Fantastic Four: First Steps - Is Silver Surfer a villain in the 2025 Marvel movie? Details explored

Fantastic Four: First Steps was one of the most anticipated movies of the year. One of the most iconic superhero teams in comic book history was back to our screens. Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm face a cosmic threat that could destroy Earth.

The movie has some great visuals and storytelling. It's focus is more on family and sacrifice. But the most talked about character is none other than the Silver Surfer. She is played by Julia Garner. But is this mysterious character the villain of the movie? Or is there more to her story?

Julia Garner plays Shalla-Bal in Fantastic Four: First Steps. This version of the Silver Surfer is inspired by the comics. Galactus is the cosmic entity known for devouring planets. Norrin Radd is the Herald of Galactus in the original comics. But this movie version introduces Shalla-Bal as the Herald of Galactus. She arrives on Earth with a warning. The planet has been “marked for death”. And that's where it all begins.

Disclaimer: The article reflects the writer's opinions. Readers' discretion is advised.

Fantastic Four: First Steps - Silver Surfer’s role explained

Julia Garner in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Image via Marvel Studios)

Fantastic Four: First Steps shows the Silver Surfer as the first main obstacle the heroes face. She’s introduced as Galactus’s Herald. She arrives from space to prepare Earth for destruction. Her first confrontation with the team is tense and they almost immediately recognize her as a threat.

She comes with nothing but a warning:

“Your planet has been marked for death.”

That line alone tells viewers that she’s not here as a friend. The movie has several action sequences where she fights the Fantastic Four with her power as she surfs through energy fields. Devastating shockwaves are created as a result. So she is clearly portrayed as an antagonist in the beginning.

But calling her a villain doesn’t quite fit. Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four: First Steps is described by the filmmakers as mysterious and emotionally layered. She’s not evil for the sake of it. She’s just loyal to Galactus. After all he gives her power in exchange for her service.

There are moments in the movie where you can see conflict in her actions. You'll also see small glimpses that suggest she questions what she’s doing. This version of the Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four: First Steps is driven by loyalty, guilt, and a strange sense of purpose. That makes her less of a monster and more of a tragic figure. Her expressions reveal that she’s aware of the destruction she’s part of. Even if she feels powerless to stop it.

Fantastic Four: First Steps makes it clear that Silver Surfer is not a villain. She is someone complex who brings moral tension to the story. She challenges the team to see the bigger picture. To fight not just to win, but to understand. Her story connects to the film’s themes of choice and consequence.

Julia Garner’s portrayal gives her strength and sadness. It proves that there are shades of grey even in a world of heroes and cosmic gods. So she enters as an enemy but leaves as something pretty compelling and tragic. And she could very well be a hero who's just caught on the wrong side of fate.