Do the Latest ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Set Photos Reveal Another Galactus’ Herald in the Movie?

“Fantastic Four: First Steps” is set to be one of the most highly anticipated MCU projects, slated for release in 2025. The film will introduce Marvel’s first family to the MCU, along with some of their most iconic villains.

It’s already confirmed that Galactus will appear, voiced by Ralph Ineson, and Julia Garner has been cast as Shalla-Ball, a female version of the Silver Surfer and Galactus’ Herald.

Filming for “Fantastic Four: First Steps” is currently underway at Pinewood Studios in London, and we’ve already seen several set leaks. These include Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm holding a young Franklin Richards, and a recent video showing crew members adjusting The Thing’s costume.

The latest set leak could be either a minor detail or a significant reveal. An image circulating on X, which appears to be from the “First Steps” set, shows a woman in black clothing covered in gold body paint. The X account Comicodigy shared the photo with the caption: “Herald of Galactus ‘Nova’ seemingly on the set of The Fantastic Four.”

Nova, however, is a distinct Herald of Galactus, unrelated to Shalla-Bal. Frankie Raye, the secret step-daughter of Phineas Horton, accidentally acquired flame powers similar to the original Human Torch and later became the girlfriend of Johnny Storm, the current Human Torch. She briefly joined the Fantastic Four before offering herself as Galactus’ new Herald, known as Nova, to save Earth and seek freedom and exploration. As Nova, she led Galactus to various planets, but the burden of destroying inhabited worlds took a toll on her mental health, leading to her dismissal. She later teamed up with former Heralds to defeat her monstrous replacement, Morg, dying in the battle, though she eventually returned.

Admittedly, this theory seems like a stretch, but it’s plausible given rumors of two Silver Surfers appearing in the film. Fans were unhappy with Julia Garner being cast as Silver Surfer, partly because they expected Norrin Radd, and partly because Shalla-Bal is relatively insignificant among Heralds. Recent rumors suggest Garner’s role will be “one and done,” with her character ultimately replaced by another Surfer.

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