Marvel Studios’ upcoming release, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is projected to earn between $190 million and $210 million worldwide during its opening weekend, coming close to the $217 million global opening of James Gunn’s Superman. Despite this slight difference, Fantastic Four’s debut is expected to surpass the total box office revenue of the 2015 Fantastic Four film, a key benchmark in the franchise’s history. The focus on the James Gunn Superman versus Fantastic Four comparison highlights a critical moment for Marvel as it seeks a major hit amid shifting audience expectations.
Lessons from the 2015 Fantastic Four Movie’s Poor Performance
The 2015 iteration of Fantastic Four, often derided as ‘Fant4stic’ due to its awkward branding, flopped at the box office, grossing just $167.9 million globally against a $120 million production budget, excluding marketing expenses. The film was not well received by audiences or critics, holding a mere 9% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 18% audience score, indicating widespread disappointment. The film’s darker and melancholic tone clashed with fans’ expectations of the team’s traditionally hopeful, family-oriented sci-fi narrative.
Widely regarded as one of the most significant missteps in superhero cinema, the 2015 version strayed from the essence of the Fantastic Four franchise, which contributed to its critical and commercial failure. Reflecting on this, longtime fans express strong dissatisfaction with the approach taken in that adaptation.
Current Outlook for Fantastic Four: First Steps and Its Potential Impact
The current excitement surrounding The Fantastic Four: First Steps contrasts sharply with its predecessor’s reception. The film is generating positive buzz and is forecasted to outshine recent MCU releases like Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts, indicating renewed confidence in the property. Opening on July 25, the film will kick off Marvel’s Phase 6 and aims to reinvigorate the Fantastic Four brand with fresh storytelling and a tone better aligned with fan expectations.
Success for this film could dispel concerns about Marvel fatigue following underwhelming performances from recent projects, positioning Fantastic Four as a pivotal launch for the studio’s upcoming slate of superhero blockbusters in the competitive summer market.
Comparisons Within the Summer Blockbuster Landscape
The contest between Marvel’s Fantastic Four and DC’s Superman movies extends beyond box office figures into critical reception. While James Gunn’s Superman holds a slight edge in opening weekend revenue, Fantastic Four leads marginally in Rotten Tomatoes scores, although the difference is minimal. The performance of these two high-profile summer superhero films will influence audience enthusiasm and set the tone for future releases from both studios.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn prefer DC or Marvel?
A. In 1961, Gunn graduated from Rice University with a Bachelor’s Degree in physics and mathematics. By 1966, he had completed his PhD in astronomy and physics at the California Institute of Technology. His thesis focused on the statistical distribution of galaxies in space and its cosmological implications.
Q. Is James Gunn DC or Marvel?
A. Gunn, famous for directing Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, joined DC Studios in 2018 after Marvel let him go due to old tweets.
Q. Is James Gunn Marvel or DC?
A. “This is our first DC movie, and I’m running the studio,” he explained. “I haven’t taken a day off in months.” Gunn, famous for directing Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, joined DC Studios in 2018 after Marvel let him go due to past tweets resurfacing.
Q. Who is James Gunn DC fandom?
A. Born on August 5, 1966, he is an American filmmaker, actor, writer, and musician. Since November 2022, he has been the co-chairman and co-CEO of DC Studios with Peter Safran. He directed the Superman movie and worked on three episodes of Peacemaker’s second season.
