Julia Garner a notable actress has taken an intriguing role as the Silver Surfer in Marvel's upcoming film, " The Fantastic Four: First Steps ". She has received new attention and sparked various discussions surrounding her character choice.
Julia Garner's Role as the Silver Surfer
Julia Garner has taken on a unique version of The Silver Surfer known as Shalla-Bal. This move was made with intent as Garner desired to expand her reach into various film genres. She spoke candidly about why this type of role was what she needed for this chapter of her career.
The Challenge and Transformation
Garner said there was a mystery that intrigued her as the Silver Surfer which made her take this role that felt very different and she has never played anything like this. This character creation was filmed using motion capture adding an additional technical challenge.
Exploring Motivation for the Role
Julia shared that she was open to taking the leap to work on bigger projects and felt some artists often lack in value by not trying different approaches. By taking this role she was looking to bring in new demographics into her fan base. Her choices always push boundaries in film and entertainment.
Expanding Her Audience
She stated how unlikely it is for all of her previous roles from Inventing Anna to Ozark to be watched by the same demographics so this was an intentional attempt at connecting to multiple viewers through a more iconic franchise type setting. She also acknowledges a common perspective in the world of acting where reaching a wider base was needed to gain new interest from people across all different areas of media consumption.
The Use of Motion Capture Technology
This unique technology for "Silver Surfer" required Garner to wear a motion-capture suit during filming without her costume makeup or hairstyle. She likened the experience to an audition making her act like she was not at an actual set.
Bringing Silver Surfer to Life
It was noted to bring life to characters by letting actors rely more on their imagination as well. As other Marvel projects that have utilized motion capture for creating various characters this approach will offer something different to view in this upcoming Marvel series. It’s worth mentioning that both the "Silver Surfer" and "The Thing" both use the same motion capture process creating continuity.
About “The Fantastic Four: First Steps"
The film has a unique storyline that introduces Marvel's First Family in a retro 1960's inspired world where all are going to take on Galactus and his herald the "Silver Surfer". The team includes characters: Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach).
Major Storyline
The team faces a major challenge by trying to balance being heroes as well as forming strong family ties. All members must also defend Earth against a devouring space god that has now become a major problem that has become very personal to everyone involved.
Early Audience Reaction
There has been both excitement and concerns regarding this series most notably the female version of The Silver Surfer. Although there has been multiple reiterations of comic based characters this specific switch has made an imprint. Garner states she has embraced the unique take on this Marvel icon with a focus on mysterious aspects.
The Mystery Behind Shalla-Bal
There is a draw to the enigmatic nature of the Silver Surfer’s character, allowing a dynamic performance with an approach different from her past projects. Using a focus on history she explores both old and new concepts within her approach. This gives audiences many different questions they have yet to answer.
Key Takeaways
- Julia Garner is playing the Shalla-Bal version of Silver Surfer in Marvel’s "The Fantastic Four: First Steps".
- Garner's goal was to expand her audience while taking a role that is unique to what she has previously done.
- Motion capture was exclusively used to create this character with emphasis on using the imagination.
- "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" centers on a 1960s setting and a new challenge for all members on that journey.
- The storyline takes an iconic villain that challenges the team in a new and unique style within its timeline.