This Galactus Theory on Reddit Could Explain the Female Silver Surfer in the MCU
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is gearing up for a cosmic showdown with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, introducing the mighty Galactus and a surprising twist—a female Silver Surfer, revealed as Shalla-Bal, played by Julia Garner. A captivating theory from Reddit suggests Galactus might be a singular entity across the multiverse, offering a fascinating explanation for Shalla-Bal’s role. Let’s dive into this theory, its comic roots, and what it means for the film.
What You Need to Know…
The Theory’s Core: A post from Reddit on r/MCUTheories claims Galactus is a singular entity across the multiverse, not a character with variants, explaining his varied forms like the humanoid giant or 2007’s cosmic cloud.
Shalla-Bal’s Role: Julia Garner plays Shalla-Bal as the female Silver Surfer, with the theory suggesting Galactus chose her as punishment for Norrin Radd’s 2007 defiance, adding a dramatic twist.
Fox Universe Link: The idea ties Galactus to the 2007 Rise of the Silver Surfer, surviving TVA pruning like Johnny Storm, bridging the Fox and MCU eras.
Comic Roots: Shalla-Bal’s herald role stems from Earth X, with her selection reflecting Galactus’ adaptive nature across realities.
Film Impact: First Steps could cast Galactus as a multiversal anchor, with Shalla-Bal’s backstory enriching the narrative.
What is the Reddit theory about Galactus and the female Silver Surfer?
Here’s the scoop: the theory claims Galactus is a one-of-a-kind force in the MCU multiverse, not a character with variants like others. Instead, he takes on different forms depending on the universe—think the humanoid giant from the comics or the cosmic cloud from 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.
And, for those who have already seen the film, Galactus claims that he’s a survivor from another universe. Could this universe have been the Fox Fantastic Four universe?
The thread, sparked by u/Aggressive-One-2186, proposes this Galactus survived the Time Variance Authority (TVA) pruning of the Fox universe, tying into the multiverse saga we’ve seen in Loki and Deadpool & Wolverine.
The twist? Shalla-Bal becomes the Silver Surfer, possibly as a cosmic punishment for Norrin Radd thwarting Galactus in 2007. This adds emotional weight and connects the MCU’s Fantastic Four to its Fox predecessor.
Why does the theory suggest a singular Galactus across the multiverse?
The heart of this idea is that Galactus isn’t multiplied across realities like most MCU characters. He’s a singular entity, his appearance shifting—humanoid to humans, Skrull-like to Skrulls—based on perception. The Reddit post argues he endured the TVA’s timeline pruning, a nod to his godlike status, and links him to the 2007 Fox film’s events.
This fits the MCU’s multiverse narrative, where realities intertwine. If Galactus is a constant, unaffected by resets, his choice of Shalla-Bal as a herald could even be a multiversal strategy, enriching the saga’s cosmic scope.
How does Shalla-Bal’s role as Silver Surfer tie to Marvel comics?
Shalla-Bal, Norrin Radd’s love from Zenn-La, has a rich comic history. In Earth X, she becomes a Galactus herald with the Power Cosmic, a role the theory adapts for the MCU. The suggestion is that Galactus picked her as retribution for Norrin Radd’s 2007 defiance, a move rooted in The Silver Surfer #1 (1968).
How does the theory bridge the Fox universe and the MCU’s Fantastic Four?
This theory connects the dots between the 2007 Rise of the Silver Surfer and First Steps. It posits that Galactus, surviving TVA pruning like Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine, bridges the Fox and Disney eras. Ralph Ineson, voicing Galactus, calls him “a god, of sorts,” supporting this view of a singular, timeless entity.
This challenges the comic’s multiple Galactuses, like Gah Lak Tus, favoring MCU simplification. It sets up Shalla-Bal’s role as a Fox-era vendetta, enhancing the film’s narrative.
What counterarguments challenge the singular Galactus theory?
Not everyone buys it. Some Reddit users point to comics with multiple Galactuses—Skrull Galactus-2301, Galactypus (Earth-8311)—arguing each universe has its own. A podcast rumor, unverified, debunked a singular Galactus, suggesting the MCU might keep diversity.
Yet, a singular Galactus could mirror unique MCU figures like the Living Tribunal, boosting his threat. The theory’s strength is its narrative flow, though it risks oversimplifying his comic complexity.
How could this theory shape The Fantastic Four: First Steps?
If this holds, First Steps could cast Galactus as a multiversal anchor, with Shalla-Bal linking universes. Teasers show him looming over New York, echoing his variable form. Her backstory—tied to Norrin Radd or lost love—could add heart, grounding the cosmic stakes.
The theory hints at Galactus’ return as revenge for 2007, with Shalla-Bal’s transformation as punishment, mirroring comics where he manipulates heralds. This sets up a gripping plot.
What are the critical views on the Galactus theory’s validity?
This theory is a fan favorite, but it leans on speculation and unverified leaks. A singular Galactus offers cohesion, diverging from comics’ multiversal spread. The MCU’s selective tweaks—Celestials, Kang—make it plausible, though Shalla-Bal’s wife claim lacks MCU proof.
It might oversimplify Galactus’ moral ambiguity, tied to cosmic balance. Fans await First Steps to confirm this, balancing excitement with caution on leaks.
What does the Galactus theory mean for the MCU’s future?
The r/MCUTheories post offers a thrilling take on Galactus and Shalla-Bal’s Silver Surfer in First Steps. A singular Galactus, shifting across universes, explains her role and ties Fox to MCU roots.
Reported by Ivy Adams for Pirates & Princesses. Catch the Pirates & Princesses Podcast on Spotify and other platforms. Subscribe for the latest on Marvel, Disney, fashion, travel, entertainment, and more!
Sources:
Reddit: r/MCUTheories thread by u/Aggressive-One-2186
Wikipedia: "Shalla-Bal"
Wikipedia: "Galactus"
Wikipedia: "The Fantastic Four: First Steps"
Variety: Ralph Ineson interview on Galactus
X Post by @MarvelFanatic: Praise for Shalla-Bal’s comic nod
X Post by @ComicBookTruth: Countering “woke” claims with 1968 origin
X Post by @MCUFanSpec: Debate on Shalla-Bal’s role