Hollywood’s Superheroes Fly High in the U.S. but Struggle Abroad – Especially in South Korea

A Divide Between Domestic and International Success

Hollywood’s iconic superheroes are once again dominating the U.S. box office, but their global appeal appears to be faltering. Recent releases from Marvel Studios and DC Studios—long-standing powerhouses of the superhero genre—are enjoying considerable success in the United States yet struggling to make a comparable impact overseas, particularly in South Korea.

The two latest entries are Marvel’s Fantastic Four: A New Beginning, released last week, and DC’s Superman, which debuted two weeks prior. Both films are reboots, aiming to revitalise the respective franchises by starting from scratch. For Marvel and DC, which have faced recent downturns, these films represent a strategic push to re-engage audiences and reignite their cinematic universes.

Fantastic Four Finds Its Feet—At Least in the U.S.

Fantastic Four: A New Beginning is proving to be a commercial hit, at least domestically. The film earned $117.64 million (approx. ₩162.5 billion) during its opening weekend, placing it fourth among this year’s top openers—behind Minecraft: The Movie, Lilo & Stitch, and Superman. Critics have praised the film for distancing itself from Marvel’s often convoluted cinematic universe and instead leaning into the charm of its original comic book roots. The Wall Street Journal even called it “possibly the best superhero film of the year” for its back-to-basics approach.

Director Matt Shakman noted in a recent virtual interview that the film’s DNA is steeped in American nostalgia, reflecting the optimistic spirit of the 1960s. This nostalgic tone resonates with U.S. audiences, but reactions in South Korea tell a different story. Local viewers have criticised the film for its simplistic resolution to defeating the villain Galactus, a lack of compelling action sequences, and underdeveloped character arcs. As of 29 July, the film had drawn only 400,000 cinema-goers in Korea since its release.

Superman Wins Hearts in the U.S., But Not in Korea

DC’s Superman reboot has also experienced a stark contrast between domestic and Korean reception. The film topped the U.S. box office in its opening week and held the number one spot for 14 consecutive days—until the arrival of Fantastic Four. In America, the film has been applauded for recapturing Superman’s original allure while injecting James Gunn’s signature humour and a more humanised portrayal of the hero. Themes such as surveillance culture and immigration issues also resonated with American viewers, with Bloomberg describing the film as “pro-immigrant and anti-Trump.”

In South Korea, however, the film’s performance has been lukewarm. Audiences appeared disengaged with its politically charged narrative and slow-paced plot. Many Korean viewers expressed disappointment that the storyline lacks the thrilling, explosive moments typically expected of superhero movies, especially as Superman is repeatedly overpowered by the antagonist. The film’s overt focus on U.S. domestic issues and geopolitics further alienated the local audience.

Post-Credit Teasers Build Anticipation for Future Releases

Fantastic Four: A New Beginning follows the story of four astronauts who acquire superpowers during a space mission. The film not only introduces Marvel’s Phase Six but also sets the stage for future titles, including the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday. Much of this is hinted at in the film’s two post-credit scenes.

The first scene offers a direct link to Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for a 2026 release. Taking place four years after the final battle with Galactus, it features a surprise cameo that has thrilled long-time Marvel fans. Notably, the scene was directed by the Russo brothers—famous for Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. Director Matt Shakman shared that the Russo brothers filmed the scene during the production of Avengers: Doomsday, as the actors and set were already in place for that film.

Speculation is now mounting about how the Fantastic Four will feature in Avengers: Doomsday, and what roles characters like Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Susan Storm (Invisible Woman), and their son Franklin Richards will play. The curiosity surrounding Franklin’s powers has especially piqued fan interest.

The second post-credit scene serves as a tribute to the original Fantastic Four comics. Rendered in a cheerful, retro-style animated sequence, it evokes nostalgia among long-time fans and offers a heartfelt nod to the franchise’s legacy.