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The upcoming MCU Fantastic Four film has generated a great deal of buzz, particularly with its choice of a female Silver Surfer, but I’m concerned that the whole reason for this casting is to set up something I don’t necessarily want. While I’m personally excited for the possibility of seeing Shalla-Bal, her inclusion makes me wonder why they chose her instead of Norrin Rad.
Like many other long-time Fantastic Four fans, I expected the Marvel Cinematic Universe incarnation of the franchise’s Galactus storyline to tap into the iconic Norrin Rad for the First Steps role, but my expectations were upended by the revelation that the movie will feature a female Silver Surfer.
I have no complaints about the MCU’s use of Shalla-Bal, but an image of Johnny Storm holding onto her surfboard has me questioning if Marvel’s real motivation is to shoehorn in an unwanted love story.
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Johnny Storm has a long history of tragic romance throughout his comic history, and he’s had far more failed and lost relationships than anything that could be counted as a success. From the Inhuman Princess Crystal Amaquelin, who went on to marry Quicksilver, to a one-night stand with Cult of the Negative Zone’s Natasha thatleft the Human Torch dead, he doesn’t have the best romantic track record. Despite this, I’d say Johnny’s continued search for love is one of his most prominent character traits, and it wouldn’t remotely surprise me to see him try his luck with Silver Surfer.
The film is set to heavily feature Galactus, meaning Shalla-Bal will have plenty to focus her energy on, and messy involvement with the Human Torch would only detract.
With that said, just because it would be in-character for Johnny doesn’t mean it’d be the best move for the budding franchise. I’m in full support of getting more women added to the MCU roster, especially when Fantastic Four: First Steps only really has Sue Storm in the lineup so far, but I’m resolute on the idea that Silver Surfer has better things to do than get tied up with romance. The film is set to heavily feature Galactus, meaning Shalla-Bal will have plenty to focus her energy on, and messy involvement with the Human Torch would only detract.
The Silver Surfer Doesn’t Need A Romantic Relationship To Be Interesting
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I struggle to think of a romantic angle with Human Torch and Silver Surfer that would not ultimately be a disappointment. With this film being the Fantastic Four’s MCU debut, it should be setting up the idea that they belong in the massive, branching franchise, and introducing the characters and their abilities to a fresh audience. With the trailers revealing that Sue Storm is pregnant in the story, there’s plenty of love to go around, as Mister Fantastic and the Invisible Woman are already one of Marvel’s most iconic couples. Any Surfer romance should remain between Shalla-Bal and Norrin Rad.
I can’t think of a solid reason any Silver Surfer story would require that kind of approach, and ultimately it would only detract from her character.
Sue’s pregnancy could be setting up one of Silver Surfer’smost interesting comic story arcs, where Franklin Richards is Galactus and names Shalla-Bal as his herald. That alone is a film’s worth of material for the character, and there’s really no room in it to insert a relationship that I, personally, do not think would add anything to the plot. I can’t think of a solid reason any Silver Surfer story would require that kind of approach, and ultimately it would only detract from her character and present what I would consider a stale take on Johnny Storm, too.
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If my gut feeling is correct and audiences will soon be saddled with brewing connection between Silver Surfer and Human Torch, I have to at least cross my fingers and hope that it will be compelling. Joseph Quinn, who plays Johnny Storm in the upcoming film, recently stated that Human Torch would not be the womanizer he’s often depicted as in the comics and previous films. Indeed, Johnny is as notorious for one-night stands as he is for tragic and doomed love, and I don’t think it’s a bad thing if MCU steers a bit further away from that.
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Nevertheless, if Silver Surfer’s ties to Johnny (or anyone else) go beyond antagonistic or platonic, it likely wouldn’t add to the story, benefit the characters, or be genuinely necessary. Between Human Torch’s spotty history and the unexpected change from Norrin Rad to Shalla-Bal for First Steps, I can’t help but be paranoid about the potential for a relationship to interfere with what looks to be a very promising film to this longtime fan. With Fantastic Four including a female Silver Surfer, I am crossing my fingers the decision isn’t ushering in an unneeded romance with the Human Torch.
“}]] I think I know the MCU’s Silver Surfer plan. Read More