Tim Story, the director of both "Fantastic Four" films, recently chatted with the LA Times about the Silver Surfer, who will be appearing in "FF2."

"I've always been a fan," said Story.  "When you played in the street, somebody was the Torch, somebody took the Hulk. I've got to tell you, to get the 'Fantastic Four' and turn it into a franchise, the first thing I thought was, 'Will I get the Silver Surfer? Or someone like Black Panther, who was introduced in their book, get Djimon Hounsou and go do it?'  But there are so many other great villains and stories.  I feel like I hit the jackpot.

"  (Tim Story wants to make a Black Panther film.  Spread the word, people.)

About the Surfer, Story said, "He is a Christ-like character because of his origins. We don't know much about his home planet, how he was before he became this."

The studio recently announced that Laurence Fishburne would voice the Silver Surfer in the film, putting to rest rumors that Fishburne might play Galactus, the Surfer's boss and all-around Big Bad. The Surfer is much more ambiguous, and may end up playing a pivotal role in "FF3." But for now, people just want to know how awesome the CGI will be.

"People are seeing the poster and saying, 'That's cool.' He's just cool, the way he moves, the way he flies," said Story.