By now, it's no secret that the new Fantastic Four film isn't doing so well. The rebooted version of Marvel's first family has taken a beating from both critics and viewers since it opened in theatres last week.
The film (which cost $120M to produce) grossed far below expectations, taking in a dismal $26.2 million at the domestic box office. It didn't fair any better in the international market, tallying just $34 million from 43 countries for a combined week 1 haul of about $60 million. Couple that with its 9% Rotten Tomatoes score and you have one of the biggest busts in superhero movie history.
The harsh reception the film has gotten has many asking whether Fox may consider selling the franchise rights back to parent company Disney. Earlier this year, Sony inked a deal with Marvel Studios to share the rights to Spider-Man.
It seems like this isn't on Fox's agenda at the moment. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the studio is doing its best to shake this off and solider on with the franchise. In an interview with the magazine Fox distribution chief Chris Aronson said:
"While we're disappointed, we remain committed to these characters and we have a lot to look forward to in our Marvel universe."
According to THR, Aronson would not comment on the status of Fantastic Four 2, which is penciled in as a June 2017 release.
On a positive note, things aren't all bad for Fox as far as superhero movies are concerned. The studio is bringing out two of its most anticipated films X-Men: Apocalypse and Deadpool in 2016. It also has a third and final Wolverine spin-off with Hugh Jackman as well as the Channing Tatum fronted Gambit in the works.
