Despite securing its second consecutive box office victory, “Fantastic Four: First Steps” presents a nuanced picture for Marvel Studios, revealing a significant drop in its second-weekend performance that sparks broader discussions about current film industry trends.

The highly anticipated “Fantastic Four: First Steps” is projected to add approximately $40 million domestically over its second weekend, following an $11.7 million Friday gross. While a win, this figure represents a steep 66% decline from its debut, placing its trajectory in stark contrast to other recent MCU films and highlighting the evolving nature of box office performance.

This substantial drop mirrors the 68% decline seen with “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” yet it notably underperforms against the more resilient 56% dip for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and 53% for “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Such comparisons provide critical insights into the holding power of major blockbusters in the contemporary film industry.

If these projections hold, “Fantastic Four: First Steps” will reach an impressive $198.4 million domestically by weekend’s end. This positions it to surpass the North American totals of “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” ($190.1 million) and “Thor: Love and Thunder” ($200.5 million), making it the highest-grossing MCU film of the year domestically so far, a much-needed win for Marvel Studios.

Bolstered by positive critical reception, including a “Certified Fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film initially exceeded expectations, debuting with $117 million domestically and $216 million globally. This strong start was particularly vital for Marvel Studios as “Fantastic Four: First Steps” is a crucial project within the ongoing Multiverse Saga, with its key stars set to reprise their roles in future installments.

While a robust opening is essential for a studio tentpole, the true measure of success often lies in its “legs” — how well a film sustains its viewership in subsequent weeks. Blockbusters, especially MCU films, are frequently front-loaded by dedicated fans. The steeper drop for Fantastic Four: First Steps compared to other well-received comic book adaptations underscores how much the film industry trends have shifted.

This evolving landscape is largely attributed to the allure of shortened theatrical windows and the increasing prevalence of streaming services. This suggests that audience interest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe hasn’t waned, but rather, their consumption habits have adapted. The anticipation of further declines in its third weekend further validates Marvel Studios’ strategic recalibrations.

Looking ahead, Marvel Studios is reportedly pivoting towards smaller budget productions post-Multiverse Saga, a move designed to control production costs and ensure profitability even without record-breaking hauls. This strategic shift may also involve a more selective approach to character-led films, focusing on those guaranteed to drive sustained ticket sales and adapt to new film industry trends.