“Blown out of the water” is the only way to describe Marvel Studios’ latest release—Fantastic Four: First Steps—as it dominates the box office with a projected $120M–$125M opening weekend. This marks one of the most impactful and inspiring superhero launches of the post-COVID era and adds serious fire to the ongoing Marvel vs. DC rivalry.
The Matt Shakman-directed film is riding high, currently tied for the second-best opening day of 2025, grossing $57 million in first-day previews. That puts it just $900K ahead of James Gunn’s Superman, which opened at $56.1 million. Both films earned a solid A- CinemaScore, signaling strong word-of-mouth and audience engagement.
Not Just a Marvel Moment—It’s a Movie Milestone
While box office warriors argue whether Fantastic Four will ultimately outperform Superman, the reality is this: It’s already the fourth $100M+ opener of the year, proving superhero fatigue is not as widespread as critics claim. The superhero genre is still thriving, and audiences are clearly hungry for origin stories done right.
The film’s stellar opening joins the ranks of post-COVID box office hits, outpacing several recent MCU entries and setting a new tone for Phase Five.
Powerful Pacing and Popular Pull
The Fantastic Four’s numbers closely mimic Superman’s trajectory, fueling comparisons in the ever-trending Marvel vs. DC debate. But honestly—who cares? As Vlixx sees it, what matters most is that both movies are winning, and more importantly, they’re uplifting the movie business overall.
Let’s not forget: Fantastic Four: First Steps faced heavy skepticism during pre-production, but the final product is connecting with fans. From legacy comic readers to curious newcomers, this box office boom shows that community interest and nostalgia still matter.
CinemaScore and What’s Ahead
An A- CinemaScore is no small feat—especially for a superhero reboot. With its positive reception, expect Fantastic Four to stay trending for several weeks, possibly inspiring repeat viewings from families and fans alike. Whether or not it beats Superman is beside the point—it’s a clear win for theaters, fans, and the wider entertainment ecosystem.
Final Take
If Fantastic Four finishes shy of the $125M mark, no need to panic. This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about momentum, about love for comic lore, and about the powerful comeback of cinematic storytelling. With this kind of energy, the superhero genre isn’t going anywhere.
Stay tapped into Vlixx Pop for more updates on box office milestones, upcoming blockbusters, and everything that keeps the culture lit and the screen sizzling.
Written by Gricelda Vicario
Sources:
Deadline: ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Still Bound For Similar Flight Course To ‘Superman’ With $125M Opening, Matt Shakman Movie Gets ‘A-‘ CinemaScore – Box Office Update
Variety: Box Office: ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Makes $24.4 Million in Previews, Beating ‘Superman’ for Biggest of 2025
USA Today: ICE expands detention capacity with Glades County Jail in Florida
Box Office Mojo: Franchise: Fantastic Four
Inset Image Courtesy of Heute.at
– Creative Commons License
