Marvel Studios’ latest release, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” has made a remarkable debut, setting a new benchmark for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film achieved a record-breaking $24.4 million in Thursday night previews, surpassing the previous high of $22.5 million set by DC’s “Superman” earlier this month.
Directed by Matt Shakman, “First Steps” introduces a fresh take on Marvel’s iconic superhero team, set in a 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world. The ensemble cast features Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Julia Garner portrays the Silver Surfer, and Ralph Ineson takes on the role of the formidable villain, Galactus.
The film’s strong opening is further underscored by its impressive performance on Fandango, where it became the platform’s best first-day ticket pre-seller of 2025. This achievement highlights the high anticipation and enthusiasm among fans for the return of Marvel’s First Family to the big screen.
Critically, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” has received positive feedback, holding an 87% approval rating from critics and a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers have praised the film for its engaging storytelling, strong character development, and the nostalgic yet innovative 1960s aesthetic.
The film’s success also reignites the friendly rivalry between Marvel and DC fans, with both studios releasing major superhero films in close succession. While “Superman” debuted with a global opening of $217 million, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is projected to achieve a domestic opening between $115 million and $135 million, with a global total potentially reaching $220–230 million.
As the weekend progresses, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is poised to continue its strong performance, solidifying its position as a significant contributor to the MCU’s ongoing success and setting the stage for future adventures of Marvel’s First Family.
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