Jason Statham’s Meg 2: The Trench, directed by Ben Wheatley, did not resonate well with critics, holding a 27% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and concluded its theatrical run with just under $400 million globally. Despite catering to Statham’s core fans, the film’s decline in its second and third weekends signaled it failed to maintain broader audience interest. The movie’s $120 million production budget contrasts sharply with the underwhelming critical reception, which likely influenced its downward trajectory at the box office.
Marvel’s Fantastic Four Debuts Strong But Faces Commercial Challenges
Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps launched with impressive momentum, outperforming both Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts in initial box office receipts. Despite strong critical acclaim and positive audience reception, the film’s earnings revealed a mixed picture, as it fell short of becoming a major commercial hit. Still, it managed to surpass the total global earnings of previous MCU films Captain America 4 and Thunderbolts, marking a solid achievement early in its release.
Global Earnings Highlight The Fantastic Four’s Growing Popularity
By its third weekend, The Fantastic Four had crossed the $400 million global mark, accumulating more than $230 million domestically and over $203 million internationally. The reported production cost of the film exceeded $200 million, slightly higher than its Marvel predecessors. Designed as a significant introduction for Marvel’s First Family into the MCU, the movie’s solid reviews and audience scores—91% on Rotten Tomatoes—underscore a strong fan connection despite commercial reservations.
Critical Acclaim Contrasts With Financial Outcome for The Fantastic Four
Critics have largely welcomed The Fantastic Four, with the film’s official Rotten Tomatoes rating standing at a certified fresh 86%. The critical consensus praises the cast chemistry and nostalgic 1960s aesthetic, stating it “does Marvel‘s First Family justice.” The film stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic alongside Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who have collectively brought depth to the new iteration of the franchise.
Future Prospects for Marvel’s First Family in the MCU
The Fantastic Four is set to continue its journey within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with the same main cast expected to appear in next year’s Avengers: Endgame, the only MCU installment slated for release in 2026. This positions the film as a pivotal step in expanding Marvel’s roster and setting the stage for future storylines involving the First Family. Meanwhile, industry observers and audiences alike will watch how Jason Statham’s Meg 2 box office results influence potential sequels or future projects involving the star.
“Benefitting from rock-solid cast chemistry and clad in appealingly retro 1960s design, this crack at The Fantastic Four does Marvel’s First Family justice.” — Rotten Tomatoes Consensus
