The Pre-Screening Playbook — Who Sees Marvel and DC Films Early and Why

Marvel and DC fans are next-level. Superfans aren’t just watching the movies for mere entertainment. They’re pointing out Easter eggs, debating timelines, and following the news for new information about what’s to come. And there are a select few who get to see these blockbuster films much earlier than others. Yet how does that happen, and why do studios have early screenings in the first place?

Pre-screenings have a distinct purpose, whether it’s to give journalists and critics a first look to shape initial reviews or to let studios revisit stories and scenes based on honest audience reactions and feedback. Every type of pre-screening is built around a specific goal and comes with rules and safeguards to keep spoilers under wraps.

Press Screenings

Press screenings are invitation-only events for bloggers, entertainment writers, journalists, and other similar critics to get a first look at the movie. Since these figures are responsible for all the initial hype and public opinion about the film, they need to get an accurate and complete view of it. Considering this set of people will be much more analytical than the fans (though there’s something to be said about superfans), they’ll be providing a professional and measured perspective. Their reviews have a massive impact on overall perception and marketing strategies, and set expectations for general audiences.

Charity and Special Event Screenings

In other situations, screenings are simply designed to celebrate and enjoy. Special event screenings are used as a way to give back to the community or spotlight a cause. As Marvel and DC have ample reach and power, pre-screenings are great opportunities to build goodwill and raise funds. These events draw a mix of fans, VIP guests, influencers, and those affiliated with any partnered charity. Rather than the purpose being about reviewing and dissecting the film, attendees are often simply there to enjoy and post about their experience (without the spoilers, of course).

Since there’s such a broad range of attendees, safeguards are often much tighter. Staff keep a close eye to make sure no one is recording anything, and security frequently checks bags or even takes away devices to protect the surprises for the Marvel and DC public premieres.

Fan Events and Premiere Previews

While fans can attend charity event screenings, fan events are made for die-hards to celebrate. Marvel and DC have intense communities that thrive on being the first to see and share things, and they often show up to these events in full costume and want to experience the movie alongside other like-minded people. Attendees will get the chance to see special previews, enroll in fan lotteries for front-row seats, and even hear special guests talk. Right when the credits roll, these fans often express their thoughts on social media and debate with other early watchers.

With this type of pre-screening, superfans get to feel recognized, almost like they’re serving as ambassadors for the franchise.

Test Screenings and Focus Groups

Some screenings are important for the pre-release of the movie. In other words, it’s a way to fine-tune the movie itself based on audience feedback. These test screenings feature focus groups, where studios invite certain audiences to watch an unfinished or nearly finished version of the film. In these showings, attendees work to gather feedback on certain aspects of the movie, such as character arcs, story clarity, pacing, emotional impact, and even music and sound.

Especially for DC and Marvel, their enormous and detailed universes and interconnected storylines (looking at you, MCU) often need many sets of eyes to catch inconsistencies and ensure all viewers can follow along. After watching the screening, people might either join a moderated group discussion or fill out a bunch of surveys.

Safeguards Against Plot Leaks

These studios take plot security and general spoiler security extremely seriously. They understand that with every person involved in a pre-screening there are risks of movie information being leaked, from something as insignificant as a blurry photo to speculate over to something as critical as a major plot detail. For example, during the public test screening for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, someone leaked details about the post-credits scene online, ruining the surprise for everyone else.

While these unfortunate happenings are occasionally unavoidable, many measures are taken to prevent spoilers from spreading before the official release. Other than hopeful and expressed fan cooperation, non-disclosure agreements get attendees to legally agree not to share plot details, embargoes specify the date by which posts are allowed, and physical and digital monitoring through staff and coded film copies are common, too. When someone attempts to film and post bits and pieces online, leaks can be traced back to the source thanks to these technological safeguards.

What to Do When You Attend a Screening

Although screenings are highly coveted, being invited isn’t commonplace. As a cautionary note for anyone hunting these early-access shows, dodgy offers, just like those too-good-to-be-true deals on FB Marketplace or $200 no deposit 200 free spins promotions for online casinos, are everywhere. The reality is that legitimate early access only comes through verified contests or official invitations. Anything else is likely a scam with malicious intentions.

If you are lucky to get an invite, however, follow the rules. Respect embargoes and NDAs, keep your phone in your bag, and share your excitement responsibly—physically or virtually. The more attendees like you keep the experience spoiler-free, the more often these pre-screenings can occur and get the public more excited for future Marvel and DC releases.