Fox held a fan event in New York City and Los Angeles on Monday night promising “first-look footage” of Deadpool. Usually that would mean a short clip or montage, an actor Q&A, and everybody getting some promo swag emblazoned with the movie’s title or tagline. But Deadpool‘s promotional team has been true to the chaos of Deadpool, with 12 days of Deadpool, Valentine’s-themed pranks, unique billboards and whatnot.
That “first-look footage” turned out to be a screening of the entire movie, albeit an unfinished version, reports Comic Book. Fans in New York City also got to see Ryan Reynolds introduce the screening. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, fans got to see Stan Lee, T.J. Miller (Weasel), Brianna Hildebrand (Negasonic Teenage Warhead), Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld, and Deadpool screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. We kind of wish it had been a Q&A so we could have heard what they think about China banning the film.
The surprise screening was a ballsy move, but Fox seemed assured the word of mouth would be positive while building up to the film’s release on February 12. So far, it appears to have paid off. People willing to go out of their way to see a little bit of footage have, perhaps not surprisingly, been raving about the movie on Twitter since the screening last night. We’ve collected some of their reactions below.
Nothing like a surprise afternoon delight. @VancityReynolds & crew surprised fans w/ a #Deadpool screening tonight pic.twitter.com/b8IqEDlKPI
— Deadpool Movie (@deadpoolmovie) January 19, 2016
Just saw early screening of Deadpool. The movie is fucking amazing. Everything I was hoping for from the Merc with a Mouth! #deadpool
— Dusty Judgey Bunny (@dustibunny) January 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/LucasSiegel/status/689265757256044544
This #deadpool fan's happy. Really fun movie. Overall plot's standard, but consistently strong comedy, fan service & action overshadow that.
— Gregg Katzman (@GreggKatzman) January 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/keaton/status/689261774164525058
#Deadpool is so freaking drop dead awesomeness. Why did I use those words together well cause I just died #Vsauce pic.twitter.com/mcSxjVS0Ko
— Eddy 🌐 (@ItsEddynotEddie) January 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/ErickGSinatra/status/689271775327207424
And like all marvel movies, make sure you wait for the tag at the end of the credits! Self aware and referential, perfect Deadpool.
— Dusty Judgey Bunny (@dustibunny) January 19, 2016
LITERALLY BEST MARVEL MOVIE. I was lowkey hella doubtful but by far best executed movie i've seen in a long time.
— Katya (@CatGirlCrusader) January 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/Nadeshot/status/689265910016643072
https://twitter.com/rebeccaklund/status/689336906933514240
https://twitter.com/Matadoration/status/689332806288322560
.@kevleeb, that's a gun, AND I'm happy to see you. Great surprise screening of #deadpool tonight! Thanks @tweetsauce pic.twitter.com/9BsPZ0BZSH
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) January 19, 2016
(Via Comic Book and CBM)