Deadpool 2 has passed various viewing tests over the past few weeks. Rumors claimed that the film was less successful than the first installment. The score of 98% obtained during the last test screening belies this announced flop.
Fans are reassured. Deadpool 2 had passed two test screenings, where the film received scores of 91 and 97%. Results in themselves respectable. But the test audience had judged the film too long. Journalist Jeremy Conrad said that tests carried out so early before theatrical release inevitably mean that there are many problems to be solved. The first tests were carried out eight weeks before the official broadcast. The last screening was in Dallas, Texas. Two excerpts were broadcast simultaneously. They scored 94% and 98%. Viewers who saw the highest-rated clip described an atmosphere as "electric, similar to the feeling you get watching the Super Bowl."
A success to put into perspective
For these test screenings, the studios recruit an audience and broadcast an excerpt from the film. The viewers must then decide whether the scene they saw was excellent, very good, good, fair or bad. This was followed by a discussion between the studios and the audience about the film. The final score is an average of all viewers' opinions. The highest rating received by the first Deadpool movie was 91%. Wade Wilson's story had generated $783 million in gross revenue worldwide. 20th Century Fox studios are therefore rather confident about their investments in the hero played by Ryan Reynolds. However, this initial success remains to be put into perspective. The pop-culture news site Looper recalls that Guardians of the Galaxy 2 had obtained the rare score of 100% in the test screenings. However, the majority of viewers agree to find the film less successful than the original.
It will be necessary to wait for the theatrical release on May 18 to know if the good scores are deserved.
The trailer of Deadpool 2
