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Marvel Studios is placing an immense bet on the success of its upcoming reboots of Fantastic Four and X-Men, reportedly considering these projects as potential saviors amidst recent shortcomings in their other ventures.
Deadpool 3, slated to release in 2024 and set to feature an array of cameos from veterans of 20th Century Fox, stands as the sole MCU movie for that year. However, the pivotal entry marking the initiation of Phase Six is scheduled for May 2025 with Fantastic Four, directed by Matt Shakman of WandaVision fame. This marks the fourth cinematic attempt at bringing Reed Richards and the superhero team to life.
As original Marvel creations by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1961, the Fantastic Four carry an iconic status within the cultural landscape. Marvel’s strategic reliance on the anticipation and enthusiasm for their cinematic return is evident. However, considering the mixed reception of Fox’s previous Fantastic Four movies, the burden on the shoulders of this upcoming reboot appears substantial.
Marvel sets a high bar for success, aiming for the 2025 Fantastic Four to surpass the cumulative gross of the entire Fox franchise. Despite nostalgic sentiments surrounding the mid-aughts Fantastic Four films, the reality reflects a modest global box office performance. The 2005 and 2007 movies grossed approximately $333.5 million and $302 million, respectively, while Fant4stic in 2015 amassed only $168 million. The combined earnings of all three films amounted to $803.3 million for Fox.
Marvel Studios routinely achieves such figures with individual releases. However, the pressure is on for the 2025 reboot to exceed expectations, striving to reach the billion-dollar mark. Success would imply delivering a universally adored, extra-special rendition that outshines its predecessors.
The stakes are high; failure to cross the $800 million threshold might brand the reboot as an average Multiverse Saga entry, underscoring the audience’s primary interest in franchises like the Avengers and Spider-Man. The inclusion of major names like Pedro Pascal and Anya Taylor-Joy in the cast may bolster the film’s prospects, potentially aiding in creating the cinematic impact necessary for its success. Marvel appears to be hedging its bets on these upcoming reboots to reinvigorate and redefine the future trajectory of the MCU.