Marvel’s ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Stumbles on Disney+ Debut
Marvel’s ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ was 2025’s box office hit, but its Disney+ launch fell short of expectations, raising questions about the franchise’s streaming future.
Marvel fans had high hopes for The Fantastic Four: First Steps after its blockbuster run in theaters earlier this year. The film, which premiered on July 25, 2025, quickly became the year’s top-grossing superhero movie. But when it finally landed on Disney+ on November 5, the numbers told a different story. Despite the hype and Marvel’s heavy investment in the franchise, the streaming debut didn’t match the film’s theatrical success.
Streaming Numbers Fall Short
Marvel Studios has been banking on the Fantastic Four to anchor the next phase of its cinematic universe. The team is set to play a pivotal role in upcoming projects like Avengers: Doomsday and possibly Secret Wars. Yet, the initial streaming data for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has raised eyebrows. Compared to other recent Marvel releases, especially Thunderbolts* , the film’s Disney+ performance lagged behind expectations.
Industry insiders point out that while the movie drew massive crowds to theaters, its digital release didn’t generate the same buzz. This contrast has sparked conversations about what’s driving audiences to the big screen but not to their living rooms for this particular title.
Implications for the Franchise
The underwhelming streaming debut has left Marvel executives and fans alike wondering about the future of the Fantastic Four within the MCU. With so much riding on the team’s integration into upcoming crossover events, the lackluster Disney+ numbers could signal challenges ahead. Some speculate that the film’s performance might influence how Marvel approaches future releases and streaming strategies.
As Marvel Studios looks to the future, the mixed results from The Fantastic Four: First Steps highlight the unpredictable nature of audience engagement in the streaming era. The franchise’s next moves will be closely watched as the MCU continues to evolve.