What A Silver Surfer Movie Means For The MCU

With the purchase of the X-Men and the Fantastic Four properties from 20th Century Fox,  there has been plenty of movement at Marvel moving these new properties into the MCU.  While the X-Men and the Fantastic Four seem to be getting the most attention, there is one character in the mix that could, and should, have a more significant impact on the MCU as we know it.  That character is the Silver Surfer.

If the only familiarity you have with the Silver Surfer is from the movie Fantastic Four: Ride of the Silver Surfer, then you really have no idea about the Silver Surfer.  The Silver Surfer is the "herald" of Galactus, a planet consuming cosmic force that needs the life force of planets to survive.  The Silver Surfer sympathizes with the people of Earth and turns against Galactus and stave's off his attack.  As a result, the Silver Surfer is imprisoned on Earth from an energy shield that Galactus creates.  The Silver Surfer ends up escaping his confines and travels the universe helping other worlds to atone for all of his previous misdeeds as the "Herald of Galactus," and all of the life he help eradicate.

Created by Jack Kirby, the Silver Surfer, named so because he travels the universe on a "flying surfboard," the Silver Surfer became one of Marvel's biggest hits, even though Marvel icon Stan Lee thought that the character was a bad idea.  Originally, the Silver Surfer was Norrin Radd, and alien who made a deal with Galactus to spare his world of Zann=La. In return, he was to be the "herald" of Galactus and find other planets for the Devourer of Worlds to consume.  He was given god-like powers and all of his memories were erased.  He ends up remembering his roots through his struggle and sympathy in dealing with the possibility of Earth falling to Galactus' hunger.

In his history with Marvel comics, the Silver Surfer has had dealings and partnerships with a number of Marvel characters, like the Fantastic Four and Doctor Stranger.  To incorporate him into the MCU, albeit with a tweaked version of his origin, wouldn't be too hard.  There has already been rumors that Galactus will be one of three different antagonists in the upcoming MCU films, and the Silver Surfer would be able to unite the Earth bound heroes with the rest of the galaxy far better than the Guardians of the Galaxy  have been able to do.  In fact, he would be able to bring the rest of the universe closer to Earth consciousness by having such a close connection to Earth after the battle with Galactus takes place.  And don't kid yourself, this battle WILL occur.

His inclusion will also open the door for a number of other Marvel characters to be introduced, who only have connections with the Silver Surfer, and will allow a number of other story lines to take place.  Let's be clear, the Silver Surfer was the true gem that will make this acquisition from FOX profitable for Marvel. The other properties are big, yes, but the Silver Sure will expand the MCU like no other character has.