On July 25, 2025, Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps hit theaters, igniting excitement with a projected $100–$110 million domestic opening weekend and a global debut estimated at $190–$210 million. Directed by Matt Shakman, the retro-futuristic superhero epic, starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn, has already garnered a stellar 88% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 42 initial critic reviews. Hailed as Marvel “firing on all cylinders,” the film marks a triumphant return for the MCU’s First Family, overcoming the franchise’s checkered cinematic past and signaling a potential end to superhero fatigue. With its vibrant 1960s aesthetic, stellar cast chemistry, and an iconic score by Michael Giacchino, First Steps is poised to outshine recent MCU releases and compete fiercely with James Gunn’s Superman, which opened to $125 million domestically earlier in July. As fans flock to theaters, this reboot could redefine the Fantastic Four’s place in the MCU and at the box office.

A High-Stakes Launch for Marvel’s First Family

The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives at a pivotal moment for Marvel Studios. After a mixed 2025, with Captain America: Brave New World earning $88.8 million domestically and $181 million worldwide, and Thunderbolts* grossing $74.3 million domestically and $162 million globally, the MCU has struggled to recapture the “event film” magic of 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine, which debuted to $211.4 million domestically and grossed $1.33 billion worldwide. First Steps, with its $100–$110 million domestic projection and $90–$100 million international estimate, is Marvel’s best shot at a massive 2025 opener, surpassing the studio’s earlier releases and rivaling Superman’s $220 million global debut.

The film’s early box office tracking, reported by Box Office Theory in June 2025, initially pegged its domestic opening at $125–$155 million, but projections adjusted to a more conservative $100–$110 million as competition from Superman intensified. Superman’s first-day pre-sale tickets crashed Fandango’s website, with forecasts suggesting a $140–$185 million domestic debut. Yet, First Steps has gained momentum, with $13 million in pre-sales by July 21, outpacing Thunderbolts ($74.3 million opening) and Captain America: Brave New World ($88.8 million) and trailing Superman by just 20%.

Directed by WandaVision’s Matt Shakman, the film follows Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Kirby), Ben Grimm/The Thing (Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Quinn) as they battle the planet-devouring Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Set in an alternate 1960s, the film’s retro-futuristic aesthetic, complete with the comic-accurate Fantasticar, has been a major draw. Early marketing at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 showcased a pre-filming sizzle reel, highlighting Pascal’s voice as Reed and Galactus’ looming presence, which sparked massive buzz.

Critical Acclaim: A Fresh Start for the Fantastic Four

The film’s 88% Rotten Tomatoes score, based on 42 reviews as of July 23, 2025, marks a historic milestone for the Fantastic Four franchise, earning the coveted “Certified Fresh” status. This is the first time a Fantastic Four film has achieved such critical praise, surpassing the 2005 Fantastic Four (27%), 2007’s Rise of the Silver Surfer (37%), and 2015’s Fant4stic (9%). Critics have lauded its “energetic, hopeful” 1960s sci-fi vibe, stellar cast chemistry, and focus on family dynamics, with Variety’s Peter Debruge declaring that Marvel “got its mojo back.” Comicbasics noted, “Most critics seem to agree that this time, Marvel has finally figured out how to handle the Fantastic Four,” highlighting its personal, meaningful storytelling.

The film’s visual style, inspired by the 1960s and executed with immaculate production design, has been a standout. Polygon compared its narrative and thematic elements to Pixar’s The Incredibles, praising its accessibility within the MCU’s 30+ film catalog. Michael Giacchino’s score, described as “instantly iconic,” has also drawn raves, enhancing the film’s retro charm. However, some critics noted weaker villains, with Galactus and Silver Surfer feeling “underwhelming” compared to the team’s dynamic. Despite this, Forbes reported early reactions calling it “possibly the best Marvel film ever released,” setting high expectations.

The 88% score, while slightly below Superman’s initial 92% (now 83%), ties with Thunderbolts* and far exceeds Captain America: Brave New World’s 45%. With 83 reviews counted by July 23, the score dipped to 87% but is expected to stabilize in the mid-to-high 80s, a significant achievement given the franchise’s history. Fans on X echoed the enthusiasm, with @MyTimeToShineH posting, “THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS debuts at 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and is currently Certified Fresh,” sparking debates about its potential to outshine Superman.

