MCU Fantastic Four Box Office Predictions

[SomeOldGuy]

2.9m Thursday. 214.8m dom going into the weekend. Probably 14-15 incoming for FSS.

 

[psylockolussus]

I think they are damned if they do, damned if they don't. There seems to be no room for nuance nowadays, at least online.

If it's not too political, then they will get the complaints/attacks that it's neutering the X-Men, or they sold out this or that group, etc. If it's too overtly political in one direction the pushback will be even more extreme and critics/commentators will have enough content to stoke the fires for the next decade.

Disney would want to sell thousands of X-Men merchandises and release a bunch of X-Men films long term. They aren't going to alienate kids/parents by making the X-Men, a political drama with limited visual effects.

Its going to be more action oriented than the Fox movies and the spectacle would be ten times more compare to the X-Men movies we've seen in the past.

 

[lenz]

Disney would want to sell thousands of X-Men merchandises and release a bunch of X-Men films long term. They aren't going to alienate kids/parents by making the X-Men, a political drama with limited visual effects.

Its going to be more action oriented than the Fox movies and the spectacle would be ten times more compare to the X-Men movies we've seen in the past.

I agree. This is the approach I would go with as well.

It's a decision that's still going to generate controversy though.

 

[Venom 1988]

Disney would want to sell thousands of X-Men merchandises and release a bunch of X-Men films long term. They aren't going to alienate kids/parents by making the X-Men, a political drama with limited visual effects.

Its going to be more action oriented than the Fox movies and the spectacle would be ten times more compare to the X-Men movies we've seen in the past.

That's literally not what people are saying should happen. You can still have a movie with political themes while still being a blockbuster.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Do you expect Disney to do a very political take on the X-Men? Because I don't.

I think they absolutely will take a political slant on the X-Men. When you look at their casting choices for their recent live action films like Snow White and The Little Mermaid, they’ve been pushing for more diversity and inclusion. While many may appreciate those efforts, those decisions definitely divided fans and the resulting box office takes were poor. Disney seems to have an appetite right now to go the controversial route with their films but the current political climate is not hospitable to that.

However, you cannot make a proper X-Men film without the political stances. The battle for equality is at the core of who the mutants are, what they stand for, and it’s the very definition of “woke.” Disney can’t play that safely—nor should they.

 

[psylockolussus]

I think they absolutely will take a political slant on the X-Men. When you look at their casting choices for their recent live action films like Snow White and The Little Mermaid, they’ve been pushing for more diversity and inclusion. While many may appreciate those efforts, those decisions definitely divided fans and the resulting box office takes were poor. Disney seems to have an appetite right now to go the controversial route with their films but the current political climate is not hospitable to that.

However, you cannot make a proper X-Men film without the political stances. The battle for equality is at the core of who the mutants are, what they stand for, and it’s the very definition of “woke.” Disney can’t play that safely—nor should they.

I think they are going to balance the spectacle/metaphors. But I don't expect them to make casting choices similar to the Little Mermaid/Snow White which would just attract negative attention to the reboot. This is the last big Marvel ip they haven't done a movie yet, and unlike Little Mermaid/Snow White, they would want this movie franchise to last as long as FoX-Men if not as long as the Avengers.

 

[Nightshift]

I agree. Especially about Black Widow. The timing of that movie’s release remains one of the most stupid and confounding studio decisions to me.

Agreed. Plus the movie quality was terrible as well. The timing and then wanting to add it to streaming along with the lawsuit from ScarJo was the most stupid and baffling thing.

 

[Nightshift]

In regards to X-Men, there's no chance in hell they won't make it political. May I remind you guys of the Eternals? X-Men in their minds would be the most potent IP for them to push their political opinions. My bet it is, it will be crazier that the Little Mermaid/Snow White.
DeMayo did mention something to extent that they hate the comics.

 

[Nightshift]

I agree. This is the approach I would go with as well.

It's a decision that's still going to generate controversy though.

Really? Did they care about the Star Wars sequel merch that never really sold? No. Why would it be so different with X-Men?

