Overview

• In a Collider interview published August 11–12, Michael Chiklis defended his 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four films as “underrated” and said critics “got it wrong.”
• Chiklis highlighted audience affection and noted the Tim Story entries grossed roughly $750 million worldwide despite low critic scores.
• Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps has surpassed the originals’ combined lifetime total with over $435 million but suffered a 67 percent drop in its second weekend.
• Analysts warn First Steps’ estimated $200–250 million budget raises its break-even threshold, casting doubt on its ultimate profitability.
• Despite financial headwinds, Marvel Studios is moving ahead with post-credits teases and early sequel planning as part of its Phase Six strategy.