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

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Box Office Tracking Data paints a promising picture for Marvel Studios’ latest superhero saga, which soared to a global opening of $227.1 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

With a domestic haul of $128.1 million (56.4%) and an international take of $99.1 million (43.6%), the film has outshone expectations, marking a significant win for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) after recent challenges.

Directed by Matt Shakman and featuring a stellar cast led by Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, this retro-futuristic reboot has ignited excitement among fans and critics alike.

Below, we break down the numbers, analyze the film’s performance, and explore what this means for Marvel’s future.

Key Takeaways:

• Global Box Office: The Fantastic Four: First Steps grossed $227.1 million worldwide in its opening weekend.

• Domestic Performance: The film earned $128.1 million in the U.S. and Canada, accounting for 56.4% of its global total.

• International Success: Overseas markets contributed $99.1 million, or 43.6% of the worldwide gross.

• Critical Reception: The film boasts an 89% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the best-reviewed Fantastic Four film ever.

• Audience Appeal: A 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and an A- CinemaScore reflect strong fan approval.

• Premium Formats: IMAX and premium large formats drove 46% of ticket sales, with IMAX alone contributing $16 million domestically.

How Did The Fantastic Four: First Steps Perform Domestically?

The domestic opening of $128.1 million for The Fantastic Four: First Steps ranks as the fourth-biggest debut of 2025, trailing A Minecraft Movie ($162 million), Lilo & Stitch ($146 million), and Superman ($125 million).

This figure surpassed industry projections of $100 million to $110 million, fueled by strong pre-sales of $20 million and a record-breaking $24.4 million in Thursday previews, the highest for any film this year.

The film’s performance in premium formats, particularly IMAX, was a key driver, with 46% of ticket sales coming from these high-margin screens. Notably, the film’s audience skewed 70% male and 42% under 25, indicating strong appeal among younger viewers and superhero fans.

The A- CinemaScore and 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes suggest positive word-of-mouth, which could propel the film toward a domestic total of $250 million to $300 million, depending on its staying power.

What Contributed to Its International Box Office Success?

Internationally, The Fantastic Four: First Steps grossed $99.1 million across 53 markets, slightly exceeding projections of $90 million to $100 million. Top-performing markets included Mexico ($6.2 million), the UK ($5.7 million), France ($3.5 million), Brazil ($2.6 million), and Italy ($2.4 million).

The film secured the biggest superhero opening of 2025 in several regions, including Mexico, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, and parts of Latin America and Europe.

Unlike Superman, which saw a lower 43% overseas share due to its pro-American themes, Fantastic Four benefited from broader international appeal, likely due to its retro-futuristic setting and global stakes involving Galactus and the Silver Surfer.

However, markets like China underperformed, a trend seen across recent superhero films, reflecting a shift in overseas audience preferences toward star-driven films like F1 or Jurassic World Rebirth.

Why Did the Film Outperform Expectations?

Several factors contributed to the film’s strong debut. First, the star-studded cast, including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, drew significant attention.

The addition of Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer and Ralph Ineson as Galactus added intrigue. Second, the film’s 1960s-inspired aesthetic and critical acclaim (89% on Rotten Tomatoes) positioned it as a fresh take on a franchise previously marred by poorly received adaptations.

Unlike the 2015 reboot, which grossed only $56.1 million domestically over its entire run, First Steps surpassed that figure in a single day.

Finally, Marvel’s strategic marketing, including a high-profile premiere and a drone show, boosted visibility, while the absence of major competing releases allowed the film to dominate the box office.

How Does This Compare to Other MCU Films?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks a rebound for Marvel after underwhelming openings for Thunderbolts ($74.3 million domestically) and Captain America: Brave New World ($88.8 million domestically).

Its $128.1 million domestic debut is the strongest for Marvel since Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in 2022 and aligns closely with Superman’s $125 million start.

Historically, every MCU film opening above $117 million has grossed over $300 million domestically, suggesting First Steps could reach similar heights if it maintains strong legs.

However, its $200 million-plus budget means it needs to approach $500 million globally to ensure profitability, a target it’s on track to meet given its current $227.1 million worldwide haul. The film’s performance also helped Disney become the first studio to cross $3 billion in global ticket sales in 2025.

What Challenges Lie Ahead for the Film’s Box Office Run?

Despite its strong start, The Fantastic Four: First Steps faces challenges in sustaining momentum. The superhero genre has shown signs of frontloaded performance, with films like Superman and Thunderbolts experiencing significant second-weekend drops (57% and 60%, respectively).

If First Steps follows a similar pattern, it could fall short of the $500 million global mark some analysts predict. Upcoming releases like Bad Guys 2 and Naked Gun may also compete for family and adult audiences.

Additionally, while the film’s critical and audience reception is strong, superhero fatigue remains a concern, particularly in international markets like China, where local films are dominating. The film’s ability to maintain buzz through word-of-mouth and repeat viewings will be critical to its long-term success.

What’s Next for Marvel and The Fantastic Four?

The success of The Fantastic Four: First Steps signals a potential turning point for Marvel, which has faced criticism for recent missteps. The film’s strong opening and positive reception pave the way for future MCU projects, including Spider-Man: Brand New Day in July 2026 and Avengers: Doomsday in December 2026.

The introduction of Galactus and the Silver Surfer sets up major narrative threads for the MCU’s multiverse saga, with potential appearances from Dr. Doom and other iconic characters.

For the Fantastic Four franchise, a sequel seems likely, especially given its record-breaking performance compared to previous iterations.

Fans are already speculating about how the team will evolve in future films, particularly with the emotional stakes tied to Sue Storm’s unborn child.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps has proven that Marvel’s First Family still has the power to captivate audiences worldwide.

Some Closing Thoughts:

With a global opening of $227.1 million, driven by a strong domestic performance and solid international returns, the film has shattered expectations and set a new benchmark for the franchise.

As it continues its theatrical run, all eyes will be on whether it can maintain its momentum and cement its place as one of 2025’s biggest hits.

For now, Marvel Studios can celebrate a much-needed victory, signaling a bright future for the MCU.

Stay tuned to this space for the latest updates on this stellar first steps taken by Marvel's First Family in the MCU.