Marvel fanatics are in a proper state after the trailer dropped for the Fantastic Four reboot. Some are calling it a “woke” twist on the legendary Silver Surfer.
THE SILVER SURFER
Traditionally, Marvel has portrayed the Silver Surfer, that cosmic being who heralds the planet-munching Galactus, as a man.
Remember Doug Jones from the 2007 film, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer?
Now, Julia Garner, known for Ozark and The Wolf Man, is stepping into the role, playing Shalla-Bal, a female version of the Surfer, according to Daily Mail.
She makes a dramatic entrance in the trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps. “Your planet has been marked for death,” Garner’s Surfer declares to the heroic foursome.
THE FANTASTIC FOUR CAST
The new Fantastic Four includes Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, and Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman.
It also stars Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing.
MARVEL FANS REACT TO THE NEW SILVER SURFER
While some are amped for the reboot after the 2015 flop, the trailer has sparked outrage. Some fans are comparing it to other divisive re-imaginings, like the Snow White reboot.
One critic tweeted, “Call me the friend that isn’t woke enough, but I hate that Silver Surfer is a woman.” Another chimed in, “Silver Surfer is a dude. Disney don’t learn.”
Some fans are threatening to ditch the film altogether, which could impact how it does.
“The Fantastic Four is more M-She-U slop gender swapping the Silver Surfer, one of Marvel’s most iconic characters.
Don’t buy this new narrative that woke is dead. They’re doing the SAME things at Disney Marvel. Boycott The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” one user raged.
DIFFERENT RENDITIONS IN THE COMICS
Defenders of the trailer point out that Marvel Comics has depicted a female Silver Surfer in alternate storylines.
I don’t care there’s an alternate universe that has one, it was wack because it only lasted for 1 series!!! SILVER SURFER IS A MAN!!!!!!”
Another fan posted a side-by-side comparison of Doug Jones’ 2007 version and Julia Garner’s new version. They captioned it, “Greatest downgrade of Silver Surfer ever in Fantastic Four.”
THE MARVEL FIRST FAMILY
Someone even asked, “How long will I have to wait until I see a white Black Panther? Serious question.”
This new Silver Surfer isn’t holding back. She’s seen blasting through fiery explosions and swatting away the Human Torch like he’s nothing in the trailer.
The trailer also reveals that Sue Storm is expecting a child with Reed Richards.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer might be a new chapter for Marvel’s First Family, but it’s already shaping up to be a controversial one.
WILL AUDIENCES EMBRACE THE CHANGE, OR WILL THEY SIDE WITH THE TRADITIONALISTS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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