Disneyland unveils enhancements in its portrayal of H.E.R.B.I.E. from Fantastic Four, showcasing notable advancements in comparison to the cinematic counterpart.
In the realm of Marvel movies, the Fantastic Four has a rich history, with two previous incarnations now available to stream on the Disney+/Hulu Bundle. The latest addition to this storied franchise, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," is generating a lot of hype, but is still available in theaters.
Meanwhile, at Disneyland's Tomorrowland, a real-life version of one of the Four's most beloved sidekicks, H.E.R.B.I.E, has made quite an impression. This practical, rollable robot is currently stationed near the Fantastic Four character meet and greet area, interacting with visitors and creating a magical experience.
H.E.R.B.I.E's eight-inch spherical base allows it to glide, pivot, and roll in any direction with high precision, creating lifelike, dynamic motion. The robot uses multiple internal sensors that measure motion and orientation 250 times per second to maintain balance and interact with guests. It greets visitors, poses for photos, and even sings Happy Birthday, with voice work by Matthew Wood, the robot’s voice actor.
The creation of H.E.R.B.I.E was inspired by the movie "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" and was developed by Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development. It debuted at Disneyland in July 2025 as part of limited-time entertainment.
While the presence of the Fantastic Four in Tomorrowland is currently understood as a temporary promotional and guest experience tied to the film release, the success of H.E.R.B.I.E has sparked ideas for potential Fantastic Four-themed attractions at Disneyland. The author has suggested ideas for attractions such as a revamped Peoplemover and a Test Track-style attraction featuring the Fantasticar.
The existence of H.E.R.B.I.E in Disneyland is reminiscent of the animatronic Spider-Man "stuntman" in Avengers Campus. For those interested, the Disney+/Hulu Bundle offers access to the universes of Star Wars, Disney, and ABC programming for $10.99 a month with ads, or $19.99 a month, ad-free.
The character of H.E.R.B.I.E in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" is a marvel of retro-futuristic science and adorable charm. With its ability to measure its position, orientation, and movement 250 times a second, it truly showcases the wonders of modern technology. Understanding H.E.R.B.I.E's dialogue is important for interacting with him in the real world.
As for "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," while it debuted four years ago on August 8th, it is currently unknown when it will be available for Disney+ subscription holders. Regardless, the magic of H.E.R.B.I.E at Disneyland is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Fantastic Four and the innovative spirit of Walt Disney Imagineering.
- The technology behind H.E.R.B.I.E, the robot from Tomorrowland, is inspired by the character's portrayal in the movie "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," showcasing the wonders of modern technology with its ability to measure its position, orientation, and movement 250 times a second.
- To complement the ongoing Marvel entertainment offerings such as streaming movies-and-tv series on Disney+/Hulu Bundle, daily blend of information and updates about the Fantastic Four, including the availability of "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," can provide an engaging mix of entertainment and technology.
