Movie Tea: DreamWorks Creating Film Based On Philippine Myth; Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer Look In “Fantastic Four” Revealed

Just because CinemaCon is over doesn’t mean the biggest reveals are done.

We’re talking about the latest trailer of the highly-anticipated film on the first family of superheroes, and a brand new IP inspired by a Southeast Asian myth. Here’s the hottest news straight from Hollywood.

“Fantastic Four: First Steps” Shows Off Julia Garner As The New Silver Surfer

After months of teasing, Marvel has finally dropped the latest trailer for the highly-anticipated “Fantastic Four: First Steps”, with the biggest reveal being Julia Garner stepping up to the role of Shalla-Bal. However, that’s not all, as the trailer, which dropped just shy of midnight on 17th April, also shares major plot points for the upcoming film and finally gives us insight on what to expect.

Right off the bat, the trailer establishes the first family of superheroes as decorated protectors of the world, loved by the people, and even receiving a special segment on a live TV show. Immediately after that, the story pivots to the reveal that Vannessa Kirby’s Sue Strom is actually pregnant. Believe it or not, this is an immediate curveball in the plot, as Reed and Sue’s firstborn, Franklin Richards, is a powerful Omega-level mutant with the powers to bend reality. How this will play into the plot, specifically for Sue, remains to be seen, but we wouldn’t be surprised if this takes a massive toll on her body.

Naturally, it’s not all smooth sailing as Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer appears, marking the planet for death as Ralph Ineson’s Galactus is on his way to devour Earth. Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards immediately blames himself, saying that he “stretched the bounds of space, and they heard,” which is out of character for the typically-confident scientist. We then see him lose his mind as he tries to find a solution as the world falls apart around him. Many ask if the Fantastic Four is safe, as if they are the only superheroes in the world, and that’s because they are.

In a recent cover story by Entertainment Weekly, it was revealed that “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” takes place on an alternate Earth where they are the only superheroes in the world. This might also explain Garner’s question of “Are you the protectors of this world?” This also neatly sets up why RDJ’s Victor von Doom looks like the MCU Tony Stark that we know and love if it ever comes down to that (just saying).

However, Dr. Doom can wait, as it’s Galactus’s time to shine. Though we got to see more of him, we still didn’t see his face. Though it’s just a shadow and his foot, director Matt Shakman shared that the team built an “entire costume for him”, and it isn’t just CGI. Knowing Marvel’s track record, however, they’ll be sure to keep this detail to themselves until the final trailer, or when the film drops on 25th July.

DreamWorks’ “Forgotten Island” Based On Philippine Myth Drops In Fall Of 2026

Let’s be real here: out of all the regions in Asia, Southeast Asia doesn’t get enough credit or mainstream media attention, as we are often overshadowed by our other neighbours for various reasons. Sure, we can say “Raya and the Last Dragon” was perhaps one of the few times Western studios paid attention to our little area, but knowing how much it simplified, if not disrespected, many nuances of Southeast Asian life, it’s easier for us to sweep it under the rug rather than acknowledge it as an actual film. And it would remain as an untapped fountain of storytelling until today.

Though its highly-anticipated but hotly-contested “Shrek 5” has yet to be released, Universal Pictures has set a theatrical release date for DreamWorks Animation’s latest project, called “Forgotten Island”, aiming for a 25th September, 2026 release date. It has been confirmed that DreamWorks veterans Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado will be penning the script, with the latter directing and Mark Swift set to produce. It’s worth noting that this will be Mercado’s first full directorial credit.

If that last detail alarms you, it shouldn’t, as both of these head honchos have had their hands in the development of the “Kung Fu Panda” trilogy, “Rise of the Guardians,” the beloved “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” and even “The Wild Robot”. Though little has been revealed in terms of plot and story, it has been confirmed that the movie will follow a “broad party comedy adventure that transports the film’s protagonists to a long-forgotten, magical island rooted in Philippine mythology.”

DreamWorks has consistently maintained an exceptional track record when it comes to borrowing source material from fairy tales and myths. As to what exactly they will borrow from Philippine myth remains to be seen, as the country is known for its terrifying creatures that are contrasted with uplifting stories. Regardless of what it is, we’re truly excited about what they have in store for us, and who knows, maybe they’ll showcase Malaysian stories next.

Source: Variety, Entertainment Weekly

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