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“Fantastic Four: First Steps,” Marvel’s newest comic book adaptation, has launched strongly at the North American box office, earning $118 million from 4,125 theaters over its opening weekend. This total slightly exceeded industry expectations, which projected a range between $100 million and $110 million. The film’s performance marks the biggest Marvel opening this year and ranks as the fourth-largest domestic debut of 2025, trailing “A Minecraft Movie,” “Lilo & Stitch,” and “Superman.”
The movie stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch. Internationally, it added $100 million from 52 territories, pushing its global opening weekend total to $218 million. This debut is Marvel’s best since last year's “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which earned over $200 million domestically, and notably outperformed earlier 2025 Marvel releases like “Captain America: Brave New World” and “Thunderbolts.”
The strong reception for “First Steps” is further underscored by its critical acclaim, registering an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A-” audience score from CinemaScore, reflecting renewed audience enthusiasm for the Marvel franchise. Meanwhile, rival DC Studios’ “Superman” remains the highest-grossing superhero film of 2025, with a $503 million global total, showing continued audience appetite for superhero movies. Industry analysts suggest that this success challenges the idea of “superhero fatigue,” attributing past performance challenges more to the quality of films rather than genre saturation.
Looking ahead, Marvel’s cinematic slate includes major upcoming releases such as “Avengers: Doomsday” in late 2026, making the Fantastic Four’s staying power at the box office an important early indicator of the franchise’s renewed momentum under Disney and Kevin Feige’s leadership.
Our advanced AI algorithms browsed the web to verify the authenticity of "The Fantastic Four: First Steps Launches Strong with a $118 Million Opening Weekend". Below is an accurate report.
✅ Yes, the content seems to be true and authentic, as reported by several sources.
These include:
1. https://www.boxofficepro.com/weekend-box-office-fantastic-four-clobbers-its-way-to-the-top-with-118m-domestic-debut/ (Trust Score 8/10)
- Reports that *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* had a domestic opening weekend of $118 million, marking a significant box office success for the franchise, surpassing previous Fantastic Four movie debuts.
2. https://screenrant.com/fantastic-four-first-steps-superman-movies-july-box-office-charts-update/ (Trust Score 7/10)
- Confirms the movie’s strong box office opening projected between $120 million and $125 million, noting it is currently dominating the weekend and compares favorably to contemporary releases like Superman.
Both sources are major entertainment news outlets with reliable track records reporting box office figures and trends.
Amber Heard recently concluded her role in the play "Spirit of the People," which marked her first acting project since 2023. She shared a heartfelt message thanking her fans for their overwhelming love and support throughout her involvement in the production. The play, written by visionary playwright Jeremy O. Harris and directed by Katina Medina Mora, had its world premiere at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. The show's run lasted from July 17 to August 3, 2025, and was held at the MainStage Theatre in Williamstown, Massachusetts. "Spirit of the People" is described as a soul-stirring and thought-provoking play that has received significant anticipation and critical attention. The production was designed to offer a phone-free viewing experience, enhancing audience immersion by securing phones in Yondr pouches during the performance. This innovative approach reflects the festival's focus on creating an engaging theatrical environment. Heard's participation in this emotionally charged and highly regarded play represents an important career milestone as she returns to acting after a hiatus. Following the closing of the show, Amber Heard expressed gratitude on social media for the support she received from fans and the theatrical community during this new chapter in her career. Her performance in "Spirit of the People" has been viewed as a meaningful return to the stage, underscoring her dedication to challenging and compelling roles. This engagement at a prestigious festival highlights her evolving career trajectory after relocating from Spain back to the United States. <br /> <br /> The play itself tackles intense themes and was developed in collaboration with the Works & Process at the Guggenheim in New York. With its combination of innovative theatrical elements and a celebrated creative team, "Spirit of the People" has established itself as a significant cultural event for the 2025 season. Amber Heard’s involvement has generated renewed interest in her artistic pursuits and future projects.
