Marvel’s newest release, Fantastic Four: First Steps, is making a massive impact at the global box office and breathing new life into the superhero genre. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film debuted with a thunderous $57 million on its opening Friday in North America alone, setting it up for a domestic opening weekend in the range of $120 million to $125 million—the highest debut ever for the franchise.
A Stellar Start for Marvel’s First Family
Fantastic Four: First Steps not only dominated the Friday box office but also surpassed the $100 million global mark within its first few days, thanks to a $49.2 million international haul. That makes this film one of the most successful Marvel launches since Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
In terms of opening-day numbers, First Steps has the second-biggest opening day of the year so far—only trailing behind A Minecraft Movie’s $57.1 million. Its Thursday previews brought in $24.4 million, making it the top preview performance of 2025, outshining Superman ($22.5 million), and just behind last year’s Deadpool & Wolverine ($38.5 million).
Marvel’s Redemption Arc
This strong performance is especially meaningful for Marvel Studios and President Kevin Feige, who have been under pressure to deliver box office hits following a few underwhelming titles. With Deadpool & Wolverine being the exception, the studio is aiming to reclaim its dominance—and Fantastic Four: First Steps is a step in the right direction.
If the projections hold, this will be the studio’s biggest domestic opening since 2022. The reboot is currently pacing slightly ahead of DC’s Superman, a film that also performed well but didn’t meet expectations internationally due to its pro-American undertones.
Plot Overview: A Retro Take with High Stakes
Set against the backdrop of 1960s New York, Fantastic Four: First Steps embraces a retro sci-fi vibe that critics and fans alike are loving. The story introduces us to:
- Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), a brilliant scientist
- Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman)
- Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (The Human Torch)
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing)
These four embark on a daring space mission that goes awry when a cosmic storm alters their DNA, giving them incredible powers. The film picks up after their transformation, with the quartet already recognized as global heroes. However, their respite is short-lived as they are called back into space to face a new cosmic threat.
The arrival of the Silver Surfer, portrayed by Julia Garner, signals even greater danger: the impending arrival of Galactus, a cosmic entity with world-ending power.
Audience and Critical Reception
One of the major wins for Fantastic Four is its broad appeal. While superhero fatigue has been a concern in recent years, this film seems to have struck a balance that works for both hardcore fans and casual viewers.
- CinemaScore: A-
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 93%
- Strong PostTrak scores
Early audience reactions highlight how the film captures both the fun and familial dynamics of the team, while delivering high-stakes drama and cosmic-level action.
Critics are also impressed. As one reviewer noted, “The Fantastic Four may have superpowers, but they are also a family navigating the immense responsibilities thrown at them—a relatable element that grounds the spectacle.”
Comparing with Superman and the Rest of the Year’s Releases
Two weeks prior, DC’s Superman made headlines with its $125 million domestic debut and a decent $95 million overseas. However, the international performance of Superman has been somewhat muted compared to Marvel’s latest offering. That gives Fantastic Four a strong edge in the global market, especially given the past popularity of the franchise’s earlier iterations overseas.
Meanwhile, Marvel’s other 2025 titles—Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts—haven’t managed to hit similar numbers, with both earning less than half of First Steps‘s preview figures. Still, Marvel now holds three of the top five preview grosses of the year.
Another big milestone: Disney has officially become the first studio this year to cross $3 billion in global box office revenue, powered largely by Marvel’s ongoing cinematic universe.
The Road Ahead for the Fantastic Four
Given its promising start, Fantastic Four: First Steps could evolve into one of the biggest hits of 2025. While it will face competition from upcoming releases, the combination of nostalgic storytelling, fresh performances, and Marvel’s signature style has reignited interest in the Fantastic Four brand.
Industry analysts are optimistic, especially considering the film’s strong overseas potential and broad demographic appeal. If the momentum continues, we could very well be looking at the launch of a new multi-film saga, with characters like Silver Surfer and Galactus laying the groundwork for future cosmic Marvel arcs.