Heads Up Hollywood

In the previous life, the superhero market in Hollywood was very chaotic. There were "Marvel Universe", "DC Universe", "Spider-Man Universe", "X-Men Universe" and so on.

Among them, the "Marvel Universe" featuring the Avengers and the "DC Universe" featuring the Justice League are the most popular. One takes a humorous and relaxed route, and the other takes a dark, deep and tragic route.

In contrast, "Spider-Man Universe" and "X-Men Universe" are just money-absorbing weapons, and have not formed enough brand appeal.

Now, the copyright of "Spider-Man" is firmly in the hands of Tang En, Sony's "Spider-Man Universe" can't make trouble, and taking advantage of the foresight, Tang En doesn't mind consolidating the witty and funny "Avengers" Basically, grab a piece of "Justice League" deep and tragic territory.

Take on the Avengers hero mode with Spider-Man!

Take on dark age anti-hero mode with Daredevil!

Of course, this is not Dun En's whimsy. There are more than 5,000 superheroes under Marvel, and there are many tragic anti-heroes, such as Ghost Rider, Wolverine, and Night Werewolf...

Today's exchange seminar is to establish the future strategic direction of Marvel Pictures, which will be Twain's biggest gold-absorbing ace industry in the film market.

Veteran filmmaker Bill McNick pondered for a long time, and slowly said: "I think this idea is okay. Walk on two legs, one light, one dark, and adjust the movie's release date to reconcile the audience's viewing tastes. It’s like a big table meal, the more flavors, the richer the variety, the more popular it is.”

Tang En laughed and said: "In fact, there are more than two legs. Apart from light and darkness, is there no middle ground? This is a bigger open space, such as the shitty 'Deadpool' and the demonized halo of 'Doctor Strange' , you can travel between the two factions.”

Joe Quesada said thoughtfully: "Doctor Strange...Marvel's comics have had a wide range of discussions on the magical world. If this window can be opened, the market will be even bigger."

Nina Jacobson immediately vetoed it, "In a short period of time, it is not appropriate to expand the scope too much."

Kevin Feige said with a smile: "Maybe we create two alliance forces, one is the positive and sunny 'Avengers Alliance', and the other is the dark and cold 'Midnight Sons Alliance'."

Joe Quesada explained: "The Midnight Sons Alliance...mainly includes Blade Warrior, Doctor Strange, Ghost Rider, Night Werewolf, Mobius and humanoids. They use supernatural powers to defend the darkness of the earth, because there are Where there is sunshine, there are shadows."

Although Andrew O'Hare doesn't know much about comics, he has seen "Blade Warrior" produced by New Line Pictures, and said in a deep voice: "Darkness does not mean killing! We are talking about movies, and we must promote correct values! Plot It can be deep, even cruel, such as "Saving Private Ryan", but the value output must be positive."

Bill McNick echoed: "Large-scale killings may gain momentary attention and become the focus, but they are not suitable for series works, which will have a great negative impact on Marvel."

This is true.

In the previous life, the dark, deep, depressing and suffocating "Batman: The Dark Knight" has a global box office of more than 1 billion, because the value is admirable.

And the same dark, but violent comic-book adaptations such as "Blade", "The Punisher", and "Erica" ​​have encountered box office Waterloo one after another, allowing Marvel to successfully withdraw the copyright without spending a penny.

Tang En said: "Deepness is not violence, I agree. We define Daredevil as an epic hero image, and it is not appropriate for him to start the 'Midnight Sons Alliance'. Our purpose is not to oppose, but to complement each other. Except' The witty and light-hearted route of the Avengers series remains the same, we have to shoot other films of various genres at the same time to present diversity, rather than settle for a dark tone."

"So I understand." Alan Fine nodded and smiled slightly, "You can shoot the deep and atmospheric "Daredevil", you can also have the spoof and funny "Deadpool", the magical and magical "Doctor Strange" ", as well as the awe-inspiring Devil's Advocate "Ghost Rider". Through the diversity of themes, fans can enhance the unpredictability of Marvel."

"It's better to form an alliance to integrate these independent superheroes. Otherwise, they will not be able to join the Avengers, and there will be a sense of chaos." Andrew O'Hare hesitated.

Kevin Fitch suddenly thought of something, and exclaimed, "Hire the Heroes!"

Hire a band of heroes?

what?

Even Tang En was at a loss for this organization.

Stan Lee explained with a smile: "This is a superhero organization of Marvel. It mainly gathers a group of independent heroes who are separated from many forces in the form of a company, and provides paid security and professional investigation services. Founder People are Luke Cage and Iron Fist, they are good friends of Daredevil, they are members of the Defenders, this organization was brought out by Daredevil, very good!"

