Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four: First Steps has achieved a major milestone, overtaking one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s pre-Endgame titles at the global box office. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. It introduces Marvel’s First Family in a retro-futuristic version of the MCU’s multiverse as they confront the cosmic threat of Galactus.

Fantastic Four: First Steps Box Office Performance

Since its release on July 25, 2025, the film has continued to rise both critically and commercially.

• Opening weekend box office: $218 million globally
• Current worldwide gross: $519.7 million
• Rotten Tomatoes score: 87% Tomatometer

According to data from The Numbers, Fantastic Four: First Steps has officially surpassed 2015’s Ant-Man, which earned $518.8 million worldwide. This positions the film higher in Walt Disney Studios’ all-time highest-grossing theatrical releases.

The next milestone on the horizon is Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), which grossed $623.1 million worldwide.

Why This Success Matters for Marvel

The Fantastic Four have long been considered a difficult property to adapt. Earlier films in 2005, 2007, and 2015 failed to leave a lasting impact, leading to skepticism from both fans and critics.

Fantastic Four: First Steps has shifted this perception.

1. It has earned strong reviews, holding an 87 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes.
2. Fans are praising the retro-futuristic take and character portrayals.
3. The film’s box office performance proves that the Fantastic Four can compete with established MCU franchises.

This success is more than financial. It represents a symbolic win for Marvel Studios, showing that even franchises once considered failures can be revitalized.

The Role of Phase Six in Marvel’s Future

Phase Six is a pivotal chapter for the MCU, and Fantastic Four: First Steps is already proving to be a cornerstone of this lineup. By introducing Galactus, the film expands the cosmic scale of the Marvel universe and sets the stage for future crossovers.

Key points of speculation include:

• A direct sequel building on the multiverse storyline.
• Potential crossovers with Avengers characters.
• The introduction of Doctor Doom and other iconic Fantastic Four villains.

If momentum continues, First Steps could surpass $600 million worldwide, further solidifying its place as a successful Phase Six entry.

Why Fantastic Four’s Milestone Is Important

The Fantastic Four were once seen as one of the most mishandled superhero teams in cinematic history. With First Steps, Marvel has rebuilt trust among fans, proven its creative flexibility, and delivered a film that appeals to both loyal audiences and newcomers.

While surpassing Ant-Man does not guarantee long-term dominance, it shows that the Fantastic Four are once again relevant in the MCU. The film’s success demonstrates Marvel’s ability to reintroduce iconic characters in a way that resonates with modern audiences.

Conclusion

Fantastic Four: First Steps is not just another Marvel release. It represents a turning point for both the franchise and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With strong reviews, a growing box office, and renewed fan interest, the Fantastic Four have finally made their comeback.

By surpassing Ant-Man and climbing Disney’s all-time highest-grossing list, the film has taken its first significant step toward becoming a lasting part of Marvel’s future.