Six Hundred and Forty-Nine-Someone Wants to Tinker with Black Catwoman!

In early May, the weather in Los Angeles has begun to turn like a furnace. As another summer season is approaching, the excitement about the Oscars has gradually faded away. The media and public are talking about expectations for major summer projects.

"The Flash", which has attracted much attention at the beginning of the summer season, and "Godzilla", which was released on the same weekend. Warner Bros. just released its first trailer, which immediately caused countless topics, and "Saving Private Ryan" and the second Tenth Century Fox spent a lot of money to invite Wayne to produce "X-Men" and so on.

However, for viewers who are looking forward to a movie-watching feast, these films are still far away, at least they cannot be seen in the near future. Recently, what has attracted more discussion topics and media attention is the large-investment science fiction film "Collision" produced and distributed by Paramount Pictures.

This science fiction movie will begin to land in mainstream commercial theaters in North America on a large scale on the 5th and 9th. Trailers on TVs, billboards everywhere on the streets, and movie posters appearing overnight in movie theaters and video stores are constantly reminding everyone that the extremely hot summer season is about to start with this science fiction masterpiece.

"Paramount Pictures, maybe this time it will really come true."

A large conference room in the Fox Building in Beverly Century City has been transformed into a small movie screening room. David Denbigh, a special film critic from The New Yorker, was watching the movie that was coming to an end while chatting quietly with Kenneth Turan next to him.

Although the topic the two talked about had nothing to do with the "X-Men" on the University of Malaya screen, their eyes frequently looked to the front row of the conference room. There were not only several Fox executives there, but also several crew chiefs of "X-Men" and the film's producer and screenwriter, Wayne Greenberg.

"Hard to say."

Seeing that the movie had come to an end, Kenneth Turan let out a long breath, closed the notebook on his lap, turned to look at David Denbigh next to him, and spoke in a voice that only two people could hear clearly. Said: "David, from the day I met Wayne, he has been exceeding everyone's expectations. Who knows whether Paramount Pictures will suffer a big failure this time?"

The film critic from "The New Yorker" shook his head slightly, knowing that the other person was a fan of Wayne's movies, so he did not continue the topic. There is no point in arguing about this now. After a period of time, everything will naturally come to a conclusion.

Things are very clear to insiders like them. First, there is a "Godzilla" that wants to imitate "Jurassic Park 2" and take advantage of the beginning of the summer season. In fact, the outside world was not optimistic about Sony Columbia's plan at first. "Godzilla" is not the previous "Jurassic Park" that was a global hit, and Roland Emmerich is not Steven Spielberg.

But it has to be said that Sony Columbia announced the release date early, which took a lot of advantage in publicity. There is no doubt about the popularity of "The Flash", so Sony Columbia can feel at ease. After all, what they are doing is recent. No one has dared to do it for several years.

Even the previous year, Universal Pictures, when arranging the release plan of "Jurassic Park 2", slightly avoided the edge of "The Dark Knight" and chose to release it the following weekend.

But as the so-called "gossip" in the industry spread, and the final film of "The Flash" continued to be debated, Sony Columbia's behavior began to be generally favored by people in the industry. Many people even felt that the CEO who came from a book was decisive. Betting definitely has a good chance of winning.

If this situation makes many people in the industry wait for a good show and look forward to Wayne's first real Waterloo, then Paramount Pictures' next behavior will undoubtedly verify most people's guesses. There should be some real problems with the movie "Xia Xia".

"Collision" is scheduled to be released on May 9th. This is a schedule that big companies are avoiding, and it is also a schedule that small and medium-sized productions will choose, because as long as there are only two weeks left, they have to face the darkness of the summer season. King of.

Every company that invests tens of millions or hundreds of millions of dollars hopes to make a lot of money during this period. With only two weeks of screening time, no matter how great the early box office explosion is, once it faces the summer King of Darkness, it means leaving. At the end of the day, Paramount Pictures did just that.

"There is a wolf in front and a tiger behind, Wayne."

Sitting in the middle of the first row at this time, Townsend-Rossman didn't even watch "X-Men". He turned his head and talked about this topic in a low voice. "Son, based on the experience of someone who has been through this, I have to remind you."

"What?"

Wayne's expression didn't change at all, and his voice was still filled with strong confidence.

"Let me remind you, based on my experience, there is at least some tacit understanding between Paramount and Sony Columbia, at least." The CEO of Twentieth Century Fox said straightforwardly without being verbose: "So , what you are going to face, or what Warner Bros. is going to face, is probably a tacit alliance between the two giants."

