"Superman" vs. "The Fantastic Four: First Steps": Which Superhero Flick Will Dominate July 2025 Opening Weekend?

Get ready for a superhero showdown in July 2025! James Gunn’s highly anticipated “Superman” reboot, set to soar into theaters on July 11, promises to kickstart the new DC Universe with a bang. Just two weeks later, Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” aims to dazzle audiences on July 25, introducing the MCU’s First Family in a retro-futuristic spectacle.

With both films generating massive buzz, the question on every fan’s mind is: which blockbuster will claim the bigger opening weekend? Let’s dive into the data, trends, and hype to speculate on the box office battle of the summer!

What Are the Early Box Office Projections for "Superman"?

Early tracking for James Gunn’s “Superman” is nothing short of heroic. According to Box Office Theory, the David Corenswet-starrer is projected to haul in $154 million to $175 million domestically during its opening weekend on July 11, 2025.

This range would surpass the $116.6 million debut of 2013’s “Man of Steel” and could even challenge the DC record of $166 million set by “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” in 2016.

The film’s trailer, released in late 2024, racked up over 250 million views, the most for any Warner Bros. movie, signaling strong fan interest. Gunn’s proven track record with “Guardians of the Galaxy” and his emphasis on a hopeful, character-driven Superman story could propel this reboot to new heights for DC.

However, competition looms large. With “Jurassic World: Rebirth” opening on July 2 and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” following on July 25, “Superman” will need sustained momentum to dominate.

How Is "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" Tracking for Its Debut?

Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is shaping up to be a box office contender. Box Office Theory forecasts a domestic opening weekend of $125 million to $136 million on July 25, 2025, a strong showing but trailing “Superman” projections.

Fandango reported record-breaking 2025 pre-sales for the film, with ticket demand crashing sites, hinting at a potential surge closer to release.

The first trailer, unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, garnered over 200 million views, one of the best benchmarks for a Marvel film outside “Deadpool & Wolverine.”

With a star-studded cast—Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach—and a fresh retro-futuristic 1960s setting, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” aims to reset the franchise after past flops.

Yet, its later release date means it may compete with “Superman”’s lingering buzz and faces a crowded July slate.

Why Might "Superman" Have the Edge?

“Superman” benefits from several key factors. As the inaugural live-action film of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe, it carries the weight of a franchise relaunch, drawing fans eager for a fresh start.

The character’s iconic status and Gunn’s branding—front and center in marketing, with trailers opening “From James Gunn”—tap into his goodwill from “The Suicide Squad” and “Guardians.”

Historical data favors Superman too. Past solo films like “Man of Steel” ($668 million worldwide) outperformed prior “Fantastic Four” attempts, none of which crossed $335 million globally.

Plus, opening two weeks earlier gives “Superman” a head start to capture audiences before “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” hits theaters.

X posts echo this sentiment, with users like @jayjjalen predicting “Superman” will outshine its rival due to strong marketing and relevance.

Could "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" Steal the Show?

Don’t count out “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” just yet! Marvel’s MCU clout remains a powerhouse, with films like “Deadpool & Wolverine” ($211 million opening) and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” ($260 million) proving opening weekend strength.

The Fantastic Four, dubbed Marvel’s First Family, are pivotal to the MCU’s Phase 6 and the Multiverse Saga, with ties to “Avengers: Doomsday” in 2026.

The film’s retro aesthetic and avoidance of an origin story offer a fresh take, potentially luring casual viewers. Record pre-sales on Fandango and X buzz suggest hype could grow, especially if marketing teases Galactus or future Avengers crossovers.

If word-of-mouth is strong, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” might close the gap.

What Do Industry Trends Suggest?

Recent film industry trends paint a mixed picture. Superhero fatigue has dented box office hauls, with 2025’s “Captain America: Brave New World” opening at $88 million and “Thunderbolts*” at $74 million, both below expectations.

Yet, “Deadpool & Wolverine” soared to $221 million in 2024, showing marquee characters still draw crowds.

DC faces added pressure after a string of underperformers like “The Flash” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” in 2023. “Superman” must deliver to relaunch the brand, while “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” rides Marvel’s more consistent track record.

A crowded July 2025, with “Jurassic World: Rebirth” projected at $130 million opening, could split audiences.

Who Will Win the July 2025 Opening Weekend?

Predicting the winner is a close call, but “Superman” holds a slight edge. Its projected $154 million to $175 million domestic opening outpaces “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” at $125 million to $136 million.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Gunn’s early release date, massive trailer views, and the hunger for a new DC era tilt the scales. However, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” could surprise if Marvel’s marketing and fan demand surge pre-release.

Both films have the potential to shine, and James Gunn himself believes there’s “room for us both!”

July 2025 will be a superhero spectacle—will the Man of Steel fly higher, or will Marvel’s First Family take the crown? Only time, and ticket sales, will tell.