```html 'Fantastic Four' Stumbles in Second Weekend as 'Naked Gun' Scores Solid Debut

Marvel's "Fantastic Four: First Steps" is showing signs of weakness at the domestic box office, suffering a steep decline in its second weekend, while Paramount's "The Naked Gun" reboot delivered a promising opening, offering a rare win for theatrical comedies.

Superhero Fatigue? 'Fantastic Four' Plummets

After a $117.6 million debut, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" grossed $40 million from 4,125 theaters in its second weekend, a significant 66% drop. This decline exceeded expectations, as analysts had predicted a 55% to 60% decrease. While positive reviews and strong word-of-mouth were expected to buoy the film, the steep drop suggests that the film may not be resonating with audiences beyond core superhero fans.

To put the film's performance into perspective, "Superman" experienced a 53% drop in its second weekend after a $125 million opening earlier in July. The "Fantastic Four" sequel’s fall is comparable to other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films, with "The Marvels" (down 78%), "Captain America: Brave New World" (down 68%), "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" (down 70%), and "Thor: Love and Thunder" (down 67%) having similarly significant drops in their second weekends.

Despite the significant drop, "Fantastic Four" has grossed $198 million domestically and $368 million globally. While it is on track to surpass "Captain America: Brave New World" ($415 million globally) and "Thunderbolts" ($382 million globally), its final box office tally is unlikely to be a triumphant return to form for Marvel. According to industry analysts, the MCU is poised to regain its box office stride with upcoming films like "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and the next two "Avengers" installments.

Analyst Viewpoint: 'Fantastic Four' Not Top-Tier

"'Fantastic Four' is not a top-tier Marvel franchise. Never has been," says Jeff Bock, analyst at Exhibitor Relations. "Remember, this ramps up into 'Avengers.' That's the real payoff." This perspective highlights the strategic importance of "Fantastic Four" within the broader MCU narrative, even if its individual box office performance is not record-breaking.

'Naked Gun' Reboot Hits the Mark

Among the new releases, Paramount's "The Naked Gun," starring Liam Neeson as the son of Leslie Nielsen's iconic character, debuted with a solid $17 million from 3,344 theaters. The film also earned $11.5 million internationally, bringing its global total to $28.5 million. This performance is considered a win for theatrical comedies, a genre that has struggled to find its footing in recent years.

Directed by Akiva Schaffer, of the Lonely Island fame, "The Naked Gun" has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, earning an "A-" CinemaScore and a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film's success is particularly noteworthy given its appeal to older white men, who comprised a significant portion of the opening weekend audience.

Animation and Horror Round Out the New Releases

Universal and DreamWorks Animation's "The Bad Guys 2" had a strong start with $22.8 million from 3,852 venues, matching the first film's opening in 2022. Neon's body-horror film "Together," starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie, landed in sixth place with $6.8 million over the traditional weekend and $10.8 million during its first five days of release.

Historical Context: The Evolution of the Superhero Genre

The performance of "Fantastic Four: First Steps" raises questions about the current state of the superhero genre, which has dominated Hollywood for over a decade. While superhero films continue to be major box office draws, recent releases have shown signs of audience fatigue, with some films failing to meet expectations. This trend may indicate a need for fresh approaches to the genre, or a shift in audience tastes.

The success of "The Naked Gun" reboot, on the other hand, suggests that there is still a strong appetite for well-made comedies in theaters. The film's positive reception could encourage studios to invest in more comedic projects, providing a welcome alternative to the superhero-dominated landscape.

Expert Analysis: The Future of Theatrical Releases

"The box office landscape is constantly evolving, and studios need to adapt to changing audience preferences," says media analyst Laura Miller. "While superhero films will likely remain a significant part of the industry, there is also a growing demand for diverse content, including comedies, dramas, and independent films. Studios that can cater to this wider range of tastes will be best positioned for success." ```