EDITORIAL: A Silver Surfer movie in the Marvel universe could it work?

Karlel01 returns proposing yet another possible comic book movie this time about one of my all time favourites The Silver Surfer and how he could fit into Marvels shared universe

By Karlel01 - Jun 09, 2012 12:06 PM EST
Filed Under: Fan Fic

Marvel studios are on top form right now and with their shared universe concept the best is yet to come. They have nailed Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and Captain America perfectly and by bringing them together for the Avengers along with Hawkeye, Black Widow, Fury and the rest of Shield they have raised the bar for every Comic Book Movie that comes after.



Now there is a lot of talk about where the universe will go from here as we know a Thor and a Cap sequel are on the way and Iron Mans third movie is already shooting also I’ve heard rumours of a Hulk solo movie from his huge success in the Avengers but from what I believe its all rumours for now. But that’s not all as fans were keeping our fingers crossed for Marvel to bring other heroes to their universe to play a part in Avengers 2 and I think the favourites I’ve heard are Spiderman, Black Panther, Doctor Strange and Antman but even though these are good choices are there any others that could do or more to the point any others that would fit in the story better.

Now this is just me expressing my opinion and it is a very biased opinion because I love the character but the one hero that I would love to have their own movie and possibly even turn up in the Avengers sequel is …. The Silver Surfer.


What I would like to do is explain why this character could have his own movie and furthermore why he could have a place by the teams side in the Avengers.

First I’d like to just give a brief synopsis on how the story pans out and then go into detail reasons for the movie and key parts that the movie should introduce!

The movie could begin with us seeing Zemm-La a beautiful and cultured planet, from here we can get to know Norrin Radd, his life on the planet and his love with Shalla-Bal later the Watcher could appear declaring he is breaking his oath not to interfere and warns the planet of the legendary Galactus who is approaching and intending to feed on their planet, after a struggle and Zemm-La falling victim to the hunger of Galactus, Norrin Radd manages to fly an aircraft into space towards the World Eater himself and declares if he would spare his planet then he will serve him as his herald and find other planets in the universe that his new master could feed on (his intention was to lead him to uninhabited planets).

We then see Norrin Radd changed forever into the Silver Surfer and although Galactus stays true to his word with sparring Zemm-La, Norrin’s memory is wiped and throughout the movie we see him serve Galactus, however towards the end Norrin starts to remember his past life and when he chooses Earth as his masters next meal he realises the wrong he is doing and chooses to fight his master to defend humanity.


Diversity
What was great about the Avengers I find is they all were different Hulk was the raging engine of destruction, Iron Man was the technological marvel, Captain America was the living legend and leader and Thor was the God of Thunder and showed many times why he got that title, if Silver Surfer came aboard he would bring to the group a cosmic universal being and continue the diversity in the team.


Thanos
As we know Thanos has been introduced in the end credits of the Avengers and can be fair to say from here on out he is going to be the guy pulling the strings. The great thing about this is Thanos is one of Silver Surfers enemies as he seeks the power to control Galactus and so if the Surfer joins the team then they would have some knowledge of their enemy and in his solo movie Thanos could have a bit of screen time allowing his character to develop before the Avengers sequel.

Now this isn’t to say Thanos should be a main villain in the Surfer movie as I’m sure he’d fit that role better in another Avengers movie but he should be introduced and a rivalry between the Surfer and Thanos could be approached.

Ok well if Thanos isn’t going to be the big villain who is… Galactus?

In a way yes, he is the sort of nemesis to the Surfer but at the same time they do not have the good vs evil relationship like Captain America has with Red Skull or Batman does with the Joker because Galactus isn’t necessary evil he more just doesn’t care what happens to the universe as he see’s himself (and rightly so) as a far more important being than anyone else and even though he eats and destroys entire planets its not to fill some evil agenda its merely his belief that they are his to feed on.


He has also on many occasions showed signs of mercy and honour not only to the Surfer but other characters as well. Having said that however he is a threat and should be seen as the villain to the movie in most aspects.
The problem here is Galactus is basically a god in both size and terms of power and intellect, therefore his presence on the screen has to be intimidating but also incredible to see, having him make the deal with Norrin Radd at the beginning and the inevitable fight between the Surfer when he turns his sights on Earth at the end of the film should be the only time he appears on the screen (perhaps a clip here and there in the middle but nothing to big) now here’s the problem Galactus can’t be in the movie constantly it will take away the excitement when he does appear so therefore a secondary villain or villains should make an appearance to keep the surfer busy during the centre piece of the movie whilst Norrin is regaining his memories and carrying on his quest as Galactus herald, this is a perfect reason to introduce the Kree and Skrulls.


For those who are unfamiliar these are two warring races that are not only involved in the Silver Surfer comics but are also in the Avengers, in fact it was believed by many until the Chitauri were confirmed that the Skrulls were in fact Loki’s secret army. While the Surfer is doing his master bidding and finding planets for Galactus to feed on he could encounter the Skrull/Kree war inevitably causing the two warring races to abandon their home worlds and their war to flee from the Surfer’s presence.

