In a decisive statement to the film industry, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the latest offering from Disney and Marvel Studios, is proving that superhero movies are far from dead. The highly anticipated film has already conquered an impressive $23 million in previews, which began at 2 PM. Initial domestic projections were set between $100 million and $110 million, but early indicators suggest that the film, directed by Matt Shakman, is likely to exceed these expectations.
The preview figures for The Fantastic Four are notable, marking the best for any Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) title this year. This achievement is particularly significant when compared to other recent releases; Thunderbolts garnered $11.5 million in previews, leading to a Friday total of $31.8 million and an overall opening weekend of $74.3 million. Additionally, Captain America: Brave New World managed $12 million in previews, translating to a Friday total of $40.9 million and a three-day opening of $88.8 million. These comparisons highlight the robust performance of The Fantastic Four.
Current ratings reflect a positive reception for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The film boasts an impressive 88% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audience approval at 92%. These figures align closely with Thunderbolts, which scored 88% critic and 93% audience ratings. In comparison, the R-rated superhero film Deadpool & Wolverine received a 78% critic score and a 94% audience rating, further emphasizing the appeal of the latest MCU entry.
The Thursday previews for The Fantastic Four mark the twelfth instance where an MCU film has exceeded the $20 million mark in previews. Notably, 2019’s Avengers: Endgame still holds the record for the highest domestic previews with a staggering $60 million. The preview figures for The Fantastic Four are also comparable to the $22.5 million previews that James Gunn’s Superman achieved two Thursdays ago, though it's worth noting that this figure included $2.8 million from Amazon Prime member advance screenings.
According to insights from social media analytics firm RelishMix, The Fantastic Four has become the first movie of the year to surpass the billion mark in social media reach across platforms like TikTok, Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube. This achievement surpasses the reach of Jurassic World Rebirth (921 million) and Superman (953 million). Other films that have reached similar heights include 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home (1.2 billion) and last summer’s Deadpool & Wolverine (1.15 billion).
RelishMix also highlighted the film’s star-studded cast, which has generated significant social media engagement. Key figures include Pedro Pascal, who has an impressive following of 11.4 million, Joseph Quinn with 5.6 million, Vanessa Kirby at 2.6 million, and Julia Garner with 1.5 million. This level of social media activation, especially following the world premiere red carpet event, underscores the film's potential to capture audience interest and drive box office success.
With The Fantastic Four: First Steps achieving remarkable early success and demonstrating strong social media engagement, it is clear that the superhero genre remains vibrant and lucrative. As this film sets new benchmarks in previews and audience reception, it serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of superhero narratives and their capacity to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide.
