“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” Makes a Splash at the Summer Box Office
The latest Marvel Studios film, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” has proven to be a hit at the summer box office, contributing to Hollywood’s overall success this year. With a more than 10% gain in box office revenue compared to last year, the film has captured the attention of audiences and critics alike.
In a recent episode of the podcast “Daily Variety,” Rebecca Rubin, Variety’s senior film and media reporter, delves into the intricacies of “Fantastic Four’s” performance during its opening weekend. The film’s $118 million debut weekend was largely driven by the core demographic of Marvel movie fans, with a surprising 68% of the audience being male. However, Rubin speculates that the film may start to attract more female viewers in the coming weeks, especially due to the female-centric storyline involving Vanessa Kirby’s character, who is pregnant.
Another notable trend highlighted by Rubin is the increasing preference for premium large format theaters, such as IMAX, among moviegoers. Nearly 50% of ticket sales for “Fantastic Four” came from these high-end screens, indicating a growing demand for immersive cinematic experiences that cannot be replicated at home.
In addition to discussing the success of “Fantastic Four,” the podcast also touches on the recent San Diego Comic Con gathering, which saw quieter but memorable moments. From George Lucas’ surprise appearance to the controversy sparked by “South Park’s” portrayal of President Trump, the event generated buzz among attendees.
Moderated by Michael Schneider, Variety’s television editor, panels at Comic Con featured insights into the upcoming revivals of popular shows like “King of the Hill” for Hulu and “Phineas and Ferb” for Disney+. While there may not have been major announcements, the cosplay scene at Comic Con was as vibrant as ever, with fans showcasing their creativity and dedication to their favorite characters.
Overall, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” has made a significant impact on the summer box office and continues to attract audiences to theaters. For more entertainment news and insights, be sure to tune in to Daily Variety on iHeartPodcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.
(Image: “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”)