The Unforeseen Outcome of Marvels Reshoots and Test Screening Reactions

Article Key Points

The Marvels, the sequel to Captain Marvel, may not live up to fans' high expectations despite reshoots and test screenings.

Low presale numbers and average reviews from recent test screenings indicate that the film might not live up to the expectations set by the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Director Nia DaCosta's divided attention on another project, along with insufficient marketing and the presence of toxic fan harassment, could potentially be reasons behind the film's possible failure.

With the highly anticipated release of The Marvels just days away and the Marvel Cinematic Universe experiencing a decline, new internal information suggests that the project has not met fans' expectations, despite reports of reshoots and numerous test screenings.

After the immense success of Captain Marvel in 2019, a sequel seemed inevitable. However, the announcement of The Marvels came as a pleasant surprise to some fans. With the first film's record-breaking $1.1 billion box office revenue and Captain Marvel's prominent role in the iconic Avengers: Endgame, expectations were high for the sequel. Unfortunately, it seems that The Marvels has fallen short of its predecessor, evident from its alarmingly low presale numbers.

While the initial reports suggested that The Marvels received surprisingly positive responses during early screenings, more recent screenings indicate that the revised version may have had the opposite effect it intended. According to an insider connected to Variety, test screenings conducted in June yielded average reviews from the audience for the project. Principal photography for The Marvels was completed in May 2022, and initially, it was scheduled for a July release, just a month after the test screenings occurred. However, the film's premiere was then rescheduled to November, making it the second change in release dates after initially swapping with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Currently, the film is projected to open with a conservative box office estimate of $75 million, which is considerably lower than the expectations set by the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Behind the scenes, there was a concerning incident that could potentially shed light on the regression. Nia DaCosta, the director of The Marvels and its Ms. Marvel post-credit scene, made the decision to embark on a new project while work on The Marvels was still in progress. During postproduction and a month of reshoots, DaCosta relocated to London in an effort to untangle the complicated storyline. This unexpected absence has raised eyebrows, as a trusted source connected to the production explains that this behavior is unusual for a director, particularly on a project of such immense magnitude.

It seems peculiar for a director to depart from a $250 million film so close to its completion.

There are numerous concerns surrounding DaCosta's divided attention and the lack of marketing due to the strike, leading to murmurs that the MCU may be setting up The Marvels for failure. Initially, the film was positioned as a female-driven adventure led by a woman of color, with a target audience of females in a largely male-dominated space. However, by sticking to a premiere date that made it impossible for the leading ladies to promote the film even during its release week, it is difficult to argue that Marvel Studios didn't sabotage the film's chances of a successful opening. Adding to the worries, the June screening received lukewarm feedback during a rare public test held in Texas, which contrasts with Disney's usual internal testing. This further dampens the film's potential for fan enjoyment.

Unfortunately, with The Marvels predicted to have the lowest opening weekend in the franchise, a trailer that has garnered widespread dislike, and reports of Brie Larson contemplating leaving the MCU due to toxic fan harassment, it will take nothing short of a miracle for the sequel to meet the studio's substantial investment and expectations.

The Marvels is set for theatrical release on November 10, 2023.

The Marvels

After defeating the tyrannical Kree and seeking vengeance against the Supreme Intelligence, Carol Danvers, also known as Captain Marvel, finds herself facing the unintended repercussions of a destabilized universe. As she fulfills her responsibilities, she encounters an anomalous wormhole that connects her to Kamala Khan, a devoted follower from Jersey City who possesses superhuman abilities as Ms. Marvel, and her estranged niece, Captain Monica Rambeau, now an astronaut for S.A.B.E.R.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I am deeply concerned about the unforeseen outcome of Marvel's reshoots and test screening reactions for The Marvels. The news that the film may not live up to fans' expectations, despite the effort put into reshoots, is disheartening. The low presale numbers and average reviews from recent test screenings indicate that the film might not be able to meet the high standards set by the MCU.

Furthermore, the divided attention of director Nia DaCosta, who took on another project while working on The Marvels, raises concerns about the film's quality. The absence of sufficient marketing due to the strike and the presence of toxic fan harassment have also contributed to the film's potential failure. I truly hope that Marvel Studios can address these issues and ensure that The Marvels delivers an enjoyable and satisfying experience for fans when it releases.