Fantastic Four: First Steps Writer Says Johnny Storm and Silver Surfer Had More Flirty Scenes in Early Drafts

The Fantastic Four: First Steps writer Eric Pearson revealed that his earlier drafts featured much more playful, one-sided flirtation from Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) toward the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Pearson described Johnny’s advances as “endearing,” adding a charming dynamic between the two characters.

Speaking to THR, Pearson explained that many of the flirtatious moments between Johnny Storm and Shalla-Bal were cut during the final edit, leaving only subtle hints of Johnny’s affection. He noted that even with fewer scenes, Shalla-Bal could still be moved by Johnny’s dedication and his willingness to go to great lengths to save Earth.

“In my drafts, there’s a lot more Johnny–Surfer flirtation, or one-way flirtation,” Pearson said. “It was all him, but endearing. And it’s such an interesting thing when you put the cuts together.” He added, “There’s so much less of it. Perhaps that’s all you needed for her to be touched by his affection for her and how far he was going to go to save the planet. That emotional gamut is a cool thing. You can’t solve everything with science.”

In The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Shalla-Bal is an alien–human hybrid from the planet Zenn-La and the mother of a young daughter. After living a peaceful life on her homeworld, her world is threatened when Galactus appears, intent on destroying it. To save her people from annihilation, she agrees to become his herald, transforming into the Silver Surfer. Endowed with cosmic powers, she can breathe in space and is fluent in both her native language and English.

Here’s the plot details for The Fantastic Four: First Steps:

Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm / Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm / Human Torch (Quinn), and Ben Grimm / The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet — and everyone on it — weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

The film also stars Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Niles. Directed by Matt Shakman, produced by Kevin Feige, and executive produced by Louis D’Esposito, Grant Curtis, and Tim Lewis.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now playing in theaters and has grossed $434.2 million worldwide.

Source: THR