Fantastic Four: First Steps makes $118 million domestically making it one of the highest domestic openings for Marvel in several years

Fantastic Four: First Steps has taken a giant leap at the box office, pulling in a jaw-dropping $118 million domestically in its opening weekend. That number shines bright, marking one of Marvel’s strongest U.S. debuts in recent years. After a streak of underwhelming MCU outings, this retro reboot of Marvel’s first family is being hailed as a much-needed win, both critically and commercially. With vintage vibes, cosmic chaos, and a fan-favorite lineup, the film has officially launched Phase 6 with style and a whole lot of cash, reclaiming Marvel's status back.

The film has launched with a global box office debut of $218 million, with another $100 million overseas, giving the long-dormant franchise its first real taste of success. For Marvel and Kevin Feige, who’ve been searching for redemption after a series of misfires, barring the hype around Deadpool & Wolverine, this is a win they desperately needed.

Directed by Matt Shakman, Fantastic Four: First Steps isn’t just bringing in numbers; it’s also earning praise from critics and audiences, something previous iterations of the Fantastic Four never quite managed. Interestingly, its box office run is almost on par with Superman’s $220 million global debut, with both superheroes' competition being an active conversation among fans.

The film slightly outperformed early tracking in North America, though after a thunderous $57 million Friday, analysts briefly predicted an even bigger weekend haul of $120 to $125 million. A quieter Saturday tempered expectations, and final numbers may shift by Monday. Still, this debut marks one of Marvel’s strongest domestic openings in years.

What is The Fantastic Four: First Steps about?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps isn’t your typical superhero origin story. Forget lab accidents and exposition dumps; this version drops us right into a vintage-tinged 1960s where Marvel’s first family has already found their groove and their fame. But beneath the perfect press photos and intergalactic goodwill, things are complicated. Reed Richards is a genius on the brink of a scientific discovery. Sue Storm is pregnant and suspicious of fate. Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm are there with their support, and just when things get cosier, a threat arrives.

Enter Galactus: a cosmic force of nature, voiced with chilling depth by Ralph Ineson. But this isn’t just a battle of brute force. Galactus wants their unborn child, Franklin. Standing beside him is Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer, aka Shalla-Bal, a flipping take on the iconic character.

For a franchise that’s long struggled to find its place in the MCU, Fantastic Four: First Steps just might be the cosmic comeback Marvel needed.