Marvel and DC have clashed like titans in an endless cosmic showdown for eons, each vying for the ultimate thrown in the comic book cosmos. Their battle cries have echoed across the multiverse, yet no victor has ever truly claimed the crown except for moments of fleeting dominance like comets streaking across the night sky. But as fate would have it, the cosmic roulette spins once more. This July, the duel reignites at light speed, with Marvel placing its bets on The Fantastic Four: First Steps and DC reshaping its destiny with a bold new take on Superman. And so, the eternal question looms again: who will bring the ultimate cosmic relief in 2025?

Will it be the reborn Last Son of Kryptonite or Marvel’s pioneering super-family?

Despite playing a high-stakes gamble with David Corenswet instead of Henry Cavill in his re-imagined DC universe, James Gunn’s Superman has grown to become a highlight for DC fans. If one were to navigate the future of Superman based on the box office appeal of Gunn, seen in comic movies like Guardians of the Galaxy and Suicide Squad, the DC arrival has an edge over The Fantastic Four’s domestic ranking but a weaker international hold opposite Marvel. 

The Fantastic Four: The First Steps inches ahead in projected earnings, yet its fate is tethered to DC’s mission to mend its fractured reputation. Gunn’s optimistic spin on Superman flips the script from Zack Snyder’s brooding legacy, offering a beacon of hope to audiences weary of grim superhero narratives. However, its wholesomeness teeters on the edge of naivety in a world increasingly split on nostalgia versus modernity. Meanwhile, The Fantastic Four thrives on Matt Shakman’s alchemy of humor and high-stakes spectacle, but its frantic production and potential VFX stumbles could dim its shine.

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Superman’s heartfelt sincerity may win over critics, but Marvel’s tried-and-tested formula might secure a stronger hold on the masses. However, there would be no easy let-down in this cosmic showdown.

In the upcoming cinematic showdown of spandex and spectacle, two titans prepare for liftoff — Superman, the crown jewel of DC’s rebooted empire, and The Fantastic Four, Marvel’s fresh-faced vanguard for Phase 6. James Gunn is balancing the weight of an entire universe on his directorial shoulders. One wrong move and DC’s reboot could plummet, leaving its long-running rivalry with Marvel in an even shakier territory. Meanwhile, First Steps carries its own burden, ushering in Phase 6 without the crutch of an origin story, opting instead for a bold, retro-futuristic leap.

Adding to the tension are their release dates—July 11 for Superman and July 25 for The Fantastic Four. The two-week gap could divide the audiences, but it might favor Marvel, given its track record of summer blockbusters. Then again, Superman’s early arrival could seize the momentum before the Four even suit up. With Gunn’s storytelling prowess and Marvel’s pedigree, this superhero race is gearing up into a full-blown cosmic collision where anything is possible. Though both are ready to soar, only one can truly stick to landing with a roar.

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Who do you think will win the cosmic showdown? Superman or The Fantastic Four? Let us know in the comments below!