MCU Fantastic Four Test Screenings With Post-Credits Scene Confirmed By New Report

A recent report from The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Marvel Studios held a surprise test screening of The 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 Steps screening 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 July 25, 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 screen ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool & Wolverine in 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 of Avengers: Endgame, except for nostalgia-driven outings Spider-Man: No Way Home and ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool & Wolverine. As a result, both Marvel and Disney leadership came together in late 2023 to reevaluate the former’s approach, ultimately deciding 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 showing The Fantastic Four: First Steps early is unclear, but the THR report 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 shown The Fantastic Four: First Steps to audiences in order to drum up buzz surrounding the film. It is set to lead into Avengers: Doomsday. Given both the MCU’s upcoming releases and Doctor Doom’s ties with the тιтular team, many speculate Robert Downey Jr. will debut in the part during The 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 Steps is now less than two months away, meaning test screenings or not, it’s time for Marvel to shift its marketing cycle into high gear.