Academy Award nominee and The Harder They Fall star LaKeith Stanfield recently hinted at being considered for the role of The Silver Surfer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) before Julia Garner was ultimately cast. Stanfield, known for his roles in Sorry to Bother You and Judas and the Black Messiah, expressed his thoughts on social media following the casting news.
Stanfield's post suggested that the studio was deliberating between the male Norrin Radd and the female Shalla-Bal versions of The Silver Surfer for the Fantastic Four reboot, with the latter being chosen in the end. Fans of Stanfield have since reacted to his post, expressing their support and desire to see him in various Marvel roles.
Julia Garner's casting as The Silver Surfer has generated excitement among fans, particularly due to her acclaimed performances in Ozark. While some fans have welcomed the idea of a female Silver Surfer, others have raised concerns about the franchise being perceived as 'woke.'
Furthermore, Garner's casting has fueled speculation about the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot potentially being set in an alternate universe. Rumors suggest a 1960s setting and a storyline that connects the team to the main MCU through the multiverse.
Marvel Studios officially announced the cast of the Fantastic Four reboot in February, with Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm. Directed by Matt Shakman of WandaVision fame, the film is slated for release on July 25, 2025, as part of Phase Six of the MCU.
