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Who voices HERBIE in The Fantastic Four? Meet the Star Wars actor behind the adorable robot

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In “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” not only does the storyline debut Marvel’s original superhero family within the MCU, but it also presents a charming addition to their team – a helpful robot named HERBIE.

In the comic books, despite facing countless interstellar dangers, the Fantastic Four have always had HERBIE by their side. Given this long-standing relationship, it’s fitting that we get to see HERBIE on the big screen for the first time in this movie. (It’s worth noting that a deactivated version of HERBIE was shown in the extended cut of the 2005 Fantastic Four, so that doesn’t count.)

If you’re curious about who provides the voice for the team’s metallic friend, it’s someone you might recognize from another popular Disney franchise that you’ve heard before who’s lending their voice to HERBIE.

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Who’s voicing HERBIE in The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

Assisting in animating HERBIE is Matthew Wood, a voice actor known for his roles in films such as “Star Trek Into Darkness,” “Knives Out,” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” (as the Quantumnauts), among others.

With regard to his most memorable character portrayal, Wood gave voice to General Grievous in the 2005 film “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith”. Although the gasping warlord was criticized for being underutilized in the final chapter of the prequel trilogy, Wood reprised his role as Grievous in both “The Clone Wars” and “Tales of the Jedi”, and lent his voice to numerous other projects within the “Star Wars” universe as well.

In a twist of irony, wood, who had a special bond with robots by providing sound editing for the iconic film WALL-E and even earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Sound Editing, is now lending his voice to HERBIE, a robot that resembles WALL-E.

Despite the film having an impressive roster of characters, it’s crucial not to undervalue the role of HERBIE within this group. A crew of five was always present on set, controlling him, before the visual effects team added the scenes of his rolling and hovering movements.

The director, Matt Shakman, told Empire that the character is equally vital and lively as any other cast member. At times, he portrays a somewhat burdened robot, but he undeniably belongs to the family. He’s simply endearing and lovable, according to him.

Reed often relies heavily on this individual in the lab setting, as he can help with virtually any type of experiment. You’ll rarely find one without the other, be it in New York City or exploring the cosmos.

Back in the late ’70s, I was all hyped about the new Fantastic Four animated series. That’s when Stan Lee came up with the idea of HERBIE (Humanoid Experimental Robot B-Type Integrated Electronics). You see, the Human Torch was set to be spun off into his own movie deal, but that project never took flight. So, good ol’ Stan decided to replace the Human Torch with our new buddy HERBIE instead!

Known comic book artist Jack Kirby created HERBIE, which sadly became his last project at Marvel. This friendly robot character made its way into the Fantastic Four comics in issue #209 of 1979.

Similar to the way the Fantastic Four have been reimagined in the latest film, it turns out that in HERBIE’s comic book origins, Johnny Storm missed a gathering with a cartoon studio and was subsequently swapped for another character in an animated show centered around the superhero team.

Originally designed by Mister Fantastic and Master Xar from the Xandarians to locate Galactus, there was a shocking revelation when it turned out that HERBIE had been taken over by the malevolent Doctor Sun, acting as a secret agent. Fearing another takeover by Doctor Sun, HERBIE decided to enter the computer system at the Baxter Building.

Luckily, HERBIE didn’t meet its end there, as Mark II was swiftly constructed to serve as Franklin Richards’ caretaker. This role is hinted at in the film when HERBIE is tasked with looking after Franklin during the climactic battle against Galactus.

Sure, he’s a bit rubbish at it, but we’ll forgive him anything.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in cinemas now.

The latest print issue from Digital Spy is available! You can purchase the “Oasis – Live in ’25” at newsstands or online, currently retailing for only £8.99.

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2025-07-24 16:19

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