First Look at a Key Character from the Fantastic Four for Fans

Essential Highlights

The Fantastic Four will play a pivotal role in the MCU now that Disney has secured the rights to these iconic characters.
The inclusion of HERBIE, a robotic assistant, adds a nostalgic and captivating element to the film.
With a retro aesthetic, the movie, particularly through the introduction of HERBIE, promises to bring refreshing energy to the MCU.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is gearing up to make a striking entrance for Marvel’s First Family within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, embracing a vibrant retro style. Recent updates have revealed the exciting addition of a character that will accompany the superteam on their journey as they return to the big screen to start the franchise’s sixth phase.

The Fantastic Four has long been regarded as a cornerstone of the Marvel Universe, and had the film rights been part of Kevin Feige’s vision when Marvel Studios launched, they would have been integral from the start. However, it wasn’t until Disney’s acquisition of Fox Studios in 2019 that the superteam came under the MCU umbrella. The announcement of their upcoming feature, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, soon followed, along with a wave of casting news and speculation, including thrilling rumors about Robert Downey Jr. possibly appearing as Doctor Doom.

A significant revelation emerged as the film’s director indicated that the Fantastic Four are the only heroes in their universe, underscoring their need for assistance in their battle against evil. A certain ally confirmed for the film is HERBIE (Humanoid Experimental Robot, B-type, Integrated Electronics), a robotic aide designed by Mr. Fantastic. Fans have recently caught a glimpse of what HERBIE will look like, especially during a recent mural showcase at New York Comic-Con. This mural featured HERBIE alongside numerous other characters, and while it may not represent the final design, it aligns perfectly with the movie’s retro theme, showcasing a vintage interpretation of robotics with a practical twist, notably in its facial features.

HERBIE from The Fantastic Four: First Steps

This display provided fans their first look at HERBIE in a live-action context, departing from the stylized rendition seen in a recent cast announcement that coincided with the Deadpool 3 trailer. The mural also highlighted distinct alterations from that earlier reveal, such as a newly envisioned torso featuring the team’s emblem and significant updates to its mobility components. This streamlined design appears to bridge retro influences with modern innovation, reflecting the work of the brightest minds. It’s uncertain whether viewers will witness Pedro Pascal’s Mr. Fantastic tweaking HERBIE’s design throughout the film, suggesting that multiple iterations may exist within the MCU.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has established a consistent visual language over the years, making the retro style of The Fantastic Four film a welcome change. Not only will HERBIE contribute to this aesthetic but could also play a vital narrative role in the story that First Steps aims to tell. At present, fans can only speculate and eagerly await more insights regarding the film’s storyline, the heroes, their adversaries, and the role of HERBIE.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is slated to hit theaters on July 25, 2025.

Source: The Direct

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