Six Hundred and Ninety-Nine-Making Trouble

"Hollywood has no shortage of directors who rely on luck to succeed, and there is no shortage of directors who succeed in their first films and then fail to recover. Obviously, the success of "Happy Death Day" was regarded as an accident by 20th Century Fox. Century Fox is not willing to trust a young man who has just graduated, and certainly is not willing to continue investing in this newcomer.

After a lapse of seven years, this master of Hollywood's dark films in the 1990s chose to join hands with 20th Century Fox again after becoming famous, reviving the regrettable "sweet date" of the year. Thus, the project "X-Men" was born this summer.

In recent years, the name Wayne Greenberg has been closely associated with superheroes in the eyes of movie fans. The special appearance of this "X-Men" itself has brought a ray of surprise and surprise to the summer movie fans who love superhero movies.

"X-Men" officially landed in North America last Thursday night, and it grossed US$7.53 million at the box office that night. The film performed very well. This result already illustrates the enthusiasm of movie fans for the film. The film was officially released on a large scale in North America on Friday morning, with a box office of US$21.55 million that day.

According to the statistical rules of the North American theater market, early ticket sales are included in the first-day results, making the first-day box office of "X-Men" close to 30 million U.S. dollars, up to 29.68 million U.S. dollars, easily winning the North American box office championship that day. .

It is worth mentioning that "X-Men" opened in 2,818 theaters, and the film achieved a box office of over 10,000 in a single theater. As the first day of the film's release passed, on Saturday, the film's single-day box office revenue once again reported US$25.5 million, indicating a very strong market performance.

Due to the reasons immediately brought about by the working day, the box office on Sunday inevitably declined, with a total of 18.65 million US dollars reported that day. Within three days of its release, "X-Men" had already grossed US$73.83 million at the North American box office. It almost crushed the entire theater market and easily won the box office championship last weekend.

The opening results of "X-Men" far exceeded the expectations of the producer 20th Century Fox. According to 20th Century Fox CEO Townsend Rothman, in an interview on Saturday, they said that they are not optimistic about "X-Men". "Police"'s first-week box office is expected to be around US$50 million.

The film's opening weekend box office exceeded expectations, and the film's reputation is also quite good. The latest data released by 20th Century Fox shows that the average fan score is B+. With the good word-of-mouth effect from fans, the film's subsequent box office is likely to chart a very strong trend.

For a film that is destined to be the beginning of a series, "X-Men" is undoubtedly qualified. Last weekend, the strong performance of "X-Men" drove the North American theater market to rise strongly. The total box office of the North American market reached 141 million U.S. dollars. This is the only second time since the beginning of this summer's summer season that "The Flash" was released during the weekend. The second highest market revenue.

The strong performance of "X-Men" exceeded expectations, once again proving Wayne Greenberg's ability in the superhero series. After 7 years, 20th Century Fox's date with him has been sweet from the beginning. ..."

"X-Men"-related box office information, on-stage and behind-the-scenes stories, and some interviews with fans took up an entire page of "Hollywood Reporter."

However, starting early Monday morning, information related to "X-Men" appeared in all mainstream media. The "Los Angeles Times" also gave a very eye-catching headline on its own entertainment front page:

"'X-Men' won the North American weekend box office championship. Wayne Greenberg once again led Marvel to success after DC superheroes!"

The professional film magazine "Premiere" wrote in a morning special issue: "Wayne Greenberg is still seeking breakthroughs, "X-Men", a superhero with a completely different style from DC!

Wayne Greenberg's works have a strong personal style, but while continuing to achieve success, he is still improving himself. The first DC movie "Joker" he directed in 1993 can be said to be a monument that cannot be surpassed in Hollywood movies. In this movie, his perfect and unique style began to mature, and it was also an 18-year-old movie. Banned R-rated film.

Later in "Batman Begins" and "Batman: The Dark Knight", he began to restrain himself more and more, and his control over the scale of the film was textbook. Therefore, DC movies with a strong dark and depressive style began to gradually reach the public.

When "The Flash" met with all audiences this year, it aroused countless controversies. Wayne Greenberg is still seeking breakthroughs. This time he completely abandoned the personal style for which he is famous, and shot the film as if A gorgeous audio-visual feast. The box office results also prove that his breakthroughs and changes have further won DC more die-hard fans.

This "X-Men" is completely different from the superheroes he has produced before. Wayne Greenberg wrote and produced it himself, but rarely handed over the direction to Bryan Singer, and completely Did not interfere with the crew's creation.

The result is that the "X-Men" that appears in people's eyes is completely different from the superheroes he has made before, but it is also very good-looking. Wayne Greenberg is still trying more possibilities, which is extremely happy for movie fans..."

In Burbank, the media capital of Los Angeles, a black Cadillac sedan parked below the Warner Bros. Building. Jim Lee, the new CEO of DC Comics, was sitting in the back seat of the car, flipping through major mainstream entertainment newspapers one by one.

The eye-catching headlines in the newspaper were turned over one by one, and his brows slowly wrinkled. Even though the car had arrived at its destination, the new head of DC Comics did not notice it.

