The Fantastic Four movie is rumored to be searching for a comedian to play an uncast character. However, one potential casting choice isn't sitting right with pretty much anybody, and they know they can do better.

The Fantastic Four has been one of the most cursed Marvel film properties over the years, churning out more critical thrashings than a vegan restaurant in Alabama. But recent news has gotten fans hopeful for the franchise for the first time since Captain America shouted "flame on!" (Yes, that was Chris Evans.) With heavy hitters like Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn finally confirmed as the main team, many see this and the new Deadpool 3 trailer as proof that Marvel is getting its mojo back. But there's one rumored aspect that's still giving folks pause.

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When it was revealed that Marvel Studios is rumored to be looking for a comedian to voice The Fantastic Four's little robot H.E.R.B.I.E., actor Ricky Gervais quickly responded on Twitter, suggesting he'd be up for the role if asked. Fans were even quicker than that to voice their displeasure with the idea, with many taking to the Marvel Studios subreddit to suggest their ideas while trashing Gervais' seeming dedication to punching down with his humor. They immediately came up with plenty of ideas that would work well.

Some of the more inspired choices in the comments included talented comedians like Barry's Bill Hader and What We Do in the Shadows star Matt Berry, who both have proven voice-over chops alongside their stand-up experience. Another suggestion is Army of the Dead's Tig Notaro, who is no stranger to being digitally inserted into a movie after that bizarre experience. But yet another even had the idea to bring in either Bob Newhart or Mel Brooks, leaning into the '60s aesthetic by employing comedians active around that time. It's hard to fault that logic.

But perhaps the most hilarious aspect of the response was the unrelenting pushback against Gervais for several reasons. Most notably, it involves his insistence on punching down on trans people and other marginalized groups as his brand of humor. Unlike transphobia in shows like Friends, Gervais has leaned into it rather than reading the room, and the fans are having none of it. Many even cited how Pascal, who is extremely supportive of his trans sister Lux and the entire trans community, would have no patience for someone like Gervais in the same production as him. Most other responses called out Gervais for simply not being funny, which allowed for some rather clever jokes at his expense.

Nothing has been set in stone either way. Even The Fantastic Four's supposed 1960s setting has yet to be confirmed, currently living as a theory based on some solid evidence. But Marvel Studios may be wise to listen to the fans. It would be easy to support the trans community while also bringing in a humorist who employs, well, humor.

The Fantastic Four is currently aiming to release on July 25th, 2025.

Fantastic Four

The Fantastic Four are Marvel's original team of superheroes. After being bombarded by cosmic rays, Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm gained amazing superpowers, taking on the mantles of Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing. Their main adversary, Doctor Doom, has become one of Marvel's all-time great villains.

Created by

Jack Kirby , Stan Lee

First Film

Fantastic Four

Latest Film

Fantastic Four (2025)

Upcoming Films

Fantastic Four (2025)

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Source: Marvel Studios/Reddit, Ricky Gervais