Overcoming a Checkered Past

The Fantastic Four’s cinematic journey has been fraught with challenges. The 1994 unreleased film by Roger Corman earned a 33% Rotten Tomatoes score, while Fox’s 2005 and 2007 films, starring Jessica Alba and Chris Evans, grossed $330 million and $301 million worldwide but were critically panned. The 2015 reboot, directed by Josh Trank, was a commercial and critical flop, earning $167.9 million globally against a 9% score. First Steps doesn’t have to clear a high bar to become the highest-grossing Fantastic Four film, but its projected $190–$210 million global opening already positions it to surpass its predecessors.

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige prioritized integrating the Fantastic Four into the MCU after Disney’s 2019 acquisition of Fox, which reclaimed the characters’ rights. Initially announced at Comic-Con 2019, the project saw Jon Watts exit as director in 2022, with Shakman taking over. The casting of Pascal, Kirby, Quinn, and Moss-Bachrach, alongside supporting actors like Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, and Natasha Lyonne, generated buzz, with a pre-filming reel at D23 2024 showcasing the Fantasticar and Galactus. The film’s alternate 1960s setting, distinct from the main MCU timeline, offers a fresh narrative approach, positioning the Fantastic Four as a replacement for the time-lost Steve Rogers.

Box Office Battle and Superhero Fatigue

The summer of 2025 has been a proving ground for superhero films, with Superman setting a high bar. Its $125 million domestic opening and $409 million global total have made it a benchmark, but First Steps’s strong pre-sales and critical acclaim suggest it could close the gap. Box Office Theory noted that Superman’s early ticket sales outpaced First Steps, but Marvel’s film is gaining traction, particularly with families drawn to its themes of unity and adventure. Deadline reported that premium formats like IMAX, Dolby, and 4DX are boosting projections, with international markets like the UK, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico expected to perform strongly.

The specter of superhero fatigue looms large, with Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts* underperforming despite positive reviews (Thunderbolts earned an 88% score and “A-” CinemaScore). Industry caution persists, as @Luiz_Fernando_J noted on X: “Industry remains cautious due to recent MCU underperformances, with projections seeing a 100M-110M 3-day.” Yet, First Steps’s positive buzz and recognizable characters give it an edge over lesser-known MCU entries. Men’s Journal highlighted its “fresh start” for Marvel, suggesting it could reverse the studio’s recent struggles.

The film’s global rollout, starting July 23 in France, Indonesia, Italy, and the Netherlands, and expanding to the UK, Australia, Brazil, and China by July 25, ensures a broad footprint. Unlike Superman, which faced softer returns in China ($7 million), First Steps is expected to perform better internationally, though it faces competition from local films like Korea’s Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy. Historical comparisons, like 2002’s Spider-Man outgrossing Star Wars: Episode II due to quality, suggest that First Steps could surprise if it delivers a superior product.

Fan and Industry Buzz

Fans on X have been vocal, with @RottenTomatoes announcing, “#TheFantasticFour: First Steps is Certified Fresh at 88% on the Tomatometer, with 83 reviews,” fueling excitement. @cosmic_marvel’s June post projected a $125–$155 million opening, reflecting early optimism. Critics have praised the film’s accessibility and family focus, with GameRant noting its ability to stand out in a crowded MCU. However, some X users, like those cited in The Direct, expressed skepticism about sustaining the 88% score as more reviews pour in, though the consensus remains positive.

The film’s cast has also driven buzz. Pedro Pascal, who jokingly told Collider he was “appalled” by his clean-shaven look in Wonder Woman 1984, embraced Reed Richards’ classic style, while Kirby’s Sue Storm and Quinn’s Johnny Storm have been lauded for their chemistry. Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer, a gender-swapped take, has sparked debate but aligns with the film’s bold vision.

Conclusion

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is poised for a spectacular $100–$110 million domestic opening and $190–$210 million globally, driven by strong pre-sales and an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score from 42 critics. Marking the first “Certified Fresh” Fantastic Four film, it overcomes the franchise’s troubled history with a vibrant 1960s aesthetic, stellar cast, and a focus on family that resonates with audiences. Facing competition from Superman, the film’s critical acclaim and accessible storytelling position it as a potential MCU game-changer, with Variety declaring Marvel’s “mojo” restored. As fans fill theaters, buoyed by buzz on X and early reviews, First Steps could redefine Marvel’s First Family and signal a new era for the MCU, proving that quality can triumph over superhero fatigue.