Marvel’sGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2was already expected to be a huge hit this summer, but we got even more proof of this notion earlier this week, when fans voted theGuardians 2 Super Bowl traileras the best movie commercial that aired during the big game. Today we have word that this superhero sequel accomplished a Marvel first, months before the movie even hits theaters. Insiders claim that, during a recent test screening, the sequel earned a rare and possibly unprecedented perfect score of 100. Marvel’s approach to the test screening process is a bit different from other studios', but it is still the first time a Marvel movie has ever scored 100.
While it isn’t clear when and where the test screening took place,The Hollywood Reporterreveals that most other studios recruit random people for their test screenings at grocery stores and supermarkets in Los Angeles, but Marvel holds what they call “friends and family screenings.” While the testing pool is said to be “larger than one might think,” it is also done this way to prevent any spoilers or footage from the screening from leaking.Marvelhas employed this process since the firstIron Manback in 2008.
Although this is definitely a positive outcome, studio executives and producers caution against putting too much stock into test screening scores, because they are often not entirely indicative of what makes a hit movie, and what doesn’t. One unidentified producer called test screenings, “a single tool” in a studio’s large toolbox, and there have often been critical and box office hits that suffered from low testing scores. The 1988 classicPretty Womanonly scored a 70 in its test screening, before earning $463 million worldwide, and the 2010 critically-acclaimed thrillerBlack Swanscored a 55 beforeNatalie Portmanwon an Oscar for that movie. Still, sinceMarvel Studiosconducts their test screenings in a much different way, their results can’t really be compared to other movies in the traditional test screening process.
Another possible indication of this sequel’s success is that it broke aMarvel trailer viewrecord when the first trailer was released in December, amassing 81 million views in the first 24 hours. The firstGuardians of the Galaxywas a massive hit to the tune of $773 million worldwide in 2014, although before its release, many insiders predicted that this movie, based on obscure Marvel comics characters, may just be Marvel Studios' first ever flop. Naturally, that didn’t happen, with fans around the world embracing these quirky cosmic characters. In just a few months, they’ll be returning to the theaters in droves to see this new adventure.
TheGuardians of the Galaxy 2cast is lead byChris PrattasStar-Lord,Dave Bautistaas Drax the Destroyer,Zoe Saldanaas Gamora,Bradley Cooperas Rocket Raccoon andVin Dieselas Groot. New cast members includeKurt Russellas Ego the Living Planet, Star-Lord’s father,Elizabeth Debickias Ayesha,Pom Klementieffas Mantis,Chris Sullivanas Taserface andTommy Flanaganas Tullk.Sylvester Stallonealso has a mysterious role inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, which hasn’t been revealed yet, but hopefully we’ll learn more about his role, and the story as a whole, between now and the May 5 release date.