 

[Venom 1988]

In regards to X-Men, there's no chance in hell they won't make it political. May I remind you guys of the Eternals? X-Men in their minds would be the most potent IP for them to push their political opinions. My bet it is, it will be crazier that the Little Mermaid/Snow White.
DeMayo did mention something to extent that they hate the comics.

What are you even talking about? How was Eternals political?

 

[lenz]

Really? Did they care about the Star Wars sequel merch that never really sold? No. Why would it be so different with X-Men?

I have no idea what they are going to do. My point was I don't see a way this won't be controversial/toxic because of the political DNA baked into the franchise and the expectations that comes with that, particularly with today's hyperpolitical lens.

I'd wager they care more about merch now because not only Marvel, but Disney is in a different place today vs. 5 + years ago. Their brands have been torpedoed in reputation and value, plus the stock is making a healthy comeback since Iger returned, so risk aversion where possible is a likely strategy going forward. I think the X-Men will be political, but how extreme or subtle is unknown.

The new CEO in a year may feel different and they throw all caution to the wind. So wait and see.

 

[Nightshift]

I have no idea what they are going to do. My point was I don't see a way this won't be controversial/toxic because of the political DNA baked into the franchise and the expectations that comes with that, particularly with today's hyperpolitical lens.

I'd wager they care more about merch now because not only Marvel, but Disney is in a different place today vs. 5 + years ago. Their brands have been torpedoed in reputation and value, plus the stock is making a healthy comeback since Iger returned, so risk aversion where possible is a likely strategy going forward.

I see where you are coming from. I feel like DOFP handled the political land scape well, so did First Class. I think it was, because the main focus was on the characters. Marvel Studios would be smart basing X-Men like F4 in this different universe maybe this time like the 80s or so. Making it modern would probably make it, as you said, toxic and even controversial. Alternate realities, but be reasonable here.

I wouldn't say they care more about merch. Interest must probably be the same, it's just that their merch focus is all messed up. So much that even toy makers backed of Disney for a while. People liked the classic stuff and Disney didn't wanna move a finger and rather push their modern less desired merch. I agree, stock is making a comeback. I'll always wonder what the stock would have been like if the other Bob was still CEO. I also agree on the risk aversion strategy. Question is how long will it last? There are influential power in management, that have a different direction in mind.

 

[Sithborg]

I think they are damned if they do, damned if they don't. There seems to be no room for nuance nowadays, at least online.

If it's not too political, then they will get the complaints/attacks that it's neutering the X-Men, or they sold out to this or that group, etc. If it's too overtly political in one direction the pushback will be even more extreme and critics/commentators will have enough content to stoke the fires for the next decade.

Tough situation.

I mean, Disney is quite obviously appeasing fascists. The CCP was a concern before, the current american regime is worse.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

I dont think the extra year of time between is what hurt Thunderbolts. It's essentially Black Widow 2, but without Natasha. So there is an element of a rebuild there

The way a lot of OS has cratered this year, it definitely had an effect on the BO. Also probably the quality, so I won't complain. It slapped.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

Agreed. Plus the movie quality was terrible as well. The timing and then wanting to add it to streaming along with the lawsuit from ScarJo was the most stupid and baffling thing.

Wow first She-Hulk, now Black Widow. Weird.

 

[Sithborg]

I have no idea what they are going to do. My point was I don't see a way this won't be controversial/toxic because of the political DNA baked into the franchise and the expectations that comes with that, particularly with today's hyperpolitical lens.

I'd wager they care more about merch now because not only Marvel, but Disney is in a different place today vs. 5 + years ago. Their brands have been torpedoed in reputation and value, plus the stock is making a healthy comeback since Iger returned, so risk aversion where possible is a likely strategy going forward. I think the X-Men will be political, but how extreme or subtle is unknown.

The new CEO in a year may feel different and they throw all caution to the wind. So wait and see.

I'm sure merchandise was a valuable option before tariff policy became a mob shake down scheme.

 

[lenz]

I see where you are coming from. I feel like DOFP handled the political land scape well, so did First Class. I think it was, because the main focus was on the characters. Marvel Studios would be smart basing X-Men like F4 in this different universe maybe this time like the 80s or so. Making it modern would probably make it, as you said, toxic and even controversial. Alternate realities, but be reasonable here.

