Marvel Studios has struck gold once again as “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” launched into theaters, raking in an impressive $57 million on its opening day, according to industry reports.
Directed by Pedro Pascal, this film introduces audiences to the beloved superhero team—Mr. Fantastic, Sue Storm, the Human Torch, and the Thing—who unite to confront one of Marvel's most formidable foes, Galactus.
In a stark contrast, DC Studios’ “Superman” struggled to keep pace, falling short by nearly $50 million on the same day. The latest installment of the Superman saga, helmed by James Gunn, managed to pull in only $7.1 million during its second Friday, bringing its total to $271 million over two weeks.
Critics have noted that “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” represents a marked improvement over its predecessors, which were often criticized for their lackluster storytelling.
Meanwhile, “Jurassic World Rebirth” secured third place with $3.6 million in ticket sales during its fourth week in theaters. Brad Pitt’s “F1: The Movie” climbed to fourth place, earning $1.8 million.
Completing the top five was “Smurfs,” which has been labeled as “one of the worst movies of the year” by some critics, managing to collect $1.7 million on Friday. This animated musical fantasy reboot features a star-studded voice cast including Rihanna, James Corden, and Octavia Spencer.
The box office landscape is shifting as Marvel continues to assert its dominance over DC, with “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” setting a new standard for superhero films this season.