AEW's Full Gear remains one of the promotion's original "Big 4" pay-per-view events, and it is confirmed to return in 2025 at a familiar venue. AEW announced on Monday that Full Gear will be held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday, November 22. This marks a return to the same arena that hosted the event in both 2022 and 2024, underlining the strong connection and support AEW has with its New Jersey fan base. AEW president and CEO Tony Khan emphasized the importance of maintaining a great relationship with fans from the New York and New Jersey area, which is reflected in the choice of venue. Khan expressed excitement about returning to the Prudential Center, highlighting Full Gear as one of the company’s best yearly events for both AEW and its fans. The announcement notably follows WWE's recent schedule of multiple events in New Jersey, including a SmackDown show at the Prudential Center, reflecting the area's significance to professional wrestling. Tickets for Full Gear 2025 will go on sale on Monday, August 25, with premium and pre-sale options available earlier in the month. Khan also touched on his deepening role in AEW's creative direction, drawing parallels between his current involvement and how he led creative efforts early in AEW’s history. Overall, the event is highly anticipated and promises to be one of the biggest wrestling shows of the year, continuing AEW’s tradition of major pay-per-views held in key locations with passionate fan support. <br /> <br /> AEW Full Gear's return to Newark solidifies the Prudential Center’s role as a central hub for significant wrestling events in the region. As AEW continues to grow, maintaining familiar venues helps preserve a strong fan experience and continuity for its marquee shows. The November 22 date places Full Gear strategically towards the end of the year, likely featuring major storylines and high-profile matches. With the promotion solidifying its creative leadership and maintaining its "Big 4" pay-per-view legacy, 2025's Full Gear looks set to be a highlight in the wrestling calendar.
Pope Leo XIV received a rock star welcome over the weekend as he arrived by helicopter at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, a Rome suburb, for the Jubilee of Youth event, which many have dubbed the "Catholic Coachella." More than one million young Catholics gathered on the 237-acre grounds, making it the largest crowd of his papacy so far. The atmosphere was vibrant and festive, with attendees singing, dancing, and enjoying live music from multiple bands as they prepared for an overnight vigil and the closing Mass the following morning. Upon arrival, Pope Leo drove through the crowd in the popemobile, waving to the exhilarated young pilgrims under the hot Roman sun. He then carried the pilgrim cross on foot to the stage, where he led prayers and Eucharistic adoration. Addressing the youth, the pope urged them to "study, work, and love according to the example of Jesus" and to remain steadfast in prayer, saying, "Stay with us, Lord." The event featured nearly half a million young people who participated in Christian rock concerts, inspirational talks, confessions in multiple languages, and communal prayers. Despite the intense heat, with temperatures near 30°C (85°F), organizers used misting trucks and water cannons to keep the crowd cool. The pope also acknowledged young people suffering globally, including those in Gaza and Ukraine, calling for a world of fraternity where conflicts are resolved through dialogue rather than weapons. This gathering, part of the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year, highlights a powerful connection between the Church and the younger generation worldwide, embracing joy, faith, and hope on a massive scale. Many attendees expressed gratitude and excitement to be part of this extraordinary celebration of faith and youth. <br /> <br /> The Jubilee of Youth not only marked a spiritual milestone but also brought immense energy and enthusiasm to the Church, with young people from all over the world taking over the Roman suburb for this unprecedented event. As one attendee noted, the "invasion" of these young pilgrims was a positive and transformative presence, underscoring the vitality of the global Catholic community today. Pope Leo’s presence and message symbolized both continuity and renewal, inspiring a generation to live their faith boldly and joyfully in an ever-changing world.
