Will Sue Storm and Silver Surfer Steal the Show in The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps is shaping up to be a cosmic spectacle, set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025. With Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman) and Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, a female Silver Surfer, fans are buzzing with speculation about the roles these two powerhouse women will play.

Recent trailers and interviews hint at deeper, more pivotal roles for both characters, potentially redefining their place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Could Sue and Shalla-Bal be the heart of this reboot? Let’s dive into the clues and explore why they might take center stage.

Why Is Sue Storm’s Pregnancy a Game-Changer?

Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm is confirmed to be pregnant in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a detail that has sparked intense speculation. In the comics, Sue’s son, Franklin Richards, is a reality-warping mutant with universe-altering potential.

The trailer suggests this pregnancy will be a emotional and narrative anchor, adding complexity to Sue’s role as a scientist, hero, and soon-to-be mother. Sources like ScreenRant note that Sue’s pregnancy could tie into future MCU projects, such as Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars, where Franklin’s powers might play a critical role.

This development elevates Sue beyond the traditional “team mom” archetype. Kirby herself hinted in interviews that her Sue will have “tones of malice,” suggesting a fiercer, more assertive Invisible Woman.

Could she be the emotional and strategic linchpin of the Fantastic Four, navigating family dynamics while facing cosmic threats like Galactus? Her force-field powers, showcased in trailers, look more dynamic than ever, hinting at action-heavy sequences that could steal the spotlight.

Is Shalla-Bal the Silver Surfer a Cosmic Powerhouse?

Julia Garner’s casting as Shalla-Bal, a female Silver Surfer, has been a bold and divisive choice for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Unlike the more familiar Norrin Radd, Shalla-Bal is a lesser-known comic character who briefly became a Silver Surfer in the Earth X storyline.

The trailers depict her as Galactus’ herald, delivering the chilling warning, “Your planet has been marked for death.” Her sleek, CGI-crafted design and fluid movements through elements like dust storms and helicopters suggest a visually stunning presence.

Garner’s comments to Entertainment Weekly reveal her excitement about playing a “mysterious” character, hinting at a layered performance that could redefine the Silver Surfer’s gravitas. Some speculate Shalla-Bal’s role might extend beyond a mere messenger.

Posts on X and articles from GameRant suggest her inclusion could set up Norrin Radd for future MCU projects, with Shalla-Bal acting as a standalone force in this film. Her cosmic perspective and moral ambiguity could make her a fan-favorite anti-hero, potentially clashing with or even aiding the Fantastic Four.

How Do Sue and Shalla-Bal’s Roles Interconnect?

The dynamic between Sue Storm and Shalla-Bal could be a narrative highlight in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Both characters are tied to the cosmic stakes of Galactus’ arrival, but their personal motivations—Sue’s family-driven heroism and Shalla-Bal’s duty to a world-devouring entity—set up a compelling contrast.

The trailer hints at Sue’s leadership in uniting the team, while Shalla-Bal’s arrival disrupts their world. Could there be a moment where Sue’s empathy as a future mother connects with Shalla-Bal’s own tragic backstory, perhaps swaying the Silver Surfer’s loyalty?

Speculation on X suggests Shalla-Bal’s connection to Franklin Richards, given her Earth X ties to a god-like Franklin. This could foreshadow a larger role for both women in the Multiverse Saga. If Sue’s pregnancy and Shalla-Bal’s cosmic knowledge intersect, their interactions might drive the film’s emotional and philosophical core, elevating them above the male team members.

Are They Outshining the Rest of the Fantastic Four?

While Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards, Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm are undeniably central, some reports suggest Sue and Shalla-Bal might overshadow them. A rumored test screening leak cited by Bounding Into Comics claims Sue is the “main character,” holding the team together while Reed grapples with doubt.

Meanwhile, Garner’s Silver Surfer is described as a “badass” presence with significant screen time, potentially rivaling the Fantastic Four’s collective focus.

The 1960s retro-futuristic setting of The Fantastic Four: First Steps emphasizes the team’s celebrity status, but Sue’s personal stakes and Shalla-Bal’s cosmic warning could ground the story in human and existential themes. Director Matt Shakman’s vision, as revealed at Comic-Con 2024, prioritizes emotional depth over origin retellings, which bodes well for character-driven performances from Kirby and Garner.

What Does This Mean for the MCU’s Future?

The prominence of Sue Storm and Shalla-Bal in The Fantastic Four: First Steps could have ripple effects across the MCU. Sue’s pregnancy sets up Franklin Richards as a future powerhouse, potentially tying into multiversal conflicts.

Shalla-Bal’s debut might pave the way for Norrin Radd or other cosmic characters, expanding the MCU’s galactic scope. With the cast confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, both characters could influence the Multiverse Saga’s climax.

However, not all reactions are positive. Some fans on X criticize Shalla-Bal’s casting as a “woke” gender swap, though comic purists note her canonical basis. Others worry Sue’s pregnancy might sideline her action role, but Kirby’s comments and trailer footage suggest otherwise. These debates only fuel anticipation for how The Fantastic Four: First Steps will balance innovation with fidelity to the source material.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As The Fantastic Four: First Steps approaches, Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm and Julia Garner’s Shalla-Bal Silver Surfer are poised to redefine Marvel’s First Family. Their emotional depth, cosmic stakes, and potential interplay could make them the film’s true stars.

Whether they’re saving Earth or challenging its fate, these women might just steal the show—and set the MCU on a bold new course. Buckle up for a fantastic ride!