s casting joins the roster of confirmed stars, including Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Pedro Pascal as Reed Richard/Mr. Fantastic.
Sources suggest that Garner will portray Shalla-Bal, a character based on the comic book version of Silver Surfer, although the movie’s plot remains unknown.
LaKeith Stanfield’s Concerns Regarding The Fantastic Four Casting
For those unfamiliar, Shalla-Bal is the primary love interest of Norrin Radd, also known as the Silver Surfer, in Marvel Comics canon.
Despite their desire to be together, various circumstances or Norrin’s dedication to his duties often kept them apart.
Marvel has a history of casting female actors in traditionally male roles, making this gender-swapping not entirely unprecedented.
Examples include Ajak in Eternals, Taskmaster in Black Widow, and Ghost in Ant-Man and the Wasp.
Directed by Matt Shakman, known for his work on WandaVision, The Fantastic Four is based on a screenplay by Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan, Eric Pearson, and Ian Springer.
The highly anticipated film is set to premiere next year, with production slated to begin this summer.
LaKeith Stanfield’s Concerns Regarding The Fantastic Four Casting
In 2008, LaKeith Stanfield made his big-screen debut in the independent drama Short Term 12, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, alongside Brie Larson.
Since then, Stanfield has garnered acclaim for his compelling performances, including an Academy Award nomination for Judas and the Black Messiah and his lead role in the critically acclaimed FX series Atlanta.
However, it seems he is not pleased with Julia Garner’s casting as the Silver Surfer in the upcoming Marvel movie. Stanfield expressed his dissatisfaction, stating (via CanWeGetSomeToast)
“Thought it was going to be me but ig.”
In fact, from his statement, it appeared that he was vying for the role and the project itself.
The excitement surrounding this potential casting choice has escalated, with fans flocking to social media platforms to express their desire to see Stanfield don the iconic silver suit.
Here are a few comments on the matter:
Marvel once again not giving fans what they want
— Íkaro AP (@IkaroAp) April 4, 2024
Marvel please cast him
— trizzy (@TravonL96709363) April 4, 2024
Definitely should’ve Been laKeith!!!
— zoe p (@ZoethaGOAT) April 4, 2024
Marvel’s plans for the Oscar-nominated actor remain undisclosed.
His most recent project was the role of Clarence/Thomas in the biblical comedy-drama “The Book of Clarence” (2023), helmed by writer-director James Lassiter.
Mark your calendars for the release of “The Fantastic Four” on July 25, 2025.
