Marvel’s $491 Million Summer Hit Is Still Bad News for ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ Here’s How

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has become a monumental force
in modern cinema, establishing an unprecedented legacy of interconnected
storytelling that captivated global audiences for over a decade. From the
groundbreaking success of its early phases to the climactic culmination in Avengers:
Endgame, the brand transformed a niche comic book fandom into a worldwide
cultural phenomenon. Yet, with a new era underway and the narrative landscape
shifting, one must ask: Is the superhero reign beginning to wane?

Is the cinematic magic that made the Marvel brand invincible
finally beginning to lose its once-unshakeable power? Here is why.

Marvel’s first family shows brand fatigue, raising concerns for Avengers: Doomsday

In the recent episode of The Summer Box Office Report Card: Surprise Hits, Big
Flops, and Key Takeaway podcast, the 2025 summer box office performance was discussed,
including the recent chapter of Marvel. A $491 million worldwide box office
take for a new Marvel movie might sound like a victory, but it is actually a
troubling omen for the future of the franchise, particularly for the upcoming Avengers:
Doomsday. The film in question, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, was
intended to be a launchpad for a new era of Marvel, but its performance
suggests a significant shift in audience behavior that could spell trouble for
the next major team-up event.

The financial data indicates a worrying trend: the brand is
now largely a “fans only” franchise. This means that a Marvel film
can no longer be considered “event cinema” capable of attracting a
broad, general audience. A gross of nearly half a billion dollars is not a
failure on its own, but when viewed through the lens of Marvel’s historical
performance, it reveals a worrying trend. The film failed to meet the
expectations of what a new, highly anticipated Marvel franchise should deliver,
which is typically in the $700-800 million range or higher.

This precarious position leaves Marvel vulnerable as DC’s
rising tide and its growing presence begin to reshape the superhero landscape.

DC’s rising tide and its growing presence

In stark contrast, no matter how a group of fans stays loyal, the DC brand, long seen as a struggling
contender, appears to be gaining momentum with a series of recent successes.
Films such as Joker and The Batman have been critical and
commercial hits, demonstrating that a focus on unique creative visions and a
darker, more grounded tone can resonate with audiences. This strategy of
allowing directors to execute distinct, character-driven narratives has
breathed new life into the DC cinematic universe, proving that there is still a
vast appetite for well-made superhero films outside of the Marvel formula.

Furthermore, recent releases like Joker: Folie à Deux
and The Penguin have shown that DC is expanding its storytelling beyond
the traditional shared universe model. By focusing on standalone stories and
limited series, DC is creating a diverse and compelling slate of content. This
approach has allowed them to generate significant buzz and strong performance,
a feat Marvel has struggled to replicate with its recent offerings.

Do you think Marvel is set for its doom with low box office performances? Let us know in the comments below.