Fantastic Four’s Disney+ Launch Fails to Impress Aussie Fans
Marvel’s much-hyped ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ soared at the box office, but its Disney+ streaming debut has left many scratching their heads. Find out what’s behind the numbers.
Marvel’s latest blockbuster, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, was tipped to be the studio’s next big thing in 2025. After a strong run in cinemas, the film made its way to Disney+ on 5 November, with plenty of buzz and high hopes from both fans and the studio. But the streaming figures haven’t quite matched the hype, leaving some to wonder what’s gone wrong for the superhero team’s latest outing.
Box Office Success, Streaming Struggles
When The Fantastic Four: First Steps hit the big screen on 25 July, it quickly became the year’s top-grossing Marvel film. Punters flocked to see the new take on the classic team, and the box office numbers reflected that excitement. The film’s theatrical run was a clear win for Marvel Studios, who have invested heaps in the franchise’s future, especially with the team set to play a major part in upcoming crossovers.
However, the story took a turn when the film landed on Disney+. Despite the anticipation, the streaming debut didn’t pull in the numbers many expected. Compared to other recent Marvel releases, like Thunderbolts*, the viewership was noticeably lower. For a film that had dominated cinemas, this was a bit of a surprise.
What’s Behind the Lukewarm Reception?
There’s been plenty of chatter about why the film’s streaming performance hasn’t lived up to its box office success. Some reckon the timing of the release might have played a part, with the film dropping on Disney+ months after its cinema run. Others point to the crowded streaming landscape, where even big-name titles can struggle to stand out.
Marvel Studios have a lot riding on the Fantastic Four brand, especially with plans for the team to feature heavily in future blockbusters like Avengers: Doomsday and possibly Secret Wars. The underwhelming streaming numbers have raised questions about how the franchise will fare moving forward, and whether the studio’s strategy needs a rethink.
Looking Ahead for Marvel’s First Family
While the streaming debut may not have set records, the Fantastic Four remain a key part of Marvel’s plans. The studio is likely to keep pushing the team into the spotlight, hoping to recapture the magic that made their cinema run such a hit. For now, though, the numbers tell a more complicated story about the challenges of keeping superhero fatigue at bay in a crowded market.