Well, it’s finally here. After years of anticipation, Marvel’s first family has arrived in the MCU, and it looks like they’ve made quite a splash. Director Matt Shakman’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps is not just another superhero movie; it’s a critical milestone for Marvel, kicking off the long-awaited “Phase 6.” The early numbers are rolling in, and they're telling a pretty exciting story.
Key Highlights
- ✓ The Fantastic Four: First Steps is roaring toward a $125M opening weekend in the US.
- ✓ Thursday previews brought in a massive $24.4M, higher than recent blockbusters like 'Superman'.
- ✓ The post-credits scene gives us our first terrifying glimpse of the MCU's next big bad, Doctor Doom.
- ✓ In India, the film opened to a more modest Rs 5.10 crore amidst fierce local competition.
- ✓ Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige has confirmed plans for a major "reset" of the MCU after 2027's 'Avengers: Secret Wars'.
A Fantastic Start at the Domestic Box Office
Let's get right into the numbers, because they're impressive. The film is currently tracking for a three-day opening weekend of around $125M. That's a huge figure, putting it right in the same ballpark as DC's recent hit, 'Superman'. The momentum started early, with a fantastic $24.4 million from Thursday previews alone. To put that in perspective, that's more than 'Captain Marvel' ($20.7M) and nearly double what 'Thunderbolts*' pulled in.
In fact, that Thursday night take was so strong it came close to beating the entire opening weekend of the 2015 'Fantastic Four' film by Josh Trank, which debuted to a meager $25.6M. It’s safe to say this new version, starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, has already left previous iterations in the dust. The audience is showing up, and they're loving what they see, with exit polls showing a 70% "definite recommend."
What's also interesting is who is showing up. The under-35 crowd made up a massive 70% of the audience on Thursday night. This isn't just a nostalgia trip; it's connecting with a new generation of fans. With great reviews (88% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and 92% from audiences), the film is set up for success, though some analysts note it will need strong legs in the coming weeks to be a massive financial hit, especially considering its large budget.
A Different Story in the Indian Market
While the film is flying high in North America, the international picture is a bit more complex. Over in India, 'First Steps' had what's being called a "modest start," earning about Rs 5.10 crore on its opening day. This figure, while respectable, puts it behind other recent Hollywood tentpoles like 'Superman' (Rs 6.75 crore) and 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' (Rs 8.25 crore).
You see, the film didn't just land in a vacuum; it arrived amidst the "Saiyaara frenzy." The Bollywood romantic film 'Saiyaara' has been dominating the Indian box office, sweeping up an incredible Rs 200 crore. Competing with a local juggernaut like that is a tough challenge for any film. Despite the heavy competition, the new Marvel movie did find its audience, especially in metro areas like Bengaluru and Mumbai, where English-language shows saw occupancy rates as high as 73% for Friday night screenings.
That Post-Credits Scene: A Chilling Introduction
Alright, let’s talk about the moment everyone will be whispering about. Major spoilers ahead! The post-credits scene for 'First Steps' is a game-changer. It jumps four years into the future, showing Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) with her son, Franklin Richards. Franklin, who we already know has incredible cosmic powers, is sitting on the couch when a dark, foreboding presence enters the room.
We only see this newcomer from behind, but it’s enough. He’s holding a mask, and the implication is crystal clear: Doctor Doom has arrived in the MCU. This isn't just a casual cameo; it's the direct setup for what's to come in 'Avengers: Doomsday'. It’s been reported that this scene was directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, the masterminds behind 'Infinity War' and 'Endgame', who are returning for 'Doomsday' and 'Secret Wars'. They’re clearly laying the groundwork for something massive.
Since 'First Steps' takes place in an alternate timeline, the theory is that the Fantastic Four will eventually jump over to the main MCU to warn our heroes about Doom's arrival. This introduction establishes Doom as a universe-level threat from the get-go, likely originating from the same reality as Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards, which could make for some intense personal drama.
Kevin Feige's Vision: A "Reset" Is Coming
Speaking of the future, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige recently pulled back the curtain on his long-term plans, and it's fascinating stuff. He acknowledged that the MCU's sprawling continuity has become "a little unwieldy" and that some projects may have suffered from requiring too much homework. He even praised 'Superman' for trusting its audience to jump into a fully formed world without heavy backstory.
The solution? A "reset." Feige was careful not to use the "scary word" reboot, but he made it clear that after 'Avengers: Secret Wars' wraps up in late 2027, we can expect a more singular, streamlined timeline. This 'Secret Wars' event, much like its comic book counterpart, will likely collapse multiple realities, allowing Marvel to pick and choose what to carry forward into a cleaner, more accessible universe.
He also dropped some other bombshells. The first film of this new era will be a "youth-oriented" X-Men movie, and yes, Jon Bernthal's Punisher is confirmed to appear in 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day', facing off against Spidey in a more street-level story. Feige even confirmed that iconic roles like Tony Stark and Steve Rogers could be recast down the line, signaling that while the stories we love are foundational, the MCU is ready to evolve for a new generation.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' is doing exactly what it needed to do. It’s a commercial success right out of the gate, it’s a hit with critics and audiences, and it's breathing new life and excitement into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. More importantly, it serves as a powerful launching pad, not just for its own characters, but for the entire saga to come. With Doctor Doom now officially on the board and a universe-altering "reset" on the horizon, the future of the MCU has never looked more intriguing.
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