Marvel’s 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' Secures a Solid $118M U.S. Box Office Launch, $218M Globally

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Jul 27

'The Fantastic Four: First Steps.' **Courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios**

Marvel Studios' reboot of the iconic superhero team marks a strong global debut and a much-needed win for the studio

Marvel's iconic superhero team has returned to theaters under the stewardship of Kevin Feige's Marvel Studios—and their comeback is already a box office success. Fantastic Four: First Steps, directed by Matt Shakman, debuted to an impressive global box office total of $218 million, comprising $118 million domestically and $100 million from international markets. This launch not only revitalizes a historically troubled franchise but also signals a much-needed boost for Marvel Studios, which has faced inconsistent box office performances in recent years. The film's opening underscores that with the right creative approach, even legacy properties can find fresh relevance with today’s audiences.

Domestically, the film slightly surpassed projections, which anticipated an opening in the $110 million range. A massive $57 million opening day created optimism for a weekend total approaching $125 million, though slightly weaker Saturday turnout revised those expectations downward. Still, the $118 million figure reflects a robust start, especially when considered alongside the recent global debut of DC’s Superman, which earned $220 million. This close comparison bodes well for continued interest in superhero cinema, even as audiences express signs of genre fatigue.

Critically, Fantastic Four: First Steps has been warmly received. It earned an A- CinemaScore and a 93% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating strong word-of-mouth and favorable general reception. It stands as Marvel’s highest domestic debut outside of Deadpool & Wolverine in the past several years, further emphasizing the studio’s regained footing in the crowded blockbuster landscape.

Notably, this release marks the 37th time a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film has opened at number one at the domestic box office. It also contributes to Disney surpassing $3 billion in global ticket sales for 2025, reinforcing the enduring commercial viability of its superhero properties.

Set in a richly imagined 1960s New York City, Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces audiences to Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they return from a deep-space mission irreversibly altered by exposure to a cosmic storm. Their transformation into the Fantastic Four quickly transitions from personal crisis to heroic responsibility, as the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) arrives with a dire warning: the cosmic entity Galactus is on its way to consume Earth.

Critics have praised the film for its balance of practical effects, emotional depth, and a distinct visual identity. David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter noted that "the pleasing back-to-basics feel in Fantastic Four: First Steps suggests Marvel has learned valuable lessons from its recent box office underperformers. There’s a fresh willingness to prioritize character over the usual barrage of interchangeable CG action sequences."

The film's core ensemble has also earned accolades. Pascal’s portrayal of Reed Richards is introspective and authoritative, while Kirby delivers a nuanced, emotionally grounded performance as Sue Storm. Quinn’s fiery take on Johnny Storm injects humor and charisma, and Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm provides heart and relatability as the Thing. Together, their chemistry makes the team feel authentic and engaging.

Adding to the film’s strengths is a well-executed marketing campaign and a tonal departure from recent MCU offerings. The retro-futurist aesthetic evokes a sense of wonder reminiscent of early sci-fi cinema, offering visual and narrative variety in a genre that critics have often accused of homogeneity. Its multigenerational appeal, resonating with longtime comic readers and younger audiences alike, positions it as a four-quadrant success.

*Superman* - **DC Studios / Warner Bros Pictures**

Outside of Marvel’s latest success, Superman continued its strong box office performance in its third weekend, grossing $24.9 million domestically and $19.8 million internationally. The film has amassed $289.5 million in North America and $502.7 million worldwide, maintaining momentum even as it ceded IMAX screens to Fantastic Four. This indicates that both franchises can coexist in the current box office ecosystem without cannibalizing each other’s performance.

Universal and Amblin’s Jurassic World: Rebirth remains a major player, adding $13 million to bring its domestic total above $300 million and its global gross past $600 million. Its sustained performance highlights the continuing popularity of well-established franchises.

Meanwhile, Apple Original Films’ F1: The Movie hit an unexpected milestone by surpassing the $500 million global mark. This sports drama, initially considered niche, added $6.2 million domestically and $20 million internationally over the weekend, boosting its worldwide total to $509.7 million.

Not all films fared as well. Paramount’s Smurfs reboot stumbled with a steep 51% drop in its second weekend, earning only $5.4 million and bringing its 10-day domestic total to $22.8 million. Likewise, Columbia and TriStar’s I Know What You Did Last Summer horror reboot experienced a 60% decline, finishing with just $5.1 million and a domestic total of $23.6 million. These performances may signal franchise fatigue or diminishing interest in nostalgic revivals without fresh creative direction.

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Ultimately, the strong debut of Fantastic Four: First Steps marks a pivotal moment for the MCU. It suggests that when Marvel slows down to focus on character, narrative clarity, and production design—as opposed to an over-reliance on CGI spectacle—audiences respond. The film's success reaffirms that superhero stories still have power when grounded in relatable themes and delivered with a fresh lens.

With its critical and commercial success, Fantastic Four: First Steps lays the groundwork for future entries in the rebooted franchise and signals a potential turning point for the next chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.