More Superheroes, Please: Marvel Hopes To Rebound With Fantastic Four
Early tracking looks massive, with projections nearing $200 million in opening weekend numbers. There's a lot riding on this one for Marvel and Disney.
Welcome to MovieNewsPro for Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025. Here's what you need to know.
🎬 Today's Take
Hot on the heels of the successful Superman reboot, The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters this weekend. Early tracking looks massive, with projections nearing $200 million in opening weekend numbers. There's a lot riding on this one for Marvel and Disney.
Marvel’s no doubt hoping to capture some of that DC momentum. After Thunderbolts and Captain America: Brave New World stumbled at the box office, questions have swirled about superhero fatigue and Marvel’s overstuffed slate. Many Marvel films just look the same, and with Disney supercharging the hype, some wonder if the brand is overexposed.
But there is still reason for optimism: bringing in WandaVision director Matt Shakman was a smart play, and casting fan-favorite Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic could be a game-changer. The upcoming release of Fantastic Four: First Steps will definitely be closely watched by industry insiders. With so much at stake, Marvel is clearly bracing for impact.
📈 Movie Stock Index
Market Close: Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025
Total Value: $116,010.06
Today's Change: $824.26 (0.72%)
Total Gain/Loss (Since 05/12/25): $16,010.03 (16.01%)
Movie stocks had an outstanding day today, our index was up $824.26 (0.72%). Cineverse (4.96%) and Sony (4.84%) led the pack, and Starz (-8.36%) was the loser on the day. Everyone is waiting on Google (YouTube) earnings after the bell, this should be a guide for the streaming market.
Disclaimer: The MovieNewsPro Stock Index is a virtual index - there are no actual funds invested. Sector index total value dollar amounts are based on an initial hypothetical investment of $100,000 on May 12th, 2025. MovieNewsPro and/or its publisher may own stock or have interest in the companies mentioned. We are not licensed investment advisors and our information should not be used as investment advice. Invest wisely.
🎥 Industry Intel
The always on target Entertainment Strategy Guy breaks down the numbers for A24 and MUBI, the current heads of the "cool kids table" in cinema. (Entertainment Strategy Guy)
Some YouTube creators are "graduating" up to Netflix. The battle is over the amount of hours watched, and Netflix is pulling out all the stops. (Deadline)
President Trump says that Skydance has agreed to an additional $20 million in advertising and PSAs for their settlement with Paramount. (TheWrap)
Original writer Chris Sanders has been hired by Disney to write the live action sequel to Lilo and Stitch. The first live action has just crossed $1 billion in box office. (Deadline)
📢 Job Opening Alert
Warner Bros. Discovery is searching for a Sr. Analyst, Strategy & Operations (LinkedIn)
🏆 Upcoming Film Festivals
New York Asian Film Festival, US - July 11-27
Golden Apricot International Film Festival, Armenia - July 13-20
Fantasia International Film Festival, Canada - July 17-August 3
Jerusalem Film Festival, Israel - July 17-27
New Horizons International Film Festival, Poland - July 17-27
Waco Independent Film Festival, US - July 17-20
Burgas International Film Festival, Bulgaria - July 19-25
Malaysia International Film Festival, Malaysia - July 19-27
Cinema Rediscovered, UK - July 23-27
Comic-Con, US - July 24-27
Woods Hole Film Festival, US - July 26-August 2
BlackStar Film Festival, US - July 31-August 3
Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival, US - August 1-9
Membrana Film Festival, UK - August 3
Locarno Film Festival, Switzerland - August 6-16
37ºSouth Market, Australia – August 7-10
HollyShorts Film Festival, US - August 7-17
Melbourne International Film Festival, Australia - August 7-24
Gramado Film Festival, Brazil - August 13-23
Edinburgh International Film Festival, UK - August 14-20
Sarajevo Film Festival, Bosnia & Herzegovina - August 15-22
Norwegian International Film Festival Haugesund, Norway - August 16-22
Sidewalk Film Festival, US - August 18-24
New Nordic Films, Norway - August 19-22
FrightFest, UK - August 21-25
Venice International Film Festival, Italy - August 27-September 6
📺 Watch This Tonight
Being John Malkovich (1999)
Directed by Spike Jonze
Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich.
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Disclaimer/Transparency
MovieNewsPro is a film industry news, trends and analysis monitoring service. All stories have been previously reported elsewhere and are not exclusive stories to MNP. All information is believed to be accurate at the time of reporting. MovieNewsPro uses a full array of technology to gather information, including machine learning, automation and artificial intelligence throughout its business monitoring, editing and reporting process.