"Luke Cage and Iron Fist?" Tang En frowned, "These two characters have little development value."

Kevin Feige waved his hand and said with a smile: "Then ignore it, anyway, the film can be adapted appropriately. The second generation of hired heroes is formed by the Misty Knight. It is a black heroine, er... the value is lower , we could switch to a creator, like... Erika, Daredevil's girlfriend."

"It's better to be concise. It's too confusing and it will confuse movie fans." Tang En frowned, a little unsure.

Kevin Feige's mind is very flexible, and he quickly integrated several clues——

"The script setting of the first part of "Daredevil" must revolve around the big villain Jin Bin, and Daredevil's girlfriend Erica, who happens to be loyal to Jin Bin. It can be like this Writing, Daredevil gave up love for justice, offended Erica, defeated Jin Bin, and saved New York. This involves discussions of love, freedom and justice, which are deep enough and philosophical.”

"Among the founders of the 'Avengers', there is no Spider-Man. Little Spider... can only be regarded as Iron Man's little nephew, and he is not qualified to join. But the first "Avengers", there must be Spider-Man, borrow His popularity attracts the box office. After Spiderman failed to join the "Avengers", he was invited by his good friend Daredevil to join the "Heroes for Hire" founded by Erica, who has been reformed."

"Oh, by the way, I want to say that the 'Heroes for Hire' in the comics includes Spider-Man, Black Widow, Erica, Namor, Falcon, Deadpool, Ghost Rider, Punisher, Moonlight Knight, Superheroes such as gargoyles are powerful. Therefore, in movies such as "Daredevil", "Ghost Rider", and "Spiderman", you can leave foreshadowing and set Easter eggs."

Nina Jacobson was very satisfied with this assistant, and said with a smile: "The Avengers can assemble, hire heroes...of course they can also assemble!"

Kevin Fitch said a little excitedly: "That's what it means! These are two powerful hero organizations in different directions. When encountering a powerful enemy, the Avengers can join hands to fight, and of course the hired hero group It is possible to unify the goal. If you encounter a more powerful enemy, even the Avengers can't compete... At that time, maybe the two organizations can join hands and fight together!"

Tang En suddenly thought of the scene in "Avengers 3", where superheroes from all over the universe gather to fight against the big boss Thanos.

Kevin Feige continued: "Because they live in New York, Spider-Man and Black Widow belong to the Avengers and the Heroes for Hire at the same time, and they can just serve as lubricants to balance the forces and relationships between the two, and provide future A united front, laying the groundwork against a more powerful enemy."

Tang En really didn't expect it.

This was originally a discussion meeting for the establishment of the "Daredevil" film project, and it will eventually become a sci-fi fantasy meeting.

But I have to admit that Kevin Feige is indeed clear-headed and has ideas!

In his previous life, he was able to lead Marvel. In the case of a serious lack of copyright, he integrated comics and adapted and created a series of blockbuster films in the "Avengers" series, which is indeed unique.

It's just that this "Heroes for Hire" had never appeared in the previous life, and Tang En was not completely sure.

"It's a good idea." Tang En applauded first, and then said, "But don't worry, you can release a few movies like "Daredevil", "Ghost Rider", and "Moonlight Knight" first, and have a look. Market reaction. If the market reaction is strong and there is an urgent need to establish an organization that is equal to the 'Avengers', it will not be too late to combine these heroes."

Nina Jacobson said: "Yes, according to our estimates, the first assembly of the Avengers will take at least 2006. We still have enough time to demonstrate and conceive, so there is no need to rush to conclusions. Right now... ...the project of "Daredevil" must be finalized first, and nothing will go wrong!"

Tang En waved his hand angrily, "There is no limit on the budget! How about it, just like "Spider-Man", the budget cost is 150 million US dollars! Chris, I hope you can use all your strength to prove my vision !"

"$150 million..."

Even though Christopher Nolan had been mentally prepared and knew that Tang En would definitely use him again, after hearing this number, he really breathed a sigh of relief.

The cost of the last movie "Memento" was only 5 million U.S. dollars, and the box office only received 25 million U.S. dollars, which is far inferior to "Chain Saw", which grossed 78 million U.S. dollars in North America and 65 million U.S. dollars overseas.

But what happened?

Zack Snyder only got a "Resident Evil" with a budget of 35 million US dollars, and he has already taken over "Daredevil" with an investment of 150 million US dollars.

Through such a fierce confrontation seminar, Christopher Nolan has become more aware of the importance of "Daredevil" to Marvel Pictures.

This is trust, but also responsibility!