A vessel carrying 154 Ethiopian migrants capsized off the southern coast of Yemen near Abyan province, resulting in a tragic loss of life as migrants sought to transit the war-torn country en route to wealthy Gulf states for work. Strong winds and severe weather conditions caused the boat to overturn late Saturday, leaving at least 68 people dead and 74 others missing, with only 12 survivors rescued and receiving treatment for exhaustion and exposure. This route is known to be heavily traveled yet dangerous due to Yemen’s ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis, which pushes many Africans to attempt perilous sea crossings despite the risks. The migrants aboard were fleeing hardship in their home countries, hoping to secure better employment opportunities in Gulf nations. Local authorities, in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration and other aid agencies, have launched extensive search and rescue operations, although rough seas continue to hamper their efforts. The recovered bodies have been collected across stretches of the coastline, while health officials work with local authorities to facilitate proper burials. Yemeni security officials have called for urgent international action to address the root causes of irregular migration and to enhance maritime safety in this hazardous passage. The United Nations has repeatedly highlighted Yemen as a major humanitarian disaster hotspot, further complicating the plight of migrants who face not only conflict zones but also this deadly maritime route in their search for a better life. This tragic incident underscores the ongoing humanitarian and migration crisis in the region, reflecting the extreme dangers faced by African migrants crossing through Yemen on their journey toward the Gulf states. <br /> <br /> The incident has drawn international attention and condolences, including from religious and humanitarian leaders, who emphasize the urgent need for coordinated global responses to improve migrant safety and address the complex factors driving such dangerous journeys.
Israel's military stated it is currently reviewing allegations that it attacked the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) headquarters in Gaza overnight. The PRCS, a major humanitarian organization, reported that its administrative headquarters in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, came under direct and repeated Israeli artillery shelling after midnight, resulting in the death of one staff member and injuries to several others. The shelling caused significant damage to the building, including destruction of administrative and disaster response rooms, severely disrupting the society’s operations in a region already under immense strain. The PRCS described the attack as deliberate, emphasizing that their location is well known and clearly marked with the protective red emblem under international conventions safeguarding humanitarian facilities. In response, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said they had no knowledge of any artillery or air strikes on that site and are investigating the claims. Meanwhile, Hamas has faced widespread international condemnation after releasing a video of an emaciated Israeli hostage, which raised concerns over the treatment and wellbeing of captives amid ongoing hostilities. This video intensified the already volatile situation, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters for exploiting the hostage's condition. The attack on the Red Crescent headquarters exacerbates the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where access to food and medical aid has been critically limited. Recent UN data highlights that hundreds of Palestinians have died from malnutrition since late May, underscoring the urgency for protection of aid workers and their facilities. The humanitarian situation remains precarious, with the health and safety of civilian and medical personnel continuing to be at high risk in this conflict.
The Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies are concluding their three-game series on Sunday Night Baseball in Philadelphia. Both teams stay competitive this season, with the Tigers holding a 65-47 record and leading the AL Central, while the Phillies stand at 62-48, second in the NL East. Sunday's matchup will determine the series winner, adding extra intensity to the game. Starting pitchers are Charlie Morton for the Tigers and Cristopher Sánchez for the Phillies. Morton has a 7-8 record with a 5.42 ERA and 101 strikeouts this season, while Sánchez leads Philadelphia with a strong 9-3 record and a 2.48 ERA, coupled with 139 strikeouts. The probable pitchers highlight a contrast between Philadelphia’s solid pitching and Detroit’s effort to control runs. Home-field advantage could play a role, as the Phillies have a solid 34-20 record in home games, while the Tigers are 29-26 on the road. Both teams show offensive power, with the Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber leading with 37 home runs and a .568 slugging percentage, and Detroit’s Jav Bayz contributing key hits including home runs in recent games. Bettors can find appealing promotions and sportsbook offers tied to this high-stakes game, providing opportunities to wager on various aspects including the series outcome, run totals, and individual performances. The over/under for runs is set at 8, and betting lines show the Phillies as favorites at -188, with the Tigers at +156. This final game represents a crucial contest for playoff positioning, highlighted by strong hitters, skilled pitching, and the chance to clinch a series victory in a tense, nationally televised matchup. <br /> <br /> The previous games in the series showcased home run surges and defensive plays, with the Tigers equalizing the series thanks to multiple home runs and strong pitching. The weather is expected to be clear and warm, ideal for baseball, adding to the high-energy atmosphere surrounding this Sunday night showdown in Philadelphia.