Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four: First Steps is off to a solid start internationally, with early indicators suggesting the film could outpace Superman both overseas and in the domestic market. As the first official entry in Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the film is already showing encouraging box office momentum just days ahead of its wide release.
In China, where the film debuts on July 25, pre-sales have reached a cumulative $536,000 after seven days—surpassing Superman’s $368,000 and edging out Jurassic World: Rebirth at $526,000 for the same period. Though the number still trails other recent tentpoles like Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom ($977,000) and Dune: Part Two ($1.3 million), industry watchers point out that only about 36,000 screenings have opened for pre-sales thus far, leaving ample room for further growth.
Current breakdowns show $73,000 in advance sales for Thursday previews, $315,000 for Friday’s official launch, followed by $119,000 and $28,000 for Saturday and Sunday, respectively. With one more day of pre-sales remaining, projections remain fluid but trending positively.
Meanwhile, the film has already opened in select European markets with impressive results. In Italy, First Steps scored a strong $1 million on its opening Wednesday, earning one of the best post-COVID opening days for an MCU release in the region. By comparison, Superman managed $515,000, while Jurassic World: Rebirth edged ahead at $1.1 million. With 112,000 admissions recorded on day one, First Steps is eyeing a local five-day total between $4.5 million and $6 million.
The domestic forecast is equally promising. Industry projections suggest Fantastic Four: First Steps could bring in $100 million to $110 million over its opening weekend in the United States, with some analysts speculating the film may beat Superman’s debut. Global estimates now place the total five-day opening between $190 million and $210 million.
Box office expectations are being fueled in part by the film’s positive early reception and a recognizable ensemble cast led by Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. With director Matt Shakman at the helm and a script refined by multiple writers including Josh Friedman and Eric Pearson, First Steps forgoes the traditional origin story in favor of placing the titular team directly into action. Set in a retro-futuristic 1960s-style world, the film follows the Fantastic Four as they confront the cosmic threat of Galactus, portrayed by Ralph Ineson.
As noted by TheFlatLannister, a box office tracking analyst, “[Fantastic Four] finally came down to earth a bit after 3 insane days. Thinking more like $26M previews, but final day can change things… Still seeing comfortably over $130M OW.” This tempered enthusiasm echoes industry sentiments that while the MCU is seeking to recover from recent underperformances, First Steps might mark a return to form.
With its U.S. release set for July 25, Fantastic Four: First Steps is poised to draw both loyal Marvel fans and general audiences back to theaters, potentially setting the tone for the next era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
