Fantastic Four Almost Gave Us Golden Surfer in MCU
Fans might be surprised to learn that Marvel’s Fantastic Four movie almost changed the Silver Surfer’s iconic look to a golden version. As per newly surfaced concept art from The Fantastic Four: First Steps, early designs explored a dramatically different visual direction for Shalla-Bal.
Marvel’s Fantastic Four movie almost changed Silver Surfer to golden
Newly released concept material from The Fantastic Four: First Steps reveals that Marvel Studios briefly explored a radical redesign of its Silver Surfer, experimenting with a golden appearance for Shalla-Bal.
The artwork, shared through The Artbook Collector, shows early visual proposals that considered altering the character’s signature look. The material shows that the early design drew inspiration from Frankie Raye, the Marvel Comics figure better known as Nova. The Artbook Collector wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), “The Golden Surfer?! Artist Jana Schirmer explored the idea of the Silver Surfer having a colour change in The Fantastic Four: First Steps!”
Additional material from The Fantastic Four: First Steps – The Art of the Movie explains how concept illustrator Jana Schirmer investigated whether the Surfer’s powers could visually alter her appearance. Schirmer noted that “maybe there’s some kind of oxidation going on.”
She added, “Maybe she turns gold, or if you look at the exhaust pipes on a motorcycle, they change colors because of the heat, which I thought would look cool.” Schirmer also explored alternate hairstyles and energy trail, which drew direct inspiration from Frankie Raye. (via Comic Book Movie)
In Marvel comics, Frankie Raye begins as Johnny Storm’s romantic partner before developing Human Torch-like abilities of her own. She later chooses to serve Galactus and eventually crosses paths with the Silver Surfer, forming a relationship with him.
Although early fan reactions were mixed when Marvel confirmed that the film would introduce a female Silver Surfer, the final portrayal of Shalla-Bal ultimately earned praise. Marvel Studios has not yet indicated when Shalla-Bal or Galactus will next appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on SuperHeroHype.
Source: Comingsoon.net