Meet HERBIE, the Fantastic Four sidekick and guardian robot sneaking into the first promotional image for the next Marvel movie.
Valentine’s Day became an unforgettable day for fans of the Marvel Universe, when Marvel Studios released the official announcement for the cast of the upcoming movie “Fantastic Four”. An animated look starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn as Marvel’s first family has surfaced on social media, unleashing a storm of emotions and expectations. But, among the attention-grabbing details, one particularly lovable one stands out: the appearance of Herbie, the little white robot delivering a cup of coffee to the object.
What is HERBIE and why is it important?
HERBIE (Human Experimental Robot B-Type Integrated Electronics) is another character from the Fantastic Family, despite having an origin tied to licensing issues for the 1978 animated series. Conceived by Stan Lee and designed by Jack Kirby, the robot not only represents Marvel’s limitless creativity, but also the legacy of Kirby, the last Marvel character to feature a robot.
HERBIE’s inclusion in the new film not only honors longtime fans, but also the rich history of Marvel and its creators. The robot has been a guardian in comic books of heroism and complexity, from the Batter Building’s faithful assistant to Reed Richards and his Storm’s son, Franklin.
HERBIE joins a long list of iconic robots in film, leading characters in films ranging from Star Wars droids to WALL-E and The Iron Giant. Characters such as C-3PO are expected to combine practicality and aesthetics, highlighted by his ability to communicate in English. Rumors suggest that Marvel is looking for a comedian to voice him, promising a memorable and funny performance.
HERBIE’S SIGNIFICANCE IN THE MCU
Herbie’s presence not only adds a layer of nostalgia and excitement to the “Fantastic Four,” but also opens the door to future narratives in the MCU. His history in the comics, defined by both loyalty and betrayal, suggests that the role can be interesting as well as unpredictable. Additionally, considering the presence of other robots and AI in the MCU, such as JARVIS, Vision, and Ultron, the little robot will add non-human characters that have made a huge impact on the plot and the hearts of fans. .
As we await the premiere of the new installment of Marvel’s Fantastic Family and HERBIE’s debut on the big screen, we’re left to speculate about its evolution and impact on the narrative. Will he be a strong ally of Marvel’s First Family or will the story take an unexpected turn? What is certain is that its inclusion is an exciting step into the expansion of the Marvel Universe, promising moments of adventure, humor and perhaps some surprises.
In addition to the legendary robot, “Fantastic Four” fans are eager to see how other famous characters will adapt to the big screen. One of the most anticipated is the team’s archenemy, Doctor Doom, the intellectual and powerful rival of Reed Richards. Another character that may draw attention is Galactus’ herald Silver Surfer, who has great potential for exploring themes of sacrifice and redemption.
Galactus, the sender of the worlds, represents a cosmic threat that could serve as a fascinating antagonist for future films, challenging the heroes to push their unexpected limits. These characters not only enrich the narrative but also deepen the mythology of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, connecting the fictional family to the wider Marvel Universe.