Jim Lee rolled up the newspapers in his hands, all the information about Wayne flashed in his mind, and he slowly fell into a daze while sitting in the car. After a long time, he took a helpless breath and cooed softly.

"How much did 20th Century Fox invest in the promotion of "X-Men"? All mainstream media have relevant information, and the momentum has been so huge..."

"Over $50 million!"

Unexpectedly, the secretary who had been sitting in the passenger seat immediately gave an answer after hearing his soft beeping.

This sentence also made Jim Lee wake up from his daze. He looked at his secretary in surprise. "Sandy, how did you know?"

The secretary sitting in the front row turned around. "I have a classmate who works at 20th Century Fox. According to him, 20th Century Fox has spent more than 50 million U.S. dollars on the promotion and distribution of "X-Men." This part of the cost does not include Fox Cable networks, Fox-owned local television stations, and Fox-owned entertainment newspapers."

Jim Lee nodded thoughtfully, and he roughly understood. In other words, Twentieth Century Fox had spent US$50 million on other promotion channels. If based on Hollywood movies, The company's virtue, including the left-hand part of its media, is that they dare to claim to the outside world that they have invested 100 million in publicity.

"Twentieth Century Fox is really willing to..."

Shaking his head slightly, Jim Lee held a stack of rolled-up newspapers in his hand, opened the door and stepped out of the car, raised his head and looked at the Warner Bros. headquarters in front of him.

When the secretary got out of the car with his briefcase, he lowered his head to check his clothes, buttoned up his suit jacket, and took the lead to walk inside the building.

Five minutes later, Jim Lee knocked on the door of the CEO's office and sat silently between the two Warner Bros. executives. Obviously, both people in the office were waiting for him, especially CEO Jeff Robinov. After seeing the newspaper in his hand, he narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

"DC Comics did a survey."

After the CEO of DC Comics sat down, with a serious look on his face, he said directly: "The box office of "X-Men" in the first weekend exceeded 70 million US dollars, but at least half of the box office must be Wayne Greenberg. Contributed by fans of DC Super Heroes! Jeff, Bruce, you should know what I mean!"

Jeff Robinoff and Bruce Rosenblum looked at each other, and they almost frowned together.

"Twentieth Century Fox, through Wayne Greenberg, is sucking our blood and consuming our movie reputation! I suggest..."

"Hey, Jim, listen to me."

Seeing that the new DC CEO was still chattering, Bruce Rosenblum couldn't help but interrupt him and said seriously: "We all know that this kind of situation is inevitable. Could it be that who can restrict Wei? Is Eun's job free? Who's going to do it? You? Me? Jeff? Or the board of directors?"

"Well......"

Faced with the rhetorical question from Warner Bros.'s distribution executive, Jim Lee was stunned for a moment.

Yes, this has been the case in Hollywood since ancient times. 20th Century Fox went to great lengths to promote and use Wayne's name as the focus of the movie's marketing. It just wanted to attract fans of Wayne and DC movies in a short period of time. .

In a way, 20th Century Fox didn't go too far. They spent a lot of money to invite Wayne, wasn't it just for the box office results of "X-Men"?

Everyone knows that if another superhero appears on the market at this time, and it is still a superhero produced by Greenberg, it will inevitably consume the reputation DC has accumulated over the years. Even in the eyes of most movie fans, Wayne's name is inseparable from the DC superheroes.

"X-Men" exceeded 70 million US dollars at the North American box office in its first week, at least half of which was summoned by Wayne. On the surface, it seems normal, but you can't think about it carefully. Because if you think about it more, you can figure out that this is 20th Century Fox, which is invisibly taking advantage of Warner Brothers.

What’s even more frustrating is that no one can restrict Wayne’s freedom of work, right? He can make DC movies, and of course he can make Marvel. No one can say anything about it from a legal or moral perspective. What's more, he did not direct it himself, but only existed as a producer of "X-Men".

"Jim, I suggest you put all your thoughts away."

Throwing a cigar casually, Jeff Robinov's expression was casual, but the warning in his words was quite obvious. "What DC Comics has to do is fully cooperate with Wayne's movie universe plan. I suggest you talk to your predecessor Diego Harris. As for other messy ideas, they are completely asking for trouble."

While talking, the CEO of Warner Bros. stretched out his hand and patted the various newspapers brought by the other party, making two muffled sounds of "bang" and "bang".

However, it is obvious that the new DC Comics CEO is quite different from his predecessor. Jim Lee shook his head slightly and did not continue to say anything. He just tilted his head and carefully lit the cigar with the spray gun.

"Jim, let's get down to business."

Seeing that the atmosphere in the office was dull, Bruce Rosenblum patiently said, "In about two to three weeks, Wayne will be out of the promotion of "X-Men". We'd better think ahead." , how are we going to talk to him about the beginning of Superman and the beginning of Wonder Woman?"

Warner Bros.’s top management, board of directors, and even the entire DC Comics company have the same expectation, which is to start the movie of these two super-popular characters at the same time this year in order to prepare for "Justice League" as soon as possible.

