2025 Fantastic Four Movie’s Casting Secret Finally Revealed – Here’s Who’s Voicing HERBIE!

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The recent casting update for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” has disclosed the actor chosen by Marvel Studios to portray one of the movie’s significant roles.

Despite the upcoming theater release of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s long-awaited reboot of The Fantastic Four on July 25, there remains much mystery about the complete cast for the Phase 6 film. However, one question that has been answered pertains to a vital character who has featured prominently in the marketing materials for The Fantastic Four since its inception.

Matthew Wood, a voice artist and sound editor, gives life to HERBIE, the vintage robot from The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a character that Pedo Pascal’s Reed Richards has brought into existence. According to director Matt Shakman (as reported by Empire), HERBIE is considered as vital and lively as any other cast member.

He plays an equally vital role in the ensemble, showing signs of occasional robot woes, yet fitting perfectly into our family dynamic. His endearing and lovable nature shines through.

It’s quite fitting that Matthew Wood was chosen to play an intergalactic member in The Fantastic Four, given his background of lending voice to mechanized characters within the Disney organization.

The renowned Lucasfilm sound editor provided the voice for General Grievous in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith and the Battle Droids in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Over the years, he has also used his vocal skills in various projects spanning from Star Wars: The Force Awakens to Marvel Studios’ productions like X-Men ’97 and What If…?.

Three Fantastic Four: First Steps Mystery Characters

As a dedicated fan, I must acknowledge that John Krasinski’s casting as Mr. Fantastic in the upcoming “Fantastic Four” movie certainly sheds light on one of the character mysteries. However, there are still other roles yet to be revealed. Marvel Studios has hinted at some high-profile stars joining the cast for Phase 6, but their characters remain a secret. These actors are either skillfully concealed in the film’s promotional materials or have had minimal appearances so far.

The list below includes the actors playing characters in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, but their specific roles have not been revealed yet.

John Malkovich

Famous for roles in “Dangerous Liaisons” and “Being John Malkovich”, this Academy Award-nominated actor was unveiled in the initial trailer for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”. Yet, his fleeting, bearded scene failed to shed light on his character’s identity.

It’s been suggested by some fans that John Malkovich might be playing the character known as the Red Ghost in Marvel Studios’ productions. Originally appearing in Fantastic Four #13 back in January 1963, the Red Ghost, or Ivan Kragoff, is a Russian scientist who commands an army of genetically enhanced apes, having obtained his powers after being exposed to cosmic rays.

Natasha Lyonne

In a recent development, Natasha Lyonne (known for her roles in “Orange Is the New Black” and “Poker Face”) has added another starring role to her resume by voicing Byrdie, an unusual yet powerful character who is the offspring of Darcy Lewis and Howard the Duck. This announcement comes as she joins the cast of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps“. She previously appeared in the animated series “What If…?” during its third season.

It remains unclear whether Marvel Studios plans to bring Byrdie into live-action through “First Steps” or cast her for a different character. If the MCU is considering the latter option, speculation suggests that the actress might be portraying Alicia Masters, who traditionally is Ben Grimm’s love interest.

Paul Walter Hauser

Completing the trio of secret members in “The Fantastic Four” is Paul Walter Hauser, known for his roles in “Cobra Kai” and the upcoming “Inside Out 2”. Fans are especially intrigued as it’s been reported that he will be portraying a significant character in the movie, similar to Matthew Wood’s HERBIE.

One popular speculation is that actor Paul Walter Hauser could potentially portray the character Mole Man, a well-known antagonist from the original Fantastic Four comics. This assumption arises due to Marvel Studios’ hints about Mole Man’s Subterranea, and suggestions that this underground location may have been depicted in a leaked video of Fantastic Four: First Steps set footage.

Despite the mystery enveloping Hauser’s part, the actor appears quite enthusiastic about the MCU film. In fact, he expressed to TopMob that he feels confidently optimistic about The Fantastic Four , stating that it will likely be remembered as a historical milestone in cinema.

I am convinced that this will become known as one of the catalysts for a wave of triumphant storytelling at our company, much like ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Black Panther’. They each made an impact in their own unique way, and I think we are on the verge of making a similar impact.

Check out the best look yet of Galactus from The Fantastic Four: First Steps here!

The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25. 

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2025-05-10 15:54