Similar things can be said to be common among the six major universities. Townsend-Rosman has seen it countless times over the years.

The thing is like this, if you are strong today, I will work with someone else to fuck you. If tomorrow I find that this is not in my interest, then I can also turn around and join forces with you to fuck my partner from yesterday.

Undoubtedly, "The Flash" released by Warner Bros. is the obvious target for Paramount and Sony Columbia to join forces, and it is also the strongest of the three.

"Then let's come together." Shrugging, Wayne slowly raised the corners of his mouth, and there was a deep sarcasm hidden in his sunny smile. "Townsend, I have never been afraid of competition, and I have never backed down from competition, let alone failed."

As soon as he finished speaking, scrolling subtitles began to appear on the big screen, and scattered applause slowly became enthusiastic. The two of them did not continue talking, but followed the applause and clapped their palms together.

The staff of 20th Century Fox quickly opened the curtains, and the bursting sunlight outside the window poured into the conference room, dispersing the darkness that had lasted for more than a hundred minutes.

The media representatives invited by 20th Century Fox, film viewing experts from theater companies, and well-known film critics each said their best wishes and then left the conference room in an orderly manner under the leadership of the staff. They turned to On another battlefield, there was a high-end cocktail party waiting for these people at the hotel booked by Twentieth Century Fox.

"Townsend, in mid-August, the National Artist Theater Chain will free up enough theaters and screens for "X-Men."

An executive from the National Artists Cinema Chain Company muttered a few words with film experts and exchanged opinions before taking the lead. While shaking hands with Townsend Roseman, he made the pledge. "I really didn't expect this film to be so good."

As he spoke, he turned his head, looked at Wayne aside, stretched out his hand again politely, and continued: "As expected of you who personally produced and wrote the screenplay, Wayne, you used this film to tell the entire Hollywood that even if you adapt comic book superheroes Even though it’s not from DC, it can still be captured in an attractive way!”

"Thanks, Tommy."

Wayne nodded, accepting the other person's compliments without any politeness.

Tommy Coburn, the director of film selection from American Artists Cinemas, did not follow the staff after saying a few words like the others. He stood there without moving, paused for a moment, and looked at the young man in front of him. With a tough face, he continued:

"Wayne, National Artists Cinemas has always given your projects the highest screening treatment, whether it is the number of theaters, the number of screens, or the number of times the film is scheduled in theaters. This has been the case before, and it will not be the case in the future. Change."

"Thank you very much, Tommy."

Although he didn't know what the other party wanted to express, Wayne thanked him again. He knew better than anyone that what the other party said was not the point. His projects have always been top-notch in the theater alliance led by the three major theater companies. The treatment is not because they like themselves or their works, but just because those movies can make them money.

Being able to make money and being able to continue to make money is the reason why he receives top-level treatment, so he is very clear-headed and has never been swayed by inflated emotions just because of a few kind words from the other party. As long as his works can continue to make money, he has no fear of losing this treatment.

Sure enough, he didn't have to wait too long before Tommy Coburn revealed his purpose. "Wayne, I'm just curious personally, and I don't represent the National Artists Theater Alliance. Are you really not going to hold a media preview of "The Flash"? You know, media previews like today are very helpful. For the promotion of the film..."

"no."

Shaking his head with a smile, Wayne said: "Until May 19, "The Flash" will not hold any kind of preview screening. This is a decision that Warner Bros. and I made together."

It's already the beginning of May. So far, "The Flash" has still not held a public preview, and there are no relevant plans. This is what makes the media, large and small, in the industry gradually begin to be less optimistic about this film. main reason.

All the news about "The Flash" leaked out after Warner Bros.'s internal test screenings. It's intriguing that these scraps of news are very detrimental to the film.

The reason why Warner Bros. did this is obviously to cover up something. This is the view of most people. Otherwise, Warner Bros. would not be aware of the benefits of holding several media previews for the promotion of the film.

There is only one reason. Warner Bros. does not want the content of the film to be exposed prematurely, so as not to affect the subsequent release. This is the only reason that can be explained.

But everything is based on speculation. It’s no wonder people think this way. As long as the quality of the film is up to standard, capital like Warner Bros. will never let go of the opportunity to promote it. You must know that on the eve of the film’s release, various media outlets, film critic columns and other positions are important positions for publicity. No studio is willing to give up.

"Don't tell me, you did this on purpose?"

