Julia Garner Confirms Silver Surfer is 100% Motion Capture in Fantastic Four Reboot!

Approximately two decades after Weta Digital swapped actor Doug Jones with a computer-generated Silver Surfer in the 2007 film, “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”, Marvel Studios is utilizing motion capture technology to transform actress Julia Garner into Cosmic Guardian, the Sentinel of the Spaceways. Garner, who won an Emmy for her role in “Ozark” and starred in “Wolf Man”, will portray Shalla-Bal’s version of the character in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”. This film also employs motion capture technology, which has been used in various productions such as Gollum from “The Lord of the Rings”, the Na’Vi from “Avatar”, and the Hulk from “The Avengers”, for the transformation of co-star Ebon Moss-Bachrach into the Thing.

In an interview with the fashion and lifestyle magazine “Who What Wear”, Garner disclosed details about her highly secretive Marvel character. She revealed that the Silver Surfer, in this particular movie, will not only be computer-generated imagery (CGI), but also involve motion capture technology for a more realistic portrayal.

She stated, “You should visualize everything while performing, as if you’re trying out for a role.” Despite having the sets, she didn’t have her costume, makeup, or hair prepared.

In other words, she was required to imagine herself fully in character, even without the usual props and preparation commonly found on set. This is particularly challenging for Garner, who has primarily worked in dramas like “The Americans” and “The Assistant.” Her next role will be portraying an interstellar herald of the planet-devouring Galactus, opposite Ralph Ineson, in a genre that is relatively new to her – performance capture, similar to what’s used in superhero movies.

She expressed her keen fascination, “I’ve been drawn to the Marvel world.” She continued, “What many actors underestimate is the significance of connecting with a diverse audience. To me, this is crucial. It wouldn’t be rational to assume everyone would watch ‘Inventing Anna,’ ‘Ozark,’ or ‘The Assistant.’ However, the opportunity to engage people from various backgrounds and gain fans worldwide? That prospect truly excited me.

The reimagined Silver Surfer by Garner deviates from the original character introduced in Fantastic Four #48, Norrin Radd. Unlike Norrin who volunteered to be Galactus’ herald to protect his homeworld Zenn-La and Shalla-Bal, a woman he loves, this new version is gender-swapped. (In an alternate universe, a female Silver Surfer was presented in the Earth X series.)

As a film critic, I found myself captivated by the enigma surrounding the Silver Surfer. This elusive quality was crucial in my portrayal of the character, given its iconic status. Playing this unique role was far from ordinary for me, as I’ve never encountered a character quite like him before.

The new version of Marvel’s Fantastic Four, helmed by Matt Shakman (from WandaVision), is depicted in a lively setting that combines the spirit of the 1960s with futuristic elements. According to the plot summary, the story revolves around Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). They encounter their toughest challenge yet, as they strive to uphold their heroic duties while maintaining the strong familial ties that bind them. Their mission involves protecting Earth from a voracious space deity named Galactus and his mysterious emissary, Silver Surfer. The threat of Galactus consuming the planet is already daunting enough, but it soon becomes personal.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in theaters July 25.

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2025-01-23 02:42