Avengers: Doomsday Test Screening Reactions Compare It to Infinity War — Is This the MCU's Comeback?

Marvel Studios held a private test screening for Avengers: Doomsday in early April, and the reactions leaking out of that room are nothing short of extraordinary. According to multiple industry insiders, the film tested at approximately the same level as Avengers: Infinity War — a benchmark that should make every Marvel fan sit up and take notice.

"The Russo Brothers' Best Marvel Movie Yet"

That is the phrase being repeated by several attendees who were fortunate enough to see an early cut of the film. Film journalist Robert Meyer Burnett went on record saying he had heard the screening "went Infinity War well," which is remarkable praise considering that Infinity War remains one of the highest-rated and most commercially successful superhero films ever made.

Marvel representatives in attendance were reportedly "very pleased" with the audience feedback. While test screenings are not always predictive of final quality — studios frequently make significant changes based on audience reactions — the overwhelmingly positive response suggests that the core story, performances, and spectacle are landing exactly as intended.

Why the MCU Desperately Needs This Win

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been in a difficult stretch. Films like Thunderbolts* and Captain America: Brave New World underperformed at the box office, ranking among the lowest-grossing MCU entries. The proliferation of Disney+ shows has arguably diluted the brand, making it difficult for casual viewers to follow the overarching narrative without watching dozens of hours of television content.*

Phase 6 of the MCU represents a deliberate course correction. Marvel has scaled back to fewer than a dozen total projects — just four feature films and six television series. Quality over quantity is the new mandate, and if the test screening reactions are any indication, Doomsday may be the film that proves the strategy is working.

The Road to December

With the CinemaCon trailer reveal generating massive buzz and test screening reactions comparing the film to the best of the MCU, Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be the most anticipated film of 2026. The December 18 release date puts it squarely in the holiday blockbuster window.

Collector's Corner

When Infinity War released in 2018, Marvel trading card values saw a significant spike across the board. If Doomsday delivers on the promise of these test screening reactions, we could see a similar market-wide lift. Now is the time to be building your collection.

For tracking which cards are moving and at what prices, Beckett remains the gold standard for price guides and population reports. Their Marvel card database is comprehensive and regularly updated, making it an essential tool for any serious collector.

Hot Cards to Watch: Any Avengers team-up cards from Topps Marvel Chrome or Marvel Mint, Infinity War-era inserts, and Doctor Doom first appearance cards that could see a major premium once the trailer drops publicly.