After everyone in the conference room left one after another, Townsend Roseman glanced at Halle Berry, who was holding Wayne's arm tightly, and shook his head slightly. He asked directly without paying much attention to the African-American beauty. "No reason, Wayne. Compared with the sense of mystery it arouses, it's totally worth the loss."

"Well, you might as well pay more attention to "X-Men"."

Without nodding or shaking his head, Wayne just smiled, raised his hand, and patted the other person's arm gently.

Seeing his performance, Townsend-Rosman couldn't continue to ask questions, so he simply brought the topic back to today's preview of "X-Men". "Those film critics and Fox have already done their "public relations". As soon as August enters and the intensive publicity plan begins, they will follow suit. You have to arrange your time in advance, Wayne, for the entire August... ..."

"OK, I have arranged my work plan in advance."

In fact, this is the theme of "X-Men", because almost all the focus of the film's early publicity was on Wayne, and the publicity would also revolve around him.

"X-Men" will be released in the United States in mid-August, and the promotion must be carried out one step in advance. At that time, he will basically participate in all activities, and then he will lead the entire crew on a road show across the United States for the film. If the film's box office results are satisfactory, there will be more Conduct overseas road shows.

This determines that he is destined to be busy from beginning to end this summer. If he wants to have some free time, he will have to wait until around September at least. But by then, Wayne will basically start the production of his next project.

"Are you going to show up at the reception?"

Seeing that everyone had already gone to the hotel, Townsend-Rosman nodded to his secretary, turned to look at Wayne and asked.

"Forget it, I don't want to be mobbed by those film critics and media representatives."

Shaking his head slightly, Wayne shrugged. "Go ahead and do your work. If you have any questions, you can call me directly."

After finishing speaking, he adjusted the buttons of his suit jacket and walked out of the conference room door with the black pearls beside him.

Looking at his back, Townsend-Rosman also shrugged without being too pushy. He knows the other person's character well. If not necessary, a hot woman around him is definitely more attractive than facing those annoying media.

Especially at this time, 20th Century Fox is even less likely to offend the other party over trivial matters. After "The Dark Knight" was completely canceled, many companies, after rigorous analysis, suspected that the DC series already has a tens of billions of market in the world. This is definitely good news for 20th Century Fox, second only to Warner Bros. .

Now the entire company is hoping that "X-Men" can live up to expectations. They don't expect to reach the level of the DC series, but the profitability represented by superheroes, even if it cannot reach the level of the DC series, will never be lower than that of the DC series. Revenue generated by successful animated features.

In fact, in Townsend-Rosman's eyes, he is more inclined to hope that Wayne will fail in this joint venture between Paramount and Sony Columbia.

Regardless of whether "The Flash" is unusually not holding a test screening this time, is it Warner Bros. and Wayne's pretense of mystery, or something else, he knows that once the "Flash" project fails, it will affect absolutely every aspect. It will not only affect the follow-up plans of the DC series, but also very likely affect the inseparable relationship between Wayne and Warner Brothers.

Continuous success can cover up all problems. This has been an iron rule since ancient times. Once failures begin to occur, can Warner Bros. executives and shareholders still tolerate the DC series with a market scale of tens of billions being controlled by this young man?

Townsend-Rosman understands the virtues of capital too well. When the time comes, someone will definitely jump out and find a way to cause trouble and kick Wayne away. You know, now that DC is on the right track, there must be more people who don't want to have someone who takes away a lot of profits from every movie.

By that time, even if most people at Warner Bros. still believe in Wayne, it will be difficult to make up for the cracks once they occur, and this is what he has always been looking forward to.

To put it bluntly, 20th Century Fox is willing to share a large amount of profits, but as long as there is no rift between Warner Bros. and Wayne, they will have no chance to give away these profits. No one wants to see a Big Mac appear in Hollywood, and from the perspective of 20th Century Fox, Townsend-Rothman certainly doesn't want to either.

"Would you like to go see me?"

The Rolls-Royce Phantom drove out of Century City smoothly. Halle Berry, who was sitting in the car, rolled his eyes, glanced at the silent assistant lady covertly, turned to the man next to him and said, "I I bought a new house and the scenery there is very nice.”

"Ha, where is it?"

After hearing the woman's suggestion, Wayne took a closer look at Black Pearl's hot figure, licked his lips, and asked with interest.

"Paliside."

"Bang, bang." The man's reaction was very real. He raised his hand and knocked twice on the fender separated from the driver's seat. After seeing the huge back of the Russian Xiong's head, he whispered an order. "Sergey, go to the Palisade."

