Edited by ITMAs Marvel Studios continues to round out the cast of its upcoming Fantastic Four (2025) reboot, it looks like an Emmy Award-winning British comedian is being eyed for an unexpected role — and it’s not exactly going over well with fans.
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Director Matt Shakman’s Fantastic Four revival has been a project years in the making, and at long last, it’s finally a reality. Although cameras have yet to begin rolling on the film, which will introduce Marvel’s first family to the MCU in a time-twisty adventure through the 1960s, production is reportedly set to start in spring 2024 at Pinewood Studios, London.
So far, the only confirmed cast members are Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who will play Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing), respectively.
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As mentioned, many questions have been left hanging in regards to the Fantastic Four reboot’s premise, including which villain will take center stage in the story and who else will star. And according to online rumblings, Marvel is now looking to cast a particular kind of performer for the role of H.E.R.B.I.E., the team’s beloved robot sidekick.
According to @F4Update on X, based on information from scooper @DanielRPK, Marvel is eyeing a comedian to play H.E.R.B.I.E. in the upcoming superhero flick. And it seems like The Office co-creator Ricky Gervais is throwing his hat into the ring, as he hilariously responded to a speculative tweet with, “Can I swear?”
Can I swear?
Can I swear?
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) February 22, 2024
While this is far from an official casting announcement, it does seem like Gervais has all the qualifications to take on the role of H.E.R.B.I.E. for Fantastic Four — except, maybe, an overwhelmingly positive public image.
Gervais, though beloved by many, is somewhat of a divisive figure in Hollywood due to remarks he made about trans women in his 2022 Netflix special, “SuperNature,” with a similar incident taking place after the release of his 2023 stand-up special, “Armageddon.” His specific niche of comedy also isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, to say the least, with Gervais’ snark and general world-weariness coming off as arrogant, particularly during his Golden Globes hosting gigs.
It’s also worth noting that Gervais has had some less-than-positive words for the MCU in the past. During his opening monologue at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards, he joked that Marvel actors “wear masks and capes and really tight costumes. Their job isn’t acting anymore — it’s going to the gym twice a day and taking steroids,” before agreeing with Martin Scorsese’s infamous comments about Marvel Studios films.
“Martin Scorsese — the greatest living director — made the news for his comments about Marvel,” Gervais said. “I agree. Although I don’t know what he’s doing hanging around theme parks. He’s not big enough to go on the rides. He’s tiny.”
With this in mind, social media users aren’t exactly overjoyed by the prospect of Gervais joining the MCU, with scooper @MyTimeToShineH responding to these recent casting rumors with, “Yuck, no thank you:”
Yuck, no thank you
Yuck, no thank you https://t.co/gPkwBmHa85
— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) February 22, 2024
Users even went as far as to share their own fancasts for the part of H.E.R.B.I.E. in Fantastic Four, with some popular picks being Bill Hader, Ben Schwartz, John Mulaney, and even Weird Al instead of Gervais:
either bill hader or ben schwartz would be great
either bill hader or ben schwartz would be great pic.twitter.com/BZDv6v2Hl7
— ironboy (@Ironboy3000) February 21, 2024
Still, plenty of commenters seem to support the idea of Gervais taking on the role of H.E.R.B.I.E., though Marvel Studios will have to meet his criteria first before contract negotiations can begin.
Although the MCU isn’t exactly known for its explicit language, even Earth’s Mightiest Heroes have gotten away with a few cusses here and there, meaning Gervais’ request to use some…colorful language in Fantastic Four isn’t entirely out of the cards.
Plus, it’s kind of hilarious to imagine H.E.R.B.I.E. dropping the F-bomb.
For now, talk of Gervais signing onto Fantastic Four remains purely speculative, but as we inch closer and closer to its release date, hopefully, the entire cast will be announced soon.
Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four flies into theaters on July 25, 2025.
Who do you think should play H.E.R.B.I.E. in the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot? Share your picks in the comments below!