The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Box Office Performance Soars to $368.7M Worldwide

The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ box office performance has ignited the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with a global debut that signals a strong return for Marvel’s First Family.

Launched on July 25, 2025, the film has grossed $368.7 million worldwide, with $198.4 million domestically and $170.3 million internationally, according to industry reports.

Directed by Matt Shakman, this retro-futuristic adventure starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach has won over audiences and critics alike.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of its financial success and what it means for the MCU.

Key Box Office Highlights

• Global Total: $368.7 million worldwide after two weekends.

• Domestic Earnings: $198.4 million, accounting for 53.8% of the global haul.

• International Earnings: $170.3 million from 52 markets, representing 46.2% of the total.

• Opening Weekend: $218 million globally, with $117.6 million domestically and $100 million internationally.

• Second Weekend Drop: 66% domestically, earning $40 million in the second frame.

How Did the Film Perform in Its Opening Weekend?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps burst onto the scene with a $218 million global opening, marking one of the strongest MCU debuts of 2025. Domestically, it earned $117.6 million, surpassing projections of $100-$110 million.

The film’s Thursday previews alone raked in $24.4 million, outpacing Superman’s previews and setting a 2025 record for MCU titles.

Internationally, it secured $100 million across 52 markets, with top performers including Mexico ($12 million), the UK ($10.8 million), France ($5.7 million), and Brazil ($5.1 million).

Despite a weaker showing in China ($4.5 million), the film’s international launch was 13% ahead of Thunderbolts and 11% above Superman in like-for-like markets.

Premium formats like IMAX and 3D contributed significantly, accounting for 46% of domestic ticket sales, with IMAX alone delivering $16 million. The film’s retro-futuristic aesthetic and strong ensemble cast drew nearly 70% male audiences, with 42% under 25, indicating robust appeal among younger and core superhero fans.

Why Did the Second Weekend See a Steep Drop?

Despite its strong start, the film’s second weekend saw a 66% domestic drop, earning $40 million, which was steeper than the anticipated 55-60% decline.

This frontloaded performance mirrors trends in recent MCU releases, where opening weekends draw heavy fan turnout but casual audiences are slower to follow.

For comparison, Superman dropped 53% in its second weekend, benefiting from less direct competition.

The Fantastic Four faced minimal new competition from titles like The Bad Guys 2 ($22.8 million) and Naked Gun ($16 million), suggesting superhero fatigue or market saturation may have played a role.

Internationally, the second weekend added $39.6 million, with strong holds in markets like Denmark (-23%), Chile (-32%), and Brazil (-35%). The film retained the No. 1 spot in key regions like the UK, Mexico, and Latin America, showing resilience despite the domestic dip.

Its global total of $368.7 million positions it well to surpass previous Fantastic Four films, with the 2005 version at $333.1 million and 2007’s Rise of the Silver Surfer at $301 million.

How Does It Compare to Other MCU Films?The Fantastic Four: First Steps has already outgrossed recent MCU underperformers like The Marvels ($206 million) and Thunderbolts ($382 million) in just ten days.

It’s also closing in on Black Widow ($379 million) and Eternals ($402 million). While it trails Superman’s $551.2 million global total, its domestic performance ($198.4 million) is competitive, nearing Superman’s $316.2 million.

The film’s $200 million budget requires roughly $500 million to break even, a target it’s on track to achieve, unlike the 2015 Fantastic Four reboot, which lost $80-$100 million with a $168 million global gross.

Critically, the film shines with an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 93% audience rating, aligning it with top-tier MCU releases like Deadpool & Wolverine. Its A- CinemaScore and strong PostTrak exits (86% positive) suggest positive word-of-mouth, though the frontloaded nature of its earnings indicates a reliance on core fans rather than broad appeal.

What Markets Are Driving International Success?

The film’s international performance is led by Mexico ($20.4 million), the UK ($20.5 million), France ($10.2 million), Brazil ($9.3 million), and Australia ($8.2 million). Europe and Latin America have been particularly strong, with France logging the third-highest opening day of 2025, up 80% from Superman.

Italy also performed well, with a 111% edge over Superman’s debut. However, Asia, particularly China, underperformed, reflecting a broader decline in superhero film appeal in that market.

The international share (46.2%) is lower than typical MCU films, which often see 60% or more from overseas markets, highlighting a domestic-heavy performance.

Can It Sustain Momentum and Break Records?

With $368.7 million already banked, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is poised to become the highest-grossing Fantastic Four film domestically, needing just $102 million to surpass the 2005 film’s $333.1 million global total.

Analysts project it could reach $450-$500 million worldwide, though a steeper-than-expected second-weekend drop raises concerns about long-term legs. The lack of major competition until late 2025 releases like Zootopia 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash offers a clear runway, but sustaining casual audience interest will be key to hitting the $500 million mark and ensuring profitability.

The film’s role in the MCU’s Phase Six, with its cast set to return in Avengers: Doomsday, adds narrative weight that could drive repeat viewings. Its retro-futuristic setting and focus on family dynamics have resonated, offering a fresh take that counters superhero fatigue.

However, the challenge remains to convert positive buzz into sustained ticket sales in a crowded summer market.

What’s Next for Marvel’s First Family?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ box office performance marks a promising, if not flawless, return for Marvel’s iconic team. Its strong debut, critical praise, and cultural impact via park appearances at Disneyland signal a franchise with staying power.

Some Closing Thoughts:

While the second-weekend drop tempers expectations, the film’s global haul and fan enthusiasm position it as a vital step in Marvel’s post-pandemic recovery.

As it continues its theatrical run, all eyes are on whether it can stretch past $500 million and solidify its place as a cornerstone of the MCU’s future.

Stay tuned to this space for the latest updates on this Kirby-Meets-Kubrick flick!