Julia Garner Spotted as Shalla-Bal on Set of The Fantastic Four: First Steps During Additional Photography in Los Angeles

Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps reshoots are currently taking place in Los Angeles.

Most recently, a first look at Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal on the set of The Fantastic Four: First Steps leaked online during additional photography in Los Angeles.

In the images, Garner’s Silver Surfer appears in human form but maintains the look and personality of the character. It’s likely that Marvel will apply the Silver Surfer’s full appearance using CGI during post-production.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Garner spoke about the ambiguity of the Silver Surfer in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. She said, “Does she stand with [Galactus], or is she just doing what she’s told? She has this mysterious energy about her, and slowly that mystery will get solved.”

In the first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Garner’s Silver Surfer appears and asks the Fantastic Four, “Are you the protectors of this world?” Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) replies, “Yes, we are.” The Silver Surfer then says, “Your planet is now marked for death.”

In a recent interview with Who What Wear UK, Garner said that acting in a motion capture suit required her to imagine everything—as if she were auditioning—even though physical sets were present. Without costumes, hair, or makeup, she had to rely entirely on her performance to bring Shalla-Bal to life.

She said, “With the Silver Surfer, there’s still something very mysterious about it. That mystery is very important to me as an actor. It’s such an iconic character, and it felt very different for me. I’ve never played a character like that.” She added, “You have to imagine everything when you’re doing it, as if you’re auditioning. Even though we had the sets, I didn’t have my costume or hair and makeup or anything.”

Recently, Deadline reported that The Fantastic Four: First Steps will not be an origin story. The film will begin four years after the team becomes heroes. Here’s the official logline: “Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm / Invisible Woman (Kirby), Johnny Storm / Human Torch (Joseph 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 hits theaters and IMAX on July 25, 2025.