Summary

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will introduce "Marvel's First Family" into the MCU with a star-studded cast.
Natasha Lyonne's rumored role as H.E.R.B.I.E. Is debunked, with General Grievous' voice actor Matthew Wood cast.
H.E.R.B.I.E. Is set to be integral to The Fantastic Four: First Steps, with Lyonne's role still unknown.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps has finally debunked a long-running casting rumor by officially announcing a Star Wars actor in the role. The MCU is set to introduce The Fantastic Four in July, with WandaVision's Matt Shakman directing. The story is set to follow "Marvel's First Family" as they defend Earth from the planet-devouring Galactus, who makes his MCU debut alongside the Silver Surfer. While the film won't be an origin story, taking place a few years into their time as heroes, it is set in an alternate timeline to the central MCU, making for a distinct look and feel.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Other known roles are Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer, and Ralph Ineson as Galactus. However, several cast members, like John Malkovich and Paul Walter Hauser, are still playing yet-to-be-announced roles. Hauser has been rumored to play longtime Fantastic Four villain Mole Man, but that remains to be seen. Another cast member, Natasha Lyonne, has long been rumored to be the voice of The Fantastic Four's android helper H.E.R.B.I.E., but that finally looks to be dispelled.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Timeline Reveals It Is Not An Origin Story

The Fantastic Four: First Steps' timeline has confirmed it won't be an origin story this time.

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By Matthew Wilkinson

As reported by Empire Magazine, H.E.R.B.I.E. Is set to be voiced by none other than Matthew Wood, the voice of General Grievous in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and several other Star Wars projects. Wood is also a noted sound editor, working on Marvel and Star Wars projects like WandaVision and the Obi-Wan Kenobi series. While speaking with the film's director, Shakman promised, "He's charming, he's funny — but he also will break your heart," noting that "He's sometimes a slightly put-upon robot, but he is definitely a member of the family. He's just so charming and adorable."

He's charming, he's funny — but he also will break your heart.

H.E.R.B.I.E. Is Set To Be Reed's Right Hand, But Natasha Lyonne's Character Is Still A Mystery

The Fantastic Four First Steps Cast Costumes

H.E.R.B.I.E. Is an android created by Reed Richards as an all-around assistant and aid to himself and the other members of The Fantastic Four. Shakman states, "He is really Reed's right hand in the lab, capable of assisting him on any sort of experiment, always by his side." H.E.R.B.I.E. Is likely to be an integral part of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, serving as another personality that can thrive within the family's dynamics, as beyond helping Reed, he's been seen assembling cribs, digging into whatever help they need. If handled correctly, H.E.R.B.I.E. Could even play into emotional stakes, but the character is in good hands with Wood taking on the role.

With H.E.R.B.I.E.'s casting now confirmed, Lyonne's role is left up in the air. She has previously appeared in Marvel's What If?... Voicing Byrdie, the child of Howard the Duck and Darcy Lewis, in two episodes of season 3. It seems unlikely she will be reprising that same role in wider MCU projects, but some speculate Lyonne could be playing Alicia Masters, a love interest to Ben Grimm/The Thing. However, that remains unconfirmed. Further news will be forthcoming as the July 25 release date of The Fantastic Four: First Steps draws near, though Marvel will likely keep some secrets under wraps until the film is released.

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