Wait, wait isn’t Silver Surfer part of the Fantastic Four storyline not the Avengers?

Yeah this is tough because in the comics it is in fact the Fantastic Four that first encounter the Surfer and convince him to turn on his master however that story has been done in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer so people are already aware of that plot, to reintroduce him doesn’t have to follow his background to the letter and his reasons for switching sides can be reinvented like they did in the 12 episode Fox Kids cartoon series in where the Surfer arrives on Earth but after seeing human kindness and seeing the similarities between us and his own people whom he starts to remember he turns on his master to defend us.

To me my Board!
If were honest I think everyone can agree flying through space on a cosmic surfboard is pretty badass and with all the CGI and technology movies have these days it can be made to look incredible.

Potential in the Avengers 2
If you were to broaden the mind Silver Surfer has a lot of potential, one of the coolest scenes in the Avengers was the battle between Thor and Hulk and the decision to have these two bash each other about was something us die hard fans were wishing for, another was Iron Man fighting Thor and again the fight was nothing short of epic, now imagine Surfer clashing with one of these in the sequel especially him against Thor which was told within the comics and is a fantastic read.

Imagine it the two staring one another down, one a cosmic sentient being with untold power and the other a God then Thor calls forth Mjolnir and the Surfer uttering ‘To me my board’. Also the Surfer is a powerhouse in terms of strength, speed and ability and against a threat bigger than what the Avengers faced with Loki and the Chitauri his help would greatly be needed.

Ok so maybe the Surfer may have a chance to work in the Avengers but for it to have any effect he will proberly need a solo movie first to explain his origins is their enough backstory to him for it to work?


Are you kidding there is perhaps to much, first he starts off as Norrin Radd and lives on the paradise planet Zenn-La, however when warned by the mysterious Watcher of an opposing threat to their planet from Galactus, Norrin Radd makes a deal with him to spare his planet and in return will agree to serve him as his herald.


He then gets a portion of Galactus own power and has his memory wiped to search other planets for his master to feed, throughout the movie he slowly remembers bit by bit who he was and encounters along the way Thanos who seeks to subdue the herald and learn the secrets of Galactus,then the Skrull/Kree war and finally in the final battle it could have Galactus setting his sights on Earth and after Norman Radd see’s the strength of character humans have fully regains his memory and sets out on his board to fight Galactus.


After a valiant effort he is soon defeated but after declaring that he would die to protect this world then serve him any longer Galactus spares his life seeing a courage that even him as great as he was did not possess, however exiles him and demands that the power cosmic will remain with him but no longer as a gift but because of the fear and hatred the surfer has earned throughout the universe his power will be his curse and only on Earth shall he be hidden.


The end credits scene could have Norman falling to Earth and with his power depleted returns to his normal form, whilst unconscious Shield then arrives and out walks Maria Hill talking to Fury through radio and informs him that they’ve found him.

Ok so the concept explained and the potential is there who should be cast for this franchise?

Well I wouldn’t say I’m as gifted to casting as some others on this site and if anyone reading this and a Silver Surfer movie sounds appealing but not the casting this is just my opinion of how I see the characters being played but if anyone thinks of anyone better I’d love to hear your suggestions but here goes my cast anyway.
First up the Norrin Radd himself, in my mind the actor should bring a very emotional and conflicted character to the movie, Norrin isn’t wisecracking and easy going like Tony Stark, nor is he straight and to the point like Steve Rodgers but more a man who all he wants is to return to his planet and be with the woman he loves but because of his sacrifice must deal with the curse of being enslaved by Galactus and being known to the universe as a symbol of destruction. However the character himself isn’t all dark and should also play an immediately likeable character who the audience can sympathise with and for me I can think of no one better then Chris Pine.



Next up is Shalla-Bal although this isn’t a huge part it is vital as she is the main reason why Norrin becomes the Surfer and also having Norrin longing to be reunited with her is the only thing he has to hope for after all the things he has done, I think this role should be played very light and innocent, Shalla-Bal much like most of the people of Zenn-La is very peace minded and serene, for me I can see Rosie Huntington-Whitely.


Next we have Galactus now of course this guy is going to need some expensive CGI to give him the look he deserves however his voice captured should be menacing, lordly and should have a very strong command to it the man for the job for me is Christopher Lee.


Another casting worth mentioning would be the mysterious Watcher, this is the universal being that breaks his oath and warns Norrin Radd and his people of Galactus and appears frequently to the Surfer but once again keeps to his oath not to interfere hoping he would remember who he once was without his help, the actor should be someone can give that otherworldly performance and has that look of mystery about them I give you Michael Emerson.


