the MCU timeline. Now, the confirmation of a familiar actor taking on the role of a beloved character adds another layer of Marvel connectivity – and signals his third MCU credit to date.
Marvel Studios' Fantastic Four: First Steps marks the franchise’s first attempt to bring the iconic superhero family into the MCU proper, following the reacquisition of the film rights from Fox. While previous Fantastic Four adaptations have had mixed receptions, Kevin Feige and his team are treating this reboot as a foundational pillar for the next saga of the MCU. The trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps proffered a look at a classic character making their live-action debut, with the actor behind them subsequently confirmed.
Matthew Wood Is Voicing H.E.R.B.I.E. In The Fantastic Four: First Steps
H.E.R.B.I.E. Is The Fantastic Four's Robot Companion
The latest casting reveal confirms that seasoned voice actor Matthew Wood will bring H.E.R.B.I.E., the Fantastic Four’s robotic assistant, to life in First Steps. The character, originally introduced in the 1978 Fantastic Four animated series, has never before appeared in a live-action film. H.E.R.B.I.E. – short for Humanoid Experimental Robot, B-type, Integrated Electronics – is expected to serve both as comic relief and a tech-savvy companion to the team.
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The First Steps trailer depicts H.E.R.B.I.E. helping Ben Grimm cook dinner for the team. Marvel Studios has leaned increasingly into high-character AI presences, from JARVIS to K.E.V.I.N., and H.E.R.B.I.E. could be the next in a line of scene-stealing sentient systems. Casting Matthew Wood, known for his impressive range and long-standing ties to major franchises, ensures the robotic character will have personality, charm, and narrative weight.
Matthew Wood Was In 2 Previous MCU Projects Before The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Matthew Wood Appeared In Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania And What If...?
While many associate Matthew Wood with his iconic work in the Star Wars franchise (voicing General Grievous and providing sound design across multiple installments), he’s no stranger to the MCU. In fact, Fantastic Four: First Steps will mark his third official Marvel Studios credit. Wood previously lent his voice to a Quantumnaut in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023), providing otherworldly vocal effects in the Quantum Realm’s bizarre and alien landscape.
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Prior to that, he contributed various voices to What If…?, Marvel’s animated anthology series on Disney+, portraying alternate universe variants and background characters in multiple episodes. These roles, while not front-and-center, demonstrate Wood’s versatility and the trust Marvel has in his vocal talents. His transition to a named and recurring character like H.E.R.B.I.E. elevates him from a behind-the-scenes contributor to a more prominent presence in the MCU’s future.
Matthew Wood's MCU Experience Makes His Movie Role Even More Promising
Matthew Wood’s deep experience in both the MCU and other major franchises makes his turn as H.E.R.B.I.E. even more exciting. He’s a veteran in genre storytelling, and his command of voice modulation, robotic nuance, and digital character portrayal uniquely equips him to bring a personality-rich AI to life. H.E.R.B.I.E. may not be a superhero in the traditional sense, but Marvel has proven time and again that even ing characters can become fan favorites – especially when they’re voiced by someone with Wood’s pedigree.
Wood’s past work in the MCU shows his ability to blend seamlessly into complex narratives, whether in animated multiverse tales or alien dimensions, which bodes well for how well H.E.R.B.I.E. will fit into the tone and scope of Fantastic Four: First Steps. With First Steps shaping up to be one of the most ambitious entries in Marvel’s next phase, Matthew Wood’s return to the MCU for a third time signals a level of continuity and craftsmanship that audiences can appreciate – and builds even more anticipation for what’s to come in Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Release Date
- July 25, 2025
- Runtime
- 130 Minutes
- Director
- Matt Shakman
- Writers
- Jeff Kaplan, Josh Friedman, Ian Springer, Eric Pearson, Stan Lee
- Producers
- Jamie Christopher, Kevin Feige, Louis D'Esposito, Tim Lewis
Cast
Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic
Vanessa KirbySue Storm / The Invisible Woman
Johnny Storm / Human Torch
Ebon Moss-BachrachBen Grimm / The Thing
- Franchise(s)
- Marvel Cinematic Universe
