Marvel’s ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Breaks Preview Records with $24.4 Million, Outpacing ‘Superman’ for 2025’s Leading Debut

Marvel Studios’ latest release, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” has achieved a remarkable milestone, setting a new benchmark for the franchise. The film secured a strong debut, raking in $118 million domestically during its opening weekend, marking it as the studio’s first $100 million opening of 2025 and the fourth biggest launch of the year.

Directed by Matt Shakman, “First Steps” introduces audiences to the origin story of the superhero family—Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm—following their cosmic-powered transformation. Set in a 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world, the film has been praised for its unique aesthetic and storytelling approach.

The film’s success is further underscored by its Thursday night preview earnings of $24.4 million, surpassing the $22.5 million earned by DC’s “Superman” in its opening previews. This achievement positions “First Steps” as the leading debut of 2025, outpacing its DC counterpart.

Critically, “First Steps” has received positive feedback, holding an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences have lauded the film’s character balance, retro-futuristic aesthetic, and the portrayal of the villain Galactus. The film’s success is seen as a revitalizing and emotionally resonant entry for long-time fans of Marvel’s comic heritage.

The film’s opening weekend performance has also contributed to Marvel Studios crossing the $3 billion mark in global grosses, becoming the first Hollywood studio to reach this milestone in 2025.

“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” not only marks a significant achievement for Marvel Studios but also sets a new standard for superhero films in 2025, blending nostalgic elements with modern storytelling to captivate a diverse audience.