The newest Marvel Studios’ movie titled “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” has been lauded by numerous critics and fans as the most accurate cinematic representation of Marvel’s original family. The film has garnered appreciation for its acting and adherence to the source material, giving long-awaited satisfaction to many viewers. However, prior to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) launching their take, Tim Story’s 2005 Fantastic Four and its sequel received broad acceptance from moviegoers during that era, creating a loyal fanbase despite generally unfavorable reviews. In a recent interview with Collider, Michael Chiklis, who played Ben Grimm in those films, is defending their legacy by arguing that the critics at the time may have misunderstood the essence of the movies.
Chiklis stated that many critics may have misunderstood or underestimated the films, as they were often very well-received by audiences. Despite some negative reviews, he believes that the films were family-friendly and enjoyable. Over time, it seems that more people are starting to recognize their merits, acknowledging them as fun, family-friendly movies, despite any imperfections.
The 2005 movie “Fantastic Four” received a low rating of 28% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, but was liked more by audiences with an audience score of 60%. Despite mixed reviews, the film did well financially, earning $333.5 million worldwide on a budget of $100 million. The sequel, “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” (2007), had slightly better ratings from critics (37%) but lower approval from audiences (51%). Its box office returns were also less than the first film, earning $301.9 million on a budget of $130 million. Although neither movie was highly praised by critics, they were successful commercially and continue to be popular with family audiences, indicating that while they had flaws, they had some positive aspects as well. The actor Michael Chiklis points out this disconnect between critical reception and audience appreciation.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Already Surpassed Michael Chiklis’s Movies
The earnings from “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” at the box office have outshone the films that Chiklis featured in, with a current global total of more than $435 million. This latest addition to the MCU has overshadowed the lifetime earnings of both the 2005 film ($333 million) and its 2007 sequel ($301 million). However, this doesn’t necessarily make it an unqualified success. The two films directed by Tim Story were made on a relatively economical budget, making them financially successful for 20th Century Studios. On the other hand, “First Steps” was produced with a larger Marvel Studios budget, estimated to be between $200-250 million. This means it needs significantly higher earnings to achieve similar profitability. Unfortunately, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” may not end up making a profit.
After the pandemic, billion-dollar earnings are scarcely achieved, making a $435 million take no longer an undeniable failure. However, it’s also not the blockbuster hit Marvel was aiming for. Moreover, the film’s 67.1% drop in its second weekend, comparable to the critically panned “Captain America: Brave New World,” indicates that despite initial favorable reviews, its lasting audience appeal may be limited. The underwhelming box office performance of “First Steps” is not an isolated incident. Marvel Studios’ Phase 5 lineup has been their lowest-grossing to date, with films like “The Marvels” ($206 million) and “Thunderbolts*” ($382 million) significantly falling short of expectations. Given its substantial budget, the financial success of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is contingent upon Marvel Studios promoting physical copies after the theater run and making up for the lukewarm box office with merchandising sales.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently playing in theaters.
Are you on board with Michael Chiklis’ justification for the Fantastic Four films? We’d love to hear your thoughts below!
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2025-08-12 12:13