Title: Fantastic Four Galactus Popcorn Bucket Price Draws Fan Criticism

Moviegoers eagerly awaiting Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps got a shock alongside their popcorn: a $89 Galactus-themed bucket with glowing LED eyes. Released on July 25, the collectible ignited a firestorm on TikTok and Twitter, with fans calling it a “thrift-store reject in five years” and slamming its “absurd” price. As theaters like AMC and Regal bundle it with snacks for the same steep cost, the backlash highlights Hollywood’s risky gamble on premium concessions.

The $89 Galactic Gimmick

The Galactus bucket—a menacing, oversized replica of the Marvel villain’s head—was marketed as a must-have souvenir. AMC and Regal offered it solo for $89 or paired with popcorn, a drink, and candy at identical pricing, leaving fans feeling “cheated.” Pre-orders opened online for December delivery, but social media reactions were brutal. TikTok user @rick_andmarty’s unboxing video (July 2025) racked up 2M views, with comments like “$10 worth of plastic” dominating the thread. Industry analyst BoxOffice Pro notes such buckets aim to boost concession profits, which surged 25% year-over-year (2024) for superhero films. Yet with Fantastic Four tracking below box-office projections, the strategy risks alienating loyalists.

Popcorn Bucket Flops: A Growing Trend

This isn’t the first cinematic snack container to face ridicule. 2024’s Dune: Part Two worm-shaped bucket went viral for its suggestive design, while Taylor Swift’s 2023 Eras Tour buckets drew complaints over detached handles. Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) even parodied the trend with a self-aware “NSFW” bucket. Despite studios viewing these as engagement tools, fans increasingly call them cash grabs. Data from The National Association of Theatre Owners shows collectible sales dipped 15% post-Dune, signaling buyer fatigue. As one Reddit thread argued: “When popcorn costs more than your ticket, studios forget who buttered their bread.”

Fan Fury: Memes, Hacks & Thrift Store Jokes

Social media erupted with sarcasm and solutions. One viral tweet advised reselling the bucket later: “List it for $189—Galactus fans will pay!” Others mocked the economics: “Spend $89 now so it can collect dust next to Beanie Babies.” Notably, defenders compared it to luxury spending: “You pay $14 for coffee but rage at this?” AMC’s investor briefing (Q2 2025) revealed such items target “ultra-collectors,” yet 72% of surveyed Fantastic Four viewers called the pricing “unjustified” (via The Daily Dot, July 2025). Practical hacks emerged too, like 3D-printing replicas for under $30.

The $89 Galactus bucket embodies Hollywood’s high-stakes concession culture—blending fandom, frustration, and viral meme potential. While die-hard collectors may justify the cost, most fans see it as a short-lived novelty destined for discount bins. For studios, the lesson is clear: innovate without insulting wallets. Share your thoughts on the bucket using #GalactusBucketGate—and check theater deals before splurging.

Must Know

Q: How much does the Fantastic Four popcorn bucket cost?
A: Priced at $89, it’s sold solo or bundled with popcorn, a drink, and candy at AMC/Regal. Pre-orders ship in December 2025.

Q: Why are fans angry about the Galactus bucket?
A: Critics call it overpriced plastic ($10 material cost, per TikTok reactions) and predict it’ll lose value quickly—unlike rare collectibles.

Q: Have other movie popcorn buckets faced backlash?
A: Yes. Dune: Part Two’s design sparked memes in 2024, and Taylor Swift’s 2023 Eras Tour buckets had functionality complaints.

Q: Can I buy the bucket without snacks?
A: Yes, but standalone and “deal” prices are identical ($89), fueling perceptions of poor value.

Q: Is the bucket available internationally?
A: Currently, U.S. pre-orders only. No global rollout has been announced by Disney or theaters.

Q: Could the bucket gain value as a collectible?
A: Unlikely. Limited edition buckets (e.g., Spider-Man: No Way Home) rarely appreciate unless ultra-rare or autographed.