No one wants to delay it for another year. The popularity of the DC movie series is now hot enough, and the foundation laid by many previous movies is strong enough. Now they all hope to explode the accumulation of so many years through "Justice League" as soon as possible.

"Jeff, I heard that Warner Bros. Film and Television Production Department intends to create an unplanned new character, Catwoman?"

No one expected that Jim Lee would mention this matter after spitting out a large cloud of smoke. As soon as he said these words, Bruce Rosenblum's expression changed immediately.

"There is such a thing."

Facing the CEO of DC Comics, Jeff Robinoff did not hide anything. No one knew what he was thinking. He just said in a calm tone: "However, the plan submitted by the film and television production department is now subject to the review process. , there is little hope that it will be passed in a short time.”

"The Romance of Fairy Wood"

"Jeff, DC Comics can provide a certain level of support to the film and television production department."

Staring into Jeff Robinoff's eyes, Jim Lee's upper body slowly leaned into the sofa, without looking at Bruce Rosenblum, whose eyes were already burning.

"You should understand what I mean, Jeff. Within Warner Bros. and DC Comics, all rights should not be handed over to Wayne Greenberg. Maybe we can try to start another character series!"

"Jim, is this your personal opinion?" Before Jeff Robinoff could speak, Bruce Rosenblum's cold voice rang in advance. "Or is it the idea of ​​​​the entire DC Comics senior management?"

Turning his head, Jim Lee looked at the distribution director of Warner Bros., and found that the other person was looking at him with a half-smile, and he suddenly felt uncomfortable. At a certain moment, he felt like a frog being stared at by a cobra. This illusion made him feel annoyed in his heart.

"Is there a difference? Bruce."

"Of course, there is a huge difference." Bruce Rosenblum smiled uncharacteristically. In less than a minute, it seemed as if all the anger in his eyes had disappeared.

"Bruce, I am the executive president of DC Comics, and this is the board of directors..."

"No, no, no, maybe, not soon."

Bruce Rosenblum's expression was relaxed, and he even crossed his legs, raised a finger, and waved it back and forth between the two of them. "Who can say for sure, Jim."

Putting the cigar into the ashtray, Jim Lee completely ignored the flying sparks and tilted his head and asked: "Threatening me?"

The distribution director of Warner Bros. shrugged, spread his hands and joked, "Hey, hey, man, you are too sensitive. This is just a little joke on my part, just a little joke."

"That's not funny, Bruce."

Jim Lee curled his lips and stood up from the sofa without concealing his attitude. "Jeff, I think it's better to forget it for today. I'll go back to rest first and come over to talk to you tomorrow."

After saying that, he stopped looking at Bruce Rosenblum and walked out of the office. No one expected that just a simple small-scale meeting would break up unhappy in the end.

At least Jeff Robinoff and Bruce Rosenblum had never considered DC Comics’ attitude too much before. After so many years, DC Comics has basically been lusting after Warner Bros., and Warner Bros. executives from top to bottom have long been accustomed to it.

"Bruce, you're too anxious."

When only the two of them were left in the office, Jeff Robinoff shook his head slightly and said: "There is no need to conflict with him face to face like this. It can be seen that Jim is different from the previous CEOs. He I want to change the status of DC Comics."

"He can't change anything!" Bruce Rosenblum smiled, but his smile was full of sarcasm. "He underestimated Wayne's energy and overestimated the power of DC Comics CEO!"

Maybe Jim Lee wanted to change the status of DC Comics, or maybe he just wanted to change the situation where the entire DC series was controlled by one person, but no matter what his original intention was, he had already touched Bruce Rosenblum Tom’s red line.

To some extent, he and Wayne were tied in the same boat, just like Jeff Robinoff before him. It was only when the Warner Bros. CEO made plans to retire that things changed a little. .

Ding-dang-dang, there were several gentle knocks on the door, the door to the CEO's office was pushed open, and Jeff Robinov's secretary walked in.

"Boss, Jim Lee, the new executive president of DC Comics, left the office and went directly to the floor where the film and television production department is located."

"I understand, please go out first."

Jeff Robinov nodded expressionlessly. After the secretary left, the corners of his mouth slowly started to rise, as if he had heard a cold joke.

"Look, Jeff."

Bruce Rosenblum stood up, buttoned his shirt, and joked: "Well, our new CEO, Mr. President, seems to really want to make some achievements."

"I'll talk to him later." It's hard to tell what Jeff Robinov was thinking. He just kept a languid smile and muttered in a low voice.

After leaving the CEO's office, Bruce Rosenblum raised his head and took a special look at the film and television production department floor.

Everyone said that he was a cold and poisonous snake. Even though he was middle-aged, he still maintained the fierce methods of doing things when he was young. But Bruce Rosenblum himself knew best that the old Jewish guy sitting in the CEO's office, whom everyone regarded as calm and steady, was the real poisonous snake hiding in the darkness.

It may be difficult for the DC Comics CEO to get the results he wants. He knows that since Jeff Robinov wants to start his retirement life with dignity after this term, he will never want anyone to cause trouble before he retires...