The Marvel Cinematic Universe is no stranger to experimentation. Despite this, ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ marks one of its boldest creative choices yet. Directed by Matt Shakman, the highly anticipated reboot of Marvel’s First Family doesn’t take place on the familiar Earth-616,

That might sound like no big deal, but after 2023’s “The Marvels,” this spring’s fourth “Captain America” movie and “Thunderbolts*” all underperformed by Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) standards, the new “Fantastic Four” may offer broader audience appeal by not pulling from other franchises.

First Steps," clobbered the box office competition on Friday, reporting first-day ticket sales of $57 million, according to The Numbers.

“ The Fantastic Four: First Steps ” stretched its arms around $57 million from 4,125 theaters across Friday and preview screenings. Per Disney ‘s numbers, that’s the second-biggest opening day of the calendar year, ranking just behind “A Minecraft Movie” ($57.11 million). The film is playing Imax and other premium large format auditoriums.

Disney/Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is having a, well, fantastic start to its box office run. Including $24.5 million from Thursday previews, the film has earned a domestic opening day of $57 million and is headed for an industry estimated $123.