The impeccable casting for The Fantastic Four leads has delighted fans around the world, though there are still a couple of significant roles that remain vacant. This allowed the audience to rigorously campaign for their bets, including the part of the super adorable robot, H.E.R.B.I.E.
The latest poster of The Fantastic Four confirmed that the iconic sidekick will have a place in the upcoming movie. The plot details remain under wraps so there is indeed a lot of room for speculation as to how crucial the role of the robot would be in the film.
Ricky Gervais Expressed Interest In Joining The Fantastic Four
The intriguing concept about H.E.R.B.I.E. is that it was created for outside media before Marvel Comics decided to incorporate it into the pages of Fantastic Four. The name stands for “Humanoid Experimental Robot B-Type Integrated Electronics” which first appeared in the 1978 New Fantastic Four Saturday morning cartoon show.
Many fans loved the character because it resembles Star Wars’ R2-D2 which debuted a year earlier. Interestingly, many also hated it because it replaced Johnny Storm, although it is highly unlikely that this scenario will happen in the live-action reboot.
After Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn have been tapped to star in The Fantastic Four, there are still empty slots for the roles of Silver Surfer and Doctor Doom. Industry insider DanielRPK dropped hints as to the preferred casting for H.E.R.B.I.E., and as per Fantastic Four Updates, “Marvel Studios is reportedly interested in casting a comedian for the role of H.E.R.B.I.E.”
In the same post, comedian Ricky Gervais responded, “Can I swear?” which hints at his willingness to join The Fantastic Four. If the Emmy Award-winning humorist would land the part, it would be his first-ever stint in the Marvel universe, not to mention his biggest role yet.
Of course, the actor’s presentation of himself was met with mixed reactions from fans. There are other comedians who they think are better suited for the role, and more specifically, who don’t use offensive language since this is a Marvel movie.
His comment alone on the post asking if he can cuss somehow turned off many fans, and it’s a pretty sure thing that Disney will not allow any of that in a family-friendly film.
Marvel Fans Reject Ricky Gervais As H.E.R.B.I.E.
As expected, Ricky Gervais was criticized by Marvel fans for volunteering himself to play Fantastic Four’s beloved android, H.E.R.B.I.E. While some merely suggested their own choices for the part, others just plainly disapproved of Gervais for the role. Check out what fans have to say:
Please god, no.
— Gary Northfield 🇺🇦 (@gnorthfield) February 22, 2024
Well to b honest he seems to be trouble maker. No for me!!
— たくみ (@takchan112) February 23, 2024
Sounds horrible. Ricky isn't funny.
— AlienJayRod (envtuber) birfday 3/19 🇵🇸👽🛸🐀🔞 (@alienjayrod) February 22, 2024
Any Comedian, except this guy.
— Miguel Juarez (@MiguelJ86954465) February 22, 2024
God, I hope he isn't in it.
— Troy Lundquist (@HeroOfFruits) February 22, 2024
Keep this unfunny prick away from everything.
— Dr Doom (@DrDoomGraps) February 22, 2024
Marvel Studios seems to be having a tough time finding the perfect actors for the rest of the Fantastic Four league. The most popular fan-casts are Anya Taylor-Joy for Silver Surfer and Henry Cavill for Doctor Doom, though the studio still has to make the official announcements soon.
Gervais has certainly caught the attention of Marvel Studios with his power move, so it’s only a matter of time before the company confirms or denies his involvement in the project.
The Fantastic Four arrives in theaters on July 25, 2025.
