'Fantastic Four: First Steps' earns $57 million opening day, ranking second-highest debut of 2025

Fantastic Four: First Steps opened to an estimated $57 million in the United States on Friday, including preview screenings, making it the second-largest opening day of the year.

The figure puts the Marvel Cinematic Universe entry just behind A Minecraft Movie, which earned $57.11 million on its opening day.

According to Disney, the film, which plays in IMAX and other premium formats, slightly outperformed DC Studios' Superman, which opened to $56.1 million earlier this month.

Industry analysts suggest it may be a close competition as Fantastic Four aims to surpass Superman’s projected $125 million three-day debut.

Directed by Matt Shakman, the film introduces new MCU cast members Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. The narrative functions largely outside the core MCU storylines, offering a standalone experience for audiences.

Early feedback has been favourable, with CinemaScore reporting an “A-” rating from opening-day ticket buyers.

The $200 million production is Marvel’s third release of the year. Its predecessors, Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts, opened with $88.5 million and $76 million, respectively, but did not achieve box office profitability.

Fantastic Four: First Steps represents Marvel's latest effort to revive legacy IPs acquired through Disney's 2019 purchase of 20th Century Fox.

The studio is expected to pause superhero film releases until Avengers: Doomsday in December 2026, following Sony’s release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day in mid-2026.