Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps is off to a stellar start, generating approximately $23 million from Thursday previews that began at 2PM, according to Deadline’s Anthony D’Alessandro. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film is already surpassing expectations, with industry projections placing its domestic opening between $100 million and $110 million. Although Disney has not officially confirmed the figures, sources indicate this is the strongest preview performance for an MCU title in 2025 so far.
The film’s Thursday preview earnings nearly double those of Thunderbolts ($11.5M) and significantly outperform Captain America: Brave New World ($12M). In addition to its financial momentum, First Steps is earning strong critical and audience reception, with an 88% critics score and 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Its performance closely mirrors that of James Gunn’s Superman, which debuted two weeks ago with $22.5 million in Thursday previews—though that total included $2.8 million from Amazon Prime advance screenings. Superman went on to earn $56.1 million on opening Friday and $125 million for the weekend, with an 84% critics score and a 92% audience rating.
On the promotional front, First Steps is breaking new ground. Social media analytics firm RelishMix reports the film is the first of 2025 to surpass one billion in combined reach across TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube—overtaking Jurassic World Rebirth (921M) and Superman (953M). Cast members including Pedro Pascal (11.4M followers), Joseph Quinn (5.6M), and Vanessa Kirby (2.6M) are credited with driving much of the online traction.
Fan reactions online have been overwhelmingly positive. Many are praising the film’s 1960s retro-futurist setting and its standalone nature, which allows viewers to enjoy it without prior MCU knowledge. The introduction of Galactus as the central villain is also generating excitement. As one fan commented, “Galactus is coming—this movie is about to be fantastic!”
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