Overview

• At the London premiere, Garner said she would still do her job and clarified that she plays Shalla-Bal rather than a gender-swapped Silver Surfer.
• Shalla-Bal is introduced as the immortal Empress of Zenn-La and herald of Galactus, making her first live-action debut in Marvel’s Phase Six.
• Fan criticism over Garner’s casting faded after the February trailer earned praise for its retro-futuristic visuals and ensemble chemistry.
• Directed by Matt Shakman, the film features Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing.
• Fantastic Four: First Steps opens in theaters on July 25, 2025, expanding the MCU’s cosmic narrative with its First Family journey.