I wouldn't say they care more about merch. Interest must probably be the same, it's just that their merch focus is all messed up. So much that even toy makers backed of Disney for a while. People liked the classic stuff and Disney didn't wanna move a finger and rather push their modern less desired merch. I agree, stock is making a comeback. I'll always wonder what the stock would have been like if the other Bob was still CEO. I also agree on the risk aversion strategy. Question is how long will it last? There are influential power in management, that have a different direction in mind.

That would be ideal from my perspective, then whatever they do from a creative/political POV can exist as it's own thing and not directly impact the other films in a shared universe. So incubate the X-Men from the rest of the new MCU. More creative freedom and expression for the X-Men, and less fallout for the new shared universe outside of the mutants.

Obviously that is unlikely to happen though as people have been anticipating the X-Men joining the greater Marvel universe since the Fox takeover.

 

[Nightshift]

Wow first She-Hulk, now Black Widow. Weird.

Basically all of Phase 4. Yeah, super weird, but still remains just an opinion. FFH is excluded cause it's Sony.

 

[Venom 1988]

Making it modern would probably make it, as you said, toxic and even controversial.

I see you keep dancing around what your actual thoughts are on what is considered political. You can react to my post just fine enough but you can't actually point out what made Eternals political.

How exactly would an 80s set X-Men movie be totally fine but a modern day set movie toxic?

 

[lenz]

I mean, Disney is quite obviously appeasing fascists. The CCP was a concern before, the current american regime is worse.

It's a mess.

 

[Nightshift]

That would be ideal from my perspective, then whatever they do from a creative/political POV can exist as it's own thing and not directly impact the other films in a shared universe. So incubate the X-Men from the rest of the new MCU. More creative freedom and expression for the X-Men, and less fallout for the new shared universe outside of the mutants.

Obviously that is unlikely to happen though as people have been anticipating the X-Men joining the greater Marvel universe since the Fox takeover.

Exactly. Have the political POV as a decoration to the plot. Not the plot itself. X-Men are adored cause of the different character dynamics. It kinda worked for F4, so there's your blue print. Marvel really messed up the multiverse stuff. It could have worked had they all been in different pocked universes like F4 or even like NWH. X-Men should only interact with other characters during Avengers movies or other cross overs. That way it would also be easier with the audience to digest information.

True, I was actually longing to see Logan and Steve together, but I at this stage have tempered my expectation due to the recent MCU sludge.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

I see you keep dancing around what your actual thoughts are on what is considered political. You can react to my post just fine enough but you can't actually point out what made Eternals political.

How exactly would an 80s set X-Men movie be totally fine but a modern day set movie toxic?

Women. People of color. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community. You know, basic human rights, so political.

 

[Nightshift]

I see you keep dancing around what your actual thoughts are on what is considered political. You can react to my post just fine enough but you can't actually point out what made Eternals political.

How exactly would an 80s set X-Men movie be totally fine but a modern day set movie toxic?

Now I'm dancing around topics. Some seem to get me clearly and others don't. So be it.

You're pulling what I said about the 80s stuff out of context. I was agreeing and responding to someone. The 80s idea came to mind cause I thought about the retro futuristic 60s vibe from F4. Setting those movies in other areas would just be neat.

 

[SomeOldGuy]

‘Weapons’ Rises To $43M+ Opening, Still Freaking Out ‘Freakier Friday’: How New Line & Warner Bros Pulled It Off – Box Office Update

New Line's 'Weapons' is off to an excellent start at the box office, with previews coming in at $5M+, while Disney sequel 'Freakier Friday' is eyeing $3M.

deadline.com

In third is Disney/Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps with a Friday of $5M at 3,600 theaters, and third sesh of $16M-$18M, -56%, which will get the movie to $231M-$233M by EOD Sunday

 

[Nightshift]

Women. People of color. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community. You know, human rights, so political.

I haven't mentioned any of that, but you have. I simply want the characters to be closer to how they are in the comics. The MCU obviously hasn't focused on proper character work in recent years and the course correction has only been recently.