A recent report fromThe Hollywood Reporterrevealed that Marvel Studios held a surprise test screening ofThe Fantastic Four: First Steps. The Disney-owned studio famously forgoes the test screening process, instead using “friends and family” screenings to evaluate audience reaction. Notably,The Fantastic Four: First Stepsscreening did include its post-credit scene.The next Marvel Cinematic Universe film,The Fantastic Four: First Steps, stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Ralph Ineson, Natasha Lyonne, and John Malkovich. It is slated for release on August 05, 2025.
The surprise showing took place at Regal Long Beach, and invitees were only told “From a Major Motion Picture Studio comes a new film.” Both Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige and director Matt Shakman attended the screening. Though it is not normal for Marvel Studios to conduct this type of showing, the studio did screenDeadpool & Wolverinein a similar manner last year.
What The Fantastic Four Test Screening Report Means
With recent downturns in profit and a change in creative strategy, Marvel has been eschewing their traditional filmmaking process.The movie-making mainstay has seen some diminishing returns both financially and in terms of audience perception since the release ofAvengers: Endgame, except for nostalgia-driven outingsSpider-Man: No Way HomeandDeadpool & Wolverine.As a result, both Marvel and Disney leadership came together in late 2023 to reevaluate the former’s approach, ultimatelydeciding to scale back production and prioritize quality. Using test screenings with audience members outside of Marvel’s inner circle may be another part of their new strategy.
Marvel’s motive for showingThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsearly is unclear, but theTHRreport pointed out that the film is roughly eight weeks away from release. Additionally, it’s still in the post-production process. The audience feedback received could be used to make final tweaks to the film, as is standard with test screenings.
Alternatively, the studio could have shownThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsto audiences in order to drum up buzz surrounding the film. It is set to lead intoAvengers: Doomsday.Given both the MCU’s upcoming releases and Doctor Doom’s ties with the titular team, many speculate Robert Downey Jr. will debut in the part duringThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Our Take On The Fantastic Four Test Screening Report
If Disney and Marvel want to right the course in terms of the MCU’s public perception, it makes sense for them to start sourcing options from general moviegoers. A blind screening is a good way to get a range of both diehard Marvel fans and others to obtain as many varying opinions as possible.
Additionally, including elements like the post-credit scene, though potentially leading to spoilers leaking, has the potential to generate more interest in their films. Regardless,The Fantastic Four: First Stepsis now less than two months away, meaning test screenings or not, it’s time for Marvel to shift its marketing cycle into high gear.
