With Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe beginning with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the status of one important hero remains a mystery -- the Silver Surfer. Rumors of his appearance go back as far as Avengers: Infinity War and, most recently, Thor: Love and Thunder. In fact, storyboards shared by artist Anthony Lee Winn show Jane Foster's Thor battling Silver Surfer's master, Galactus, a sign of the cosmic hero's big screen debut being on the horizon.Newer speculation points to Galactus as the villain in Fantastic Four. One rumor even states that "Silver Surfer will be introduced before the movie arrives in theaters to set the stage for that." Of course, the wait for the Silver Surfer is tense, but it could be years before fans witness his triumphant entrance into the MCU. So, with that being the case, let's look at the movies the character is most likely to make his debut.
Silver Surfer Could Make Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Even Grander
A good candidate for the appearance of the Silver Surfer is James Gunn's The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Fans expected the silver hero to appear at the end of The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. However, Gunn denied the rumor, and the appearance didn't happen. The introduction of Adam Warlock, though, is a sign of good things to come since there is comic history between Warlock and Silver Surfer. With the expectation for the Guardians trilogy to go out with a bang, it could be a surprise opportunity to introduce Silver Surfer.
Eternals 2 May Have Galactus Bring Along His Herald
In the final scenes for Eternals, Arishem the Judge appeared in terrifying fashion over the skies of Earth, taking Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos captive. He said he would spare humanity for now but return to pass judgment if the Eternals' memories of Earth were not to his liking. That sets the stage for the punishment to be Galactus. Eternals 2 can build on the lore of the Celestials, introducing fans to the Devourer of Worlds before hr sets its eyes on Earth for feasting. Eternals 2 is also the opportune time for the Silver Surfer’s introduction due to the appearance of Arishem. There are direct comparisons between Arishem and Galactus. And when Sersi takes the place of Ajak, she essentially becomes the herald to Arishem. That mirrors the relationship between Silver Surfer and Galactus. What better punishment for Earth than Arishem leading Silver Surfer and Galactus right to it?
Fantastic Four Is the Most Organic Spot for Silver Surfer's MCU Debut
Given the origins of Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four #48 by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Joe Sinnott and Artie Simek, Kevin Feige likely wants to take a shot at redeeming the failed 2006 film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. As of now, speculation continues about the plot of the Fantastic Four movie. According to one rumor, Ryan Gosling will play an unspecified role in the upcoming film. But while many actors are tied to the part of Reed Richards, Gosling could take on the Silver Surfer. If the movie is like the comic, then audiences could see Silver Surfer find Earth as suitable nourishment for Galactus before having a change of heart and defending the planet from his master with the power cosmic.
In due time, Marvel Studios will find the right time to introduce the Silver Surfer to the masses. But in a universe with an abundance of superheroes and villains, waiting to introduce an immensely powerful one at the right time is crucial. Until then, let the speculation continue.