Ok so to conclude ‘can a Silver Surfer movie Work’…. My god yes the potential he has to bring a very different superhero origin movie plus the part he could play in a Avenger sequel could be incredible and much like Cap and Thor there are possibilities for sequels to be made after, exploring the Surfer’s path to redemption towards the galaxy, him setting out to find his lost home world and even bring in other characters such like Nova, Norrins replacement as Galactus herald, however the downside is obvious and no matter how I wrote this article I think the reasons would have always been clear until the likes of Antman, Wasp, Black Panther and Doctor Strange get their own movie and get a spot on the Avengers team it is unlikely that any other heroes would be deemed more important to do first, however from a fans perspective I personally would love to see the Surfer out there with the Avengers fighting Thanos as opposed to pretty much anyone else.

Well that’s it guys I hope you enjoyed reading my thoughts and would love to hear what your opinions are, would you like to see The Silver Surfer in the Marvel universe and more would you like to see him in the Avengers sequel.
DC & Marvel Team Up In Awesome Fan-Created Infinite Crisis Video
Related:

DC & Marvel Team Up In Awesome Fan-Created "Infinite Crisis" Video

Bill Cosby Says He Wants To Be In A Superhero Film
Recommended For You:

Bill Cosby Says He Wants To Be In A Superhero Film

DISCLAIMER: As a user generated site and platform, ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and "Safe Harbor" provisions.

This post was submitted by a user who has agreed to our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. ComicBookMovie.com will disable users who knowingly commit plagiarism, piracy, trademark or copyright infringement. Please CONTACT US for expeditious removal of copyrighted/trademarked content. CLICK HERE to learn more about our copyright and trademark policies.

Note that ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

Minotauro
Minotauro - 6/9/2012, 2:03 PM
As long as the Thanos at the end of Avengers is brought into SS with every detail, then it will be my dream Marvel movie.
Karlel01
Karlel01 - 6/9/2012, 3:02 PM
Oh yes of course I know it wont ever happen due to rights and ownership etc but in a perfect world and if it were possible this is who I'd like to see in the franchise and how I think he could work, its like spiderman everyone would love him to be in the shared universe also but we wont see him either for the same reasons, these are just my ideas if I had the power to bring him to the big screen nothing more.
CorndogBurglar
CorndogBurglar - 6/9/2012, 3:02 PM
You do realize that fox owns the rights to Silver Surfer and not Marvel Studios, right? As long as that is the case, Marvel can never use him in their movies. Just like Marvel Studioa cant use mutants, the F4,, daredevil, elektra, ghost rider, and pretty much every other marvel character that has had a movie made outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Im just asking because this article is written like you had no idea.
95
95 - 6/9/2012, 3:47 PM
Marvel Studios would do wonders with Silver Surfer,Galactus, and the Fantastic Four. I'm talking -- they-could-make-people-forget-about-Star Wars wonders.
TheQuestion
TheQuestion - 6/9/2012, 10:33 PM
@Corndog: You're almost right. Marvel now has regained the rights to Punisher, Blade, and Ghost Rider. All of those contracts were fulfilled, so the rights reverted back to Marvel. One of the main reasons Fox is trying to reboot FF is that if they reboot, they keep the rights indefinitely, but if they made a sequel to the two previous films, the rights would expire shortly after.
Karlel01
Karlel01 - 6/9/2012, 11:04 PM
If anyone has any suggestions for any other comic book movie they'd like me to give a 'could it work' article please let me know, there is one more that I'll be posting in a few days about a certain DC character but happy to take on any requests to do after
PeterDarker121
PeterDarker121 - 6/10/2012, 10:21 AM
Considering RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER came out in 2007 and I haven't heard of any movie developments on the horizon for the next year or so, keep in mind the seven-year limits on Fox's rights will expire in a year and a half and Marvel Studios could very well get the rights back in the midst of PHASE TWO....
KeeperoftheKrackle
KeeperoftheKrackle - 6/10/2012, 10:39 AM
Long time reader of the site, just signed up and am glad to be joining the conversation. I really enjoyed your article. A solo Surfer flick would be awesome. The idea of streamlining the origin (to exclude the Fantastic Four) like in the Lee/Kirby 1978 Silver Surfer graphic novel leaves the time to flesh the core Silver Surfer characters and settings.
AC1
AC1 - 6/10/2012, 3:57 PM
You realise this will never happen, as Silver Surfer is tied to the Fantastic Four (as is Galactus, The Skrulls, and more) and thus Fox own the movie rights to him, not Marvel Studios?
CorndogBurglar
CorndogBurglar - 6/10/2012, 6:00 PM
I@thequestion

I knew about Punisher and Blade, but not about Ghost Rider. Are you positive about that? I know that fox's deal doesnt say anything about sequels or reboots, only that they have to have a movie in production within a set time.
TheWingedWonder
TheWingedWonder - 6/11/2012, 7:24 AM
WHY DOES EVERYONE WANT TO SEE SPIDEY IN THE AVENGERS?! I just don't get it!
novaprime
novaprime - 6/13/2012, 7:27 PM
Wow that was a greast even thoe christopher lees to old, and i wouldnt mind seeing SAM WORTHING OR RYAN GOSLING AS N
ORIN RAD.
View Recorder