H.E.R.B.I.E. From Fantastic Four: First Steps Greets Fans at Disneyland

For a brief period, the amiable robotic character H.E.R.B.I.E., famously known from The Fantastic Four: First Steps, will greet visitors at Disneyland.

Below is an official press release from the Disney Parks Blog:

Tomorrowland just got a little more fantastic.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that for a limited period at Disneyland Park, I get the unique opportunity to interact with the legendary Fantastic Four! And let me tell you, their trusty, lovable robot companion, H.E.R.B.I.E., is tagging along too! This is an experience not to be missed!

H.E.R.B.I.E., short for Humanoid Experimental Robot, B-type Integrated Electronics, was ingeniously crafted by Mister Fantastic within the realm of the Fantastic Four. Primarily designed to aid the team in various tasks ranging from scientific research to everyday household chores, this charming helper has gained immense popularity among fans. Recognizing his appeal, Imagineers ensured that he would be present at Disneyland to warmly welcome visitors!

In Tomorrowland, a charming robot named H.E.R.B.I.E., designed by Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, is often found near the family gathering spot. When not aiding Reed Richards with ongoing research tasks, this friendly robot delights guests by greeting them warmly and posing for pictures as it carries out its duties.

As movie studios strive to make beloved characters come alive on the cinema screen, Walt Disney Imagineering transforms those same characters into tactile experiences for park visitors, breathing life into them within our theme parks.

When encountering H.E.R.B.I.E., the most striking aspect is his unique mode of movement – he moves and maintains balance on a small eight-inch ball. Thanks to his spherical base, H.E.R.B.I.E. smoothly glides, capable of pivoting, continually readjusting his angle, and rolling in any direction with remarkable accuracy.

To ensure H.E.R.B.I.E. maintains balance during waving, dancing, and interacting, an array of internal sensors measure his movement, angle, and orientation 250 times a second. These readings provide continuous feedback to a set of rollers that continually adjust H.E.R.B.I.E.’s position, allowing him to stay upright. This results in H.E.R.B.I.E.’s fluid, realistic movements reminiscent of those seen in the movie.

The distinctive character of H.E.R.B.I.E., with its unique and emotive design featuring tape reel eyes and capstan mouth, truly stands out. Voice artist Matthew Wood collaborated with Imagineers to create new phrases and conversation openers (including singing ‘Happy Birthday’), tailoring H.E.R.B.I.E.’s interactions for his time in Tomorrowland and the various visitors he’ll encounter throughout his stay.

Take a closer look and you’ll notice personalized decals and stickers on his exterior that mimic details directly from the movie. This level of detail is clearly evident in our characters. H.E.R.B.I.E.’s unique textures, custom animations, and distinctive sounds are truly exceptional.

Visitors can locate H.E.R.B.I.E. in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park during certain hours, where he’ll be seen with members of The Fantastic Four for a temporary period. Interestingly enough, this family’s on-site appearance symbolizes the completion of a loop, connecting our theme parks to our production studios.

At this year’s SXSW event in Austin, Kevin Feige – president of Marvel Studios – expressed his fondness for the “mid-century, retro-futuristic” aesthetic of Tomorrowland. He went on to reveal that this style had influenced the world and visual approach of the movie itself. In essence, it’s quite fitting that these cherished characters are now being brought to life within the context of Tomorrowland!

Alongside spending time with family for a brief period, the Space Mountain exterior will illuminate each night with stunning projection displays, themed around their space voyages. On top of that, enthusiasts can savor themed meals, beverages, and souvenirs such as ‘The Fantastic Four: Crushing Cup’ and ‘Mr. Fantastic Straw Holder’ throughout Tomorrowland, along with Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Park.

For both longtime enthusiasts of the original Super Hero clan and newcomers discovering the Fantastic Four and H.E.R.B.I.E., don’t miss out on the movie The Fantastic Four: First Steps, now playing in cinemas near you! Afterward, venture over to Disneyland for real-life encounters with the family and their charming high-tech assistant!