Superman, Thunderbolts, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps: Are We Entering a Comic Book Movie Golden Age?

The release of James Gunn’s Superman, Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts*, and the highly anticipated The Fantastic Four: First Steps has ignited excitement about a potential new golden age for comic book movies.

With Superman soaring at the box office, Thunderbolts facing challenges, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps earning stellar early reviews, these films signal a shift toward vibrant, hopeful storytelling.

This article explores their impact, reception, and what they mean for the future of superhero cinema, based on verified insights from industry reports and fan reactions.

Is James Gunn’s Superman Redefining Superhero Cinema?

Superman, released July 11, 2025, has grossed over $407 million globally, with a $220 million opening weekend, per Box Office Mojo. Critics praise its Silver Age comic aesthetic, vibrant visuals, and David Corenswet’s heartfelt portrayal of Clark Kent, earning an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score.

The film skips the origin story, diving into a fully realized DC Universe (DCU) with characters like Mr. Terrific and Krypto, resonating with audiences for its sincerity and hope.

Fandango reported record-breaking presale tickets, reflecting strong fan enthusiasm.Some reviews note narrative overcrowding and tonal inconsistencies, with Gunn’s humor occasionally clashing with the film’s earnestness.

Despite these critiques, Superman’s success suggests DC Studios, under Gunn and Peter Safran, is carving a bold path, with spin-offs already in development. Its cultural resonance as an immigrant story taps into universal themes, challenging superhero fatigue narratives.

Why Did Thunderbolts* Struggle at the Box Office?

Thunderbolts, released earlier in 2025, earned $382 million worldwide but fell short of expectations, per industry reports. Despite an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score for its action and character dynamics, Kevin Feige noted its lesser-known characters, many from Disney+ series, created accessibility issues.

The post-credits scene, teasing The Fantastic Four: First Steps with the Fantastic Four’s ship entering Earth-616, excited fans but didn’t boost box office numbers.

X posts reveal mixed sentiment: some fans hailed Thunderbolts as part of a strong MCU run, while others felt it suffered from post-Endgame narrative bloat. Marvel’s shift to a leaner slate of three films and one series annually aims to address this, focusing on quality.

Thunderbolts highlights the MCU’s challenge: balancing interconnected storytelling with standalone appeal.

What Makes The Fantastic Four: First Steps a Game-Changer?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set for July 25, 2025, is generating buzz with an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score from early reviews.

Critics praise its immaculate visual effects, pitch-perfect script, and stellar cast of Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, calling it a potential MCU classic.

Set in a 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic Earth-828, the film skips the origin story, focusing on the team’s battle against Galactus. X posts compare its cosmic scope to Interstellar, with IMAX visuals and Michael Giacchino’s score earning acclaim.

Box office projections estimate a $100-110 million domestic opening, per Box Office Theory, driven by fan demand for a faithful Fantastic Four adaptation. Its connection to Thunderbolts via the post-credits ship scene and its role in setting up Avengers: Doomsday position it as a cornerstone of MCU Phase 6.

Are We in a New Golden Age for Comic Book Movies?

The success of Superman, the lessons from Thunderbolts, and the hype for The Fantastic Four: First Steps suggest a renaissance for comic book films. X posts highlight a return to comicbookiness, with vibrant aesthetics and hopeful narratives replacing gritty realism.

Kevin Feige argues Superman’s performance disproves superhero fatigue, emphasizing storytelling over saturation.

The DCU’s standalone yet interconnected approach and Marvel’s streamlined slate reflect industry adaptation to audience demands.

Cultural resonance is key: Superman’s immigrant narrative and The Fantastic Four: First Steps’s retro optimism tap into a desire for escapism.

However, Thunderbolts shows accessibility remains a hurdle. If Marvel and DC maintain this balance of spectacle, emotion, and innovation, a golden age could be underway.

Key Takeaways:

• Superman’s Triumph: Grossed $407 million globally, with an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score, praised for its hopeful tone and vibrant visuals.

• Thunderbolts Struggles: Earned $382 million but faced accessibility issues, despite an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score and Fantastic Four ties.

• The Fantastic Four: First Steps Hype: Early 88% Rotten Tomatoes score, projected $100-110 million opening, lauded for cosmic scope and cast chemistry.

• Golden Age Signs: Vibrant aesthetics and emotional storytelling in Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps signal a shift from gritty superhero narratives.

Some Closing Thoughts: What’s Next for Superhero Films?

Superman, Thunderbolts, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps mark a pivotal moment for comic book movies. DC’s bold DCU foundation and Marvel’s course correction suggest a focus on quality and resonance.

As The Fantastic Four: First Steps prepares to redefine the MCU, and Superman sets the tone for DC, the genre’s future looks bright if studios keep storytelling first. Fans can expect a thrilling era where superheroes inspire anew.

Stay tuned to this space for the latest in the world of comic book movies and entertainment at large!