Marvel is gearing up for another major release this year, as they just dropped the new trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. With the trailer, the studio has finally unveiled the antagonist of the film, and it is none other than Shalla Bal, better known as Silver Surfer. The Empress of the planet Zenn-La will be enacting the will of Galactus by destroying Earth in order for him to consume it, while Marvel’s first family will play defence.
Played by Julia Garner, Shalla was actually Norin Radd’s (the original Silver Surfer) love interest, and both of them were separated when Radd decided to join Galactus in exchange for their planet being left alone. Hence, the reason behind Shalla helping Galactus is still unclear, but her intentions certainly aren’t. In the trailer, the Surfer descends down and asks the Fantastic Four, “Are you the protectors of this world?” To which Susan, played by Vanessa Kirby, answers, “Yes, we are.” The Surfer proceeds to tell them exactly what she is here to do and announces that Earth has been marked for death.
The story is based in a different timeline, so The Fantastic Four are the only thing standing between Earth and complete oblivion, with no other help. Fans of the group who were all grateful and filled with love at the start of the trailer question the group’s ability to protect them by the end. The trailer ends with a shot of giant feet going through the city, which undoubtedly belonged to Galactus.
Directed by Matt Shakman, the cast of the film includes Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Julia Garner and Ralph Ineson. The film will hit theatres on July 25.
