Why Shalla-Bal Being The MCU's Silver Surfer Rather Than Norrin Radd Is Actually Perfect

The MCU’s Silver Surfer is based on Shalla-Bal instead of Norrin-Rad. This change might seem trivial, but it actually enriches the narrative notably.

April 19, 2025 · 1 min · 48 words · Jonathan Cook

Table of Contents

Shalla-Bals presence often served as a symbol of Norrins lost humanity and the life he sacrificed.

By re-centering the character around Shalla-Bal, theMCU tightens the narrative while enriching it.

Importantly, this move doesnt erase Norrin Radd from the canon.

Cast

Silver-Surfer-from-The-Fantastic-Four-First-Steps

Custom image by Yeider Chacon

silver surfer the animated series, the origins of the silver surfer part 1, Norrin Radd and Shalla-Bal looking up at Galactus scared

stills from Fantastic Four First Steps trailer

Julia Garner As Silver Surfer Speaking In The Fantastic Four First Steps

Heimdall with golden eyes in Thor

Doctor Strange, Monica Rambeau and Arishem in the MCU

Headshot Of Pedro Pascal In The 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards

Headshot Of Vanessa Kirby

Headshot Of Joseph Quinn In The Premiere Of A Quiet Place: Day One

Headshot of Ebon Moss-Bachrach

Thunderbolts (2025) Official Poster

Movies

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Marvel Cinematic Universe