The Fantastic Four: First Steps has nearly surpassed $370 million in global revenue following a larger-than-anticipated decline at the box office in its second weekend of release.
After achieving a robust $118 million in North American theaters during its opening weekend, First Steps generated an additional $40 million domestically this past weekend, marking a significant drop of 66%. The film’s domestic gross now stands at $198,427,635, while international earnings have reached $170.3 million, bringing the current global total to $368.7 million.
As reported by Variety, market analysts had anticipated a second weekend decline of 55% to 60%, bolstered by favorable word of mouth and minimal competition at the box office. In contrast, Superman experienced a second weekend decrease of 53%.
The release of First Steps holds significant importance for Marvel Studios as it marks the commencement of Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), following two recent box office disappointments with Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts. Notably, First Steps is poised to outshine both films’ total box office earnings ($415.1 million and $382.3 million, respectively) and will likely establish itself as the highest-grossing film in the Fantastic Four franchise. Moving forward, the pivotal question for Marvel Studios and parent company Disney will be whether First Steps can generate sufficient business during its theatrical run to not only turn a profit but also reenergize the MCU as it heads towards the critical release of Avengers: Doomsday in 2026.
Rob Liefeld, co-creator of Marvel’s Deadpool, recently expressed his thoughts on social media regarding his less-than-stellar experience at a 5 PM IMAX screening of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which he described as nearly empty. He stated, “I can tell you why there is very little repeat business on this film. It’s impossibly dull and boring.”
However, this sentiment contrasts sharply with the prevailing opinions of critics and audiences alike. IGN’s review awarded First Steps a rating of 7/10, praising it as a family dramedy that falters when it excessively embraces the superhero genre.
Marvel Studios currently has only three confirmed movie releases slated for 2026 and 2027: Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the aforementioned Avengers: Doomsday, and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. Liefeld called upon Marvel to prioritize the release of Deadpool 4 after a report indicated it was falling behind X-Men and Black Panther 3 on Marvel’s priority list, despite the tremendous box office success of Deadpool & Wolverine, which grossed over a billion dollars. “Just give the people what they want!!” Liefeld fervently stated.
In the midst of the ongoing discussions surrounding The Fantastic Four’s box office performance, the DC Universe’s Superman has achieved a global box office total of $551.2 million after its fourth weekend. Domestically, it accrued an additional $13.855 million, reflecting a solid hold of 44%, and reaching a total of $316.211 million. The film also took in $11.2 million internationally this weekend, culminating in a global weekend gross of $25.1 million.
For those searching for a bona fide box office sensation, **Jurassic World Rebirth** stands out, having amassed $766 million globally after its fifth weekend. Domestically, Rebirth has generated $317.6 million, surpassing Superman after a longer theatrical run, but it’s the international box office where this film is particularly thriving.
Based on reporting by Wesley Yin-Poole. Read the full story at IGN.