The latest release from Marvel Studios, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, has achieved nearly $370 million globally, despite experiencing a significant drop at the box office during its second weekend. The film debuted strongly in North America with a remarkable $118 million in its opening weekend but saw a sharp decline of 66% in its second weekend, generating an additional $40 million domestically. Currently, its domestic total stands at $198,427,635, while international earnings have reached $170.3 million, combining for a global total of approximately $368.7 million.
Analysts had predicted a decline of 55% to 60% for the second weekend, which reflects a trend seen in other superhero films. For comparison, Superman saw a smaller second-weekend drop of 53%. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is especially crucial for Marvel as it marks the beginning of Phase Six of the MCU, following less successful outings like Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts. Notably, it is on track to surpass both films’ final box office figures, which were $415.1 million and $382.3 million, respectively, and could potentially become the highest-grossing film in the Fantastic Four franchise.
However, mixed opinions have emerged regarding the film’s reception. Rob Liefeld, the co-creator of Deadpool, expressed disappointment over the film’s dullness, contradicting the more favorable reviews from critics and audiences alike. IGN rated the film 7/10, noting it as a family dramedy that sometimes struggles when it emphasizes its superhero elements too much.
As Marvel looks ahead, they have only three confirmed releases for 2026 and 2027: Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Avengers: Doomsday, and Avengers: Secret Wars. Liefeld has urged Marvel to prioritize a new Deadpool installment, highlighting the strong demand among fans.
In the landscape of superhero films, the DC Universe’s Superman has also performed admirably, grossing $551.2 million globally after its fourth weekend, indicating strong competition in the box office arena. Meanwhile, Jurassic World Rebirth stands out as a significant hit, considered an undeniable box office success with $766 million worldwide.
This competitive environment underscores the evolving landscape of superhero films, where franchises must continually innovate to retain audience interest and achieve box office success.