Fantastic Four’s $89 Galactus Popcorn Bucket Ignites Price Outrage Among Marvel Fans

Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps hit theaters on July 25, 2025, amid massive anticipation. Yet, the film’s most talked-about feature isn’t its star-studded cast—it’s a $89 LED-eyed Galactus popcorn bucket sparking viral backlash.

Fantastic Four popcorn bucket

The $89 Collectible: What’s Inside?
The limited-edition bucket depicts Galactus’s face with glowing LED eyes, sold standalone or as a “combo” (bucket + large popcorn + drink + candy) for $89 at AMC and Regal theaters. Pre-orders via AMC’s site ship in December 2025. Industry analysts note such buckets typically cost $30–$50 (The Hollywood Reporter, 2024). Regal’s TikTok promo highlighted the bundle, but fans immediately questioned the value. As one moviegoer tweeted: “$10 worth of material sold for $89. Pure greed.”

Social Media Backlash Goes Viral
TikTok reactions ranged from satire to fury:

• “$89 to end up at the thrift store 5 years from now.”
• “Spend $89 now; it’ll be worth $189 later.”
• “It’s cute, not $89 worth.”
  Critics compared it to 2024’s Dune: Part Two sandworm bucket (mocked for its suggestive design) and 2023’s Taylor Swift Eras Tour buckets (criticized for faulty handles). TikToker @rick_andmarty’s unboxing video (ID: 7531919387951959309) amplified the debate, with comments split between collectors and skeptics.

Why Premium Buckets Divide Fans
Cinemas use these buckets to boost concessions—AMC reported collectibles drove a 15% Q2 2025 revenue surge (BoxOffice Pro). But psychologists note “FOMO pricing” risks alienating casual fans. Dr. Elena Torres (Consumer Behavior Analyst, UCLA) explains: “At $89, it’s no longer an impulse buy. Fans weigh nostalgia against practicality—most won’t pay 4x a ticket price.”

The Bottom Line
The Galactus bucket epitomizes Hollywood’s push for premium memorabilia. Yet with memes dubbing it “the thrift store heir,” its long-term value remains uncertain. For now, Marvel’s gamble highlights a harsh truth: even superfans have limits. Want more pop-culture insights? Sign up for our newsletter.

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Must Know

Q: How much does the Fantastic Four popcorn bucket cost?
A: $89 standalone or as a combo (with popcorn, drink, candy) at AMC/Regal. Pre-orders ship December 2025.

Q: What makes this bucket controversial?
A: Its $89 price—over double typical movie buckets—triggered viral mockery. Fans argue it’s overpriced plastic, while theaters defend it as a “collectible.”

Q: Are expensive popcorn buckets common?
A: Yes. Dune: Part Two’s $50 sandworm bucket (2024) and Taylor Swift’s $45 Eras Tour bucket (2023) faced similar backlash but sold out.

Q: Could the bucket gain value?
A: Unlikely. Unlike vintage items, modern mass-produced buckets rarely appreciate. As one Reddit user noted: “It’s not an action figure—it’s a souvenir.”

Q: Where can I buy it?
A: AMC/Regal theaters or AMC’s online store. Limited stock reported.

Q: Has Marvel commented?
A: No. Theaters cite “high production costs” for LED features (Variety, July 2025).