The car that was driving toward the manor turned around at the next intersection, turned around, and started to drive away from Beverly Hills and straight to Palisade, a traditional wealthy area in Los Angeles.

Bidige

After years of accumulation, Halle Berry has finally fulfilled one of his inner wishes, which is to own a mansion in a wealthy area of ​​Los Angeles. Palisades is located in the traditional affluent area of ​​​​West Los Angeles. It is a unique Feng Shui location. It is backed by the Santa Monica Valley and faces the Pacific Ocean. Various high-end residences are hidden in the mountains.

Halle Berry's newly bought three-story villa is not a top-notch mansion in this area, but the location is quite good. As she said, the scenery is very pleasant.

"I sold the house in Beverly and spent all my savings to put the down payment on this house."

On the third-floor balcony of the villa located halfway up the mountain, Wayne was wearing a bathrobe, took the red wine from the woman, leaned on the chair and looked at the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Hearing the woman's words, he looked away in surprise, and said half seriously and half jokingly: "You don't have to be like this. If you want, you can go and talk to Nina and she will help you pay off the remaining loan."

There is no shortage of money in the hands of men, especially at this time. Basically every woman around him knows that the news that Warner Bros. paid him a sky-high amount of cash is still being hyped by entertainment newspapers. They know better that as long as the demands are not too excessive, this man has always been very generous to women.

Halle Berry took a deep look at the man in front of him, bit his lip and shook his head. "Dear, the total price of this house is 16.5 million US dollars. As long as my career goes smoothly, I can afford this house by myself."

Nodding silently, Wayne stopped mentioning the matter. No one knew whether the suggestion he just made was sincere, but it was obviously very useful for women.

He lowered his head and glanced at the woman who was squatting on the ground and began to work hard to please his woman. The corners of his mouth slowly began to turn up. He simply held the balcony railing with one hand and held red wine in the other. He squinted his eyes and began to appreciate the scenery below the mountain.

"You have a good eye."

"Well, of course..." There was an inarticulate mumble coming from below.

Just as Wayne said, he was sincere in praising this woman for her good sense in choosing a house. Halle Berry's villa is located on a high point on the winding coastline, surrounded by green trees. Although this place is only halfway up the mountain, it is located at the end of the road, ensuring absolute privacy to a certain extent.

If you include the garden, swimming pool, and lawn behind the villa, the entire house covers an area of ​​approximately more than 1,000 square meters. After a rough observation, he found that the house had at least 6 or 7 bedrooms and more than 8 bathrooms. What was rare was that there was a large wine cellar underground and a home theater that could accommodate about 10 people.

Los Angeles has always been a top metropolis, and the price of such housing has naturally not been low. Like where they are now, even if the price is far higher than the market average, they never have to worry about not taking over the next home. In Wayne It seems that this is definitely a quality investment option.

"The phone rang, for the third time."

The woman was obviously anxious and staggered when she stood up. "My dear, there must be something urgent, otherwise I wouldn't have called three times in a row."

"Go ahead and answer the phone."

Wayne was holding the wine glass and saw that the woman was so anxious that her throat was obviously swallowing. He leaned directly on the chair behind him and waved. But the news he got next cast a layer of dust on him, who was in a very happy mood just now.

"You mean it was Jimmy who called?"

"Yes." Halle Berry carefully observed the man's face and nodded like a frightened rabbit.

"You're saying that Jimmy, as your agent, was invited by an executive from the Warner Bros. Film and Television Production Department to invite you to play Catwoman in the DC series?"

"Is such that."

Seeing the man's brows start to frown, Black Pearl was obviously a little panicked. Of course she knew what this meant, and she immediately stammered an explanation. "You have to believe me, honey, I don't know why you invited me, I don't know why all this happened, listen to me, Honey..."

As we all know, the DC movie universe was completely planned, implemented and controlled by this man. But now, without his knowledge, someone wants to film the Catwoman in the series, and the person invited is a person who has always been with him. There are scandals about female celebrities, which is intriguing.

Now, any character in the DC series, not only Halle Berry, but also all the actors in Hollywood can refuse, but she is very clear about the meaning behind this matter. If it doesn't go well, it will be internal strife among Warner Bros. executives. The product of someone wanting to shake up Wayne's influence on the series.

Therefore, when she received the call, she felt only fear and no surprise at being invited to play the leading role.

"Boss, can I come in?"

At this moment, Nina's voice suddenly sounded outside the bedroom door on the third floor. "Jimmy called you several times in a row. There must be something important..."