The Fantastic Four: First Steps Box Office Tracking Data Signals a Marvel Comeback

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Box Office Tracking Data is generating buzz as Marvel Studios prepares to launch its highly anticipated reboot on July 25, 2025.

With a star-studded cast and a fresh take on Marvel’s First Family, the film is poised to make a significant impact at the box office.

Early projections suggest a strong opening weekend, fueled by fan excitement and strategic marketing.

This article dives into the latest verifiable data, breaking down the numbers and analyzing what they mean for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Key Takeaways:

• Domestic Opening Weekend: The Fantastic Four: First Steps is projected to earn $100M-$155M domestically during its opening weekend.

• Global Projections: The film is expected to gross $190M-$210M worldwide, with $90M-$100M from international markets.

• Comparison to Recent MCU Films: Outpaces Captain America: Brave New World ($88.8M) and Thunderbolts* ($74.3M) domestic openings.

• Critical Reception: Early reviews boast an 86%-89% Rotten Tomatoes score, signaling a return to form for the MCU.

• Pre-Sale Strength: $20M-$25M in domestic pre-sales, matching or exceeding Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Superman.

• Budget and Break-Even: Estimated production budget over $200M, requiring $450M-$500M globally to break even.

Why Are Projections So High for The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Box Office Tracking Data points to a domestic opening weekend range of $100M-$155M, with estimates varying across sources.

Box Office Theory reports a $125M-$155M range, while Variety and Comscore peg it closer to $100M-$110M.

These figures position the film as one of the MCU’s strongest late-summer debuts, potentially ranking among the top 15 MCU opening weekends, behind juggernauts like Avengers: Endgame ($357M) and Spider-Man: No Way Home ($260M).

The high end of $155M would surpass Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 ($118.4M) and Thor: Love and Thunder ($144.2M), signaling robust audience interest.

Pre-sale data bolsters these projections, with $20M-$25M in domestic ticket sales already reported, matching the early performance of Superman ($125M domestic opening) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Fandango noted that The Fantastic Four: First Steps led 2025’s first-day pre-sales, with ticket sites crashing due to demand.

This enthusiasm stems from the film’s high-profile cast, including Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm), alongside a 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic setting.

How Does It Compare to Other Superhero Films?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps faces stiff competition from DC’s Superman, which opened to $125M domestically and $220M globally on July 11, 2025.

While Superman’s projections initially ranged higher ($140M-$185M), The Fantastic Four’s steady tracking suggests it could close the gap, especially internationally, where it’s expected to earn $90M-$100M.

Unlike Superman, which benefited from a two-week head start, The Fantastic Four will dominate IMAX and premium screens during Superman’s third weekend, potentially boosting its numbers.

Compared to 2025’s MCU releases, The Fantastic Four outperforms Captain America: Brave New World ($88.8M domestic opening, $415M global) and Thunderbolts* ($74.3M domestic, $381M global).

Both films struggled with legs, failing to sustain momentum post-opening. The Fantastic Four’s projected $277M-$395M total domestic gross suggests stronger staying power, especially if positive word-of-mouth persists.

What Role Does Critical Reception Play?

Early reviews are a bright spot, with an 86%-89% Rotten Tomatoes score, making it the best-reviewed Fantastic Four film to date. Critics praise its visual effects, cast chemistry, and director Matt Shakman’s vision, with some calling it a “return to form” for the MCU.

This contrasts with the poorly received 2015 Fantastic Four reboot (9% on Rotten Tomatoes) and the mixed 2005 and 2007 films (27% and 37%). Strong reviews could drive repeat viewings, crucial for a film with a reported budget north of $200M, requiring $450M-$500M globally to break even.

Social media reactions highlight the film’s “immaculate” VFX and “pitch-perfect script,” with praise for Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer and the cosmic threat of Galactus.

This positive buzz, combined with the MCU’s historical international strength, could push global totals toward $600M-$700M, though some fans remain cautious due to the Fantastic Four brand’s tarnished history under Fox.

Can The Fantastic Four Reinvigorate the MCU?

The MCU has faced challenges in 2025, with Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts* underperforming against their $180M budgets.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps, as the final MCU release before Spider-Man: Brand New Day in July 2026, is a pivotal moment.

Its role as a cornerstone of the Multiverse Saga, setting up Avengers: Doomsday (December 2026), adds narrative weight. The film’s standalone alternate Earth setting reduces continuity barriers, making it accessible to new viewers.

Marvel’s marketing, including a trailer with over 200M views, has fueled hype. The film’s position as the “next-on-deck tentpole” after Superman, per Box Office Theory, and its lack of major competition in late August, could extend its theatrical run.

However, superhero fatigue remains a concern, as seen in recent underperformers like Kraven the Hunter ($11M domestic opening) and Madame Web ($15.3M).

What Challenges Could Impact Its Performance?

Despite the optimism, risks loom. The Fantastic Four’s $200M-plus budget demands significant returns, and its proximity to Superman’s release could lead to audience overlap.

While strong reviews mitigate this, the film must avoid the post-opening drop-offs seen in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania ($476M global) and The Marvels ($199.7M global).

The Fantastic Four brand’s mixed cinematic history also poses a hurdle, with some audiences skeptical after past failures.International markets will be critical, as MCU films often rely on overseas earnings.

The projected $90M-$100M international opening is promising, but sustained performance depends on word-of-mouth and minimal competition from counter-programmers like Freakier Friday and Weapons.

Some Closing Thoughts: A Step Toward Marvel’s Future

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is shaping up to be a box office win for Marvel Studios, with projections signaling a return to the MCU’s glory days.

Its strong pre-sales, critical acclaim, and strategic release timing position it to outshine recent MCU disappointments.

While challenges like superhero fatigue and a high budget remain, the film’s unique setting and stellar cast could make it a standout.

As Marvel’s First Family takes its first steps, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if this reboot delivers the comeback the MCU needs.

Stay tuned to this space for the latest updates on this film.