Breaking into the Superhero Universe
Julia Garner has officially entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a significant way. She is now on the big screen as Shalla-Bal, a version of the iconic cosmic character the Silver Surfer, in the highly anticipated film The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which was released in July 2025. Garner’s portrayal is described as a unique and mysterious take on the herald of Galactus. In recent interviews, she discussed the challenges and excitement of the role, teasing a performance that is “so different than anyone I’ve ever played.” She revealed that her character’s journey will involve an ambiguous moral stance, leaving audiences to wonder if she is an ally or an antagonist. Garner’s casting marks a major career milestone, bringing her signature intensity to the world of blockbuster superhero films.
Tackling Two Major Biopics
In addition to her Marvel debut, Garner is at the center of two high-profile biopics. She recently gave a positive update on the long-gestating Madonna biopic, which was previously rumored to have been canceled. Garner, who was cast as the pop icon in 2022, confirmed on a podcast that the project is still “supposed to still happen,” citing that “anything that’s great takes a long time.” She also detailed the extensive audition process, which included a singing and dancing bootcamp. This news has revived excitement for a film that would see Madonna herself directing. Beyond that, Garner has been linked to the highly anticipated horror reboot Wolf Man. The film, which was released in early 2025, stars her as Charlotte, the wife of a man who is infected and begins to transform into a werewolf. In interviews, Garner praised the film’s “incredible” prosthetics and its unique approach to the werewolf curse as a relatable illness.
An Emmy-Winning Performer’s Next Chapter
Garner’s new ventures come on the heels of her immense success in television, with her roles as Ruth Langmore in Ozark and Anna Delvey in Inventing Anna earning her widespread critical acclaim and multiple awards. She won three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work on Ozark, and she also received a Golden Globe for the role. Her powerful performance as the cunning fake heiress in Inventing Anna garnered her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress. With a slate of high-profile projects spanning from superheroes to biopics and horror, Julia Garner is solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and in-demand actresses.
