Superman Outshines Fantastic Four in Box Office Opening Weekend Clash

The summer superhero showdown delivered a Kryptonite-powered surprise as James Gunn’s “Superman” soared past Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” in their box office faceoff. Despite Marvel’s initial lead with stronger Thursday previews ($24.4M vs. Superman’s $22.5M), the Man of Steel clinched victory with a heroic $125M domestic opening weekend compared to the Fantastic Four’s $118M debut according to The Numbers box office data. This unexpected twist marks a significant win for DC Studios’ rebooted universe.

The Global Box Office Showdown
While Marvel’s First Family claimed international dominance with $100M overseas versus Superman’s $95M, the combined worldwide totals told a different story. “Superman” edged ahead with a $220M global launch compared to “The Fantastic Four’s” $218M. Industry analysts note this marks the closest opening weekend gap between rival superhero franchises since 2019. Both films demonstrated remarkable staying power with near-identical audience scores – “The Fantastic Four” earned 87% on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer and 93% audience score, while “Superman” secured 83% and 92% respectively. Their matching “A-” CinemaScores suggest both universes have delivered crowd-pleasing adventures.

Summer Box Office Rankings Shakeup
The weekend’s top five featured familiar franchises finding their footing:

1. The Fantastic Four: First Steps ($118M domestic debut)
2. Superman ($24.8M in weekend two, $502.7M global total)
3. Jurassic World Rebirth ($13M weekend, $718M global total)
4. F1 ($6.2M, only 37% drop)
5. Smurfs ($5.4M)

Notably, the “I Know What You Did Last Summer” reboot stumbled with a 60% second-week drop after its controversial twist ending. As August approaches, three new contenders enter the ring: Liam Neeson’s “The Naked Gun” revival, Sam Rockwell’s “The Bad Guys 2,” and the horror thriller “She Rides Shotgun” with Taron Egerton. Boxoffice Pro projects the animated “Bad Guys” sequel could capture $25-35M, potentially disrupting the superhero holdouts.

The real winners this summer are moviegoers, with both Marvel and DC delivering critically acclaimed spectacles that have reinvigorated the superhero genre. As these cinematic titans continue their box office marathon, one truth emerges: quality storytelling with heart ultimately conquers all. Experience both epics in theaters now to join the conversation.

Must Know

Q: How much did Fantastic Four make opening weekend?
A: Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” earned $118 million domestically during its July 25-27 opening weekend, with an additional $100 million internationally for a $218 million global debut according to The Numbers.

Q: Is the new Superman movie successful?
A: Yes, James Gunn’s “Superman” achieved a $125 million domestic opening weekend, outperforming projections. Its global total reached $502.7 million after three weeks, signaling strong audience approval.

Q: How does Fantastic Four’s box office compare to previous Marvel films?
A: While respectable, its $118 million domestic opening trails recent Marvel successes like “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” ($187M debut). However, it outperforms “The Marvels” ($46M opening) and aligns with pre-pandemic entries.

Q: Will there be a Superman sequel?
A: While unconfirmed, the film’s critical (83% RT) and commercial success makes a sequel likely. DC Studios head James Gunn has hinted at expansive plans for the new DC Universe.

Q: Which film had better audience scores?
A: Both earned exceptional reception: “The Fantastic Four” scored 93% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes versus “Superman’s” 92% – effectively a statistical tie according to survey margins.

Q: What’s next for Marvel and DC box office competition?
A: DC’s “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” (2026) will face Marvel’s “Avengers 5” (2027), continuing the rivalry. Meanwhile, August releases like “The Bad Guys 2” may disrupt the current standings.