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In a notable twist, Disney CEO Bob Iger responded confidently to the decline, claiming that Fantastic 4 was a “huge success” and expressing satisfaction with its performance. This upbeat stance was met with suspicion, considering the film’s significant drop-off, typical of weak box office legs. Interestingly, Iger was echoing his previous comments about Thunderbolts just three months earlier, where he similarly praised that film’s performance, despite its subsequent revelation as a flop.
This pattern suggests a disconnect between Disney’s public statements and the underlying performance metrics. Both Thunderbolts and Fantastic 4 have ultimately underperformed, highlighting the ongoing struggles Disney faces with Marvel franchises.