HERBIE will appear in the film The Fantastic Four
Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios made several announcements at San Diego Comic-Con Hall H. One of the announcements was for the next Fantastic Four movie. Everyone speculated about the director and the cast of main characters. But we’re here to talk about a much more interesting rumor. HERBIE could appear in Fantastic Four. Who is HERBIE you ask? Well, let’s go.
The ultimate robot sidekick
HERBIE was created for an animated adaptation by the Fantastic Four in 1978. Unfortunately, they were unable to acquire the rights to The Human Torch. Hence the need for a fourth member to complete the team. It was then that Stan Lee suggested and co-created HERBIE, the Fantastic Four’s robotic aid, with Jack Kirby. After the 13-episode animated run, it was also written into the comics and thus immortalized in the Marvel Universe. The complete form of HERBIE is the B-type integrated electronics of the humanoid experimental robot.
His origin story
HERBIE was created by Mr. Fantastic, Master Xar, and a villain called Doctor Sun. HERBIE was to help them in their search for Galactus. They sought out Galactus as they faced an even more powerful force, a villain known as the Sphinx. However, Doctor Sun was doing no good and had uploaded his own consciousness into the robot. He used this opportunity to manipulate events and try to kill the Fantastic Four, though unsuccessful. But as we said, HERBIE was the ultimate robotic helper. The moment he was freed from Doctor Sun’s control, he sacrificed himself as the hero he was and destroyed Doctor Sun.
Conclude the rumors
While the adorable, spunky robot won over audiences, fans, and critics alike, the writers had no choice but to somehow incorporate him into the comics. He eventually returned as the fun babysitter of Franklin Richards, the son of Reed Richards and Sue Storm. Also, despite being a new version of HERBIE, he can still sense Galactus and could therefore be a major character in the next adventures of the Fantastic Four. This is especially down to the fact that Galactus is one of the Fantastic Four’s most iconic and powerful villains.
Fans have also noticed Marvel’s proclivity for humor in their projects. That’s pretty undeniable when you consider Thor: Ragnarok, Love and Thunder, She-Hulk, and many more. Including HERBIE in the next film could also serve as comic relief. Fans really love the idea and chose the role using online polls. Some of them really want Bill Hader, who was Alpha in the 2017 Power Rangers movie, to voice this iconic little robot. Additionally, Marvel is taking fan reactions into consideration as seen from the christening of “Smart Hulk”, a name given by fans during Endgame, in the first episode of She-Hulk: Lawyer. So we are posting it too and hope for the best!
