‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Claims 2025’s Biggest Preview Haul at $24.4 Million
The Fantastic Four have officially arrived—and they’re making a statement. Marvel’s latest superhero spectacle earned a commanding $24.4 million in Thursday night previews, dethroning “Superman” to claim 2025’s biggest preview performance.
A Super-Powered Weekend Ahead
With preview numbers like these, “First Steps” is tracking for a massive $100-110 million domestic opening weekend, potentially soaring even higher according to industry insiders. Add in international projections of $90-100 million, and we’re looking at a worldwide debut between $190-210 million—putting it in direct competition with this month’s other superhero sensation.
The timing creates a fascinating superhero showdown. “Superman” has dominated theaters for two weeks straight after its own impressive $125 million domestic launch, but the Fantastic Four appear ready to claim the crown with remarkably similar opening trajectory.
High Stakes for Marvel’s Comeback
This success couldn’t come at a better time for Marvel Studios. The company’s previous 2025 releases—”Captain America: Brave New World” and “Thunderbolts”—underwhelmed with $88.5 million and $76 million openings respectively, both ultimately losing money against their hefty $180 million budgets.
With “First Steps” carrying a production cost exceeding $200 million plus a $100 million marketing campaign, the pressure is on. But early signs are promising: critics have embraced the film with an 89% “certified fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praising its retro-futuristic aesthetic that sets it apart from typical MCU fare.
A Fresh Take on Familiar Heroes
Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach bring Marvel’s first family into the MCU proper after years of lackluster Fox adaptations. This time, they’re facing cosmic-level threats in Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner)—villains that promise spectacle worthy of the big screen.
Disney’s Winning Streak Continues
The success represents more than just a single film victory. Disney is set to cross the $3 billion global box office mark on Friday, making it the first Hollywood studio to reach that milestone in 2025. Between Superman’s continued dominance and the Fantastic Four’s explosive debut, superhero cinema is proving its enduring appeal despite previous concerns about genre fatigue.
Marvel’s strategy shift toward fewer, higher-quality projects appears to be paying dividends, with “First Steps” positioning itself as the comeback story the studio desperately needed.
