Heads Up Hollywood

Tang En was filming in Boston.

But there are assistants by my side.

He is still paying attention to some matters of interest to him in the company.

For example, the casting work of "Iron Man".

For example, the new plan of Marvel Pictures.

With the release of "Daredevil: Beginning of War", the word-of-mouth is hot, opening a new chapter in the comic film - the epic dark style.

The logo of "Dark Marvel" also quickly extended into the hearts of fans with this film.

This was really a sudden accident.

is a good thing.

But it also disrupted some of Tang En's original arrangements.

He originally planned to launch two major series of "Avengers" and "Mercenary Legion" to dominate the entire superhero movie market.

The "Avengers" series is going well, no problem.

But the "mercenary legion" has a big problem.

First of all, this organization is too small and illegal.

More importantly, the logo of "Dark Marvel" has been printed out, and it is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and it is well received!

At this time, Marvel Pictures strongly suggested that Dunn cancel the original construction of "Mercenary Legion", and mainly create some films with the theme of "Dark Marvel".

Some of the superhero characters in "Mercenaries" are extremely jerk, some lack personality and have little adaptation potential, and some are not dark enough and have many shortcomings.

It would be much simpler and more logical to create a series of individual superhero movies marked by "Dark Marvel".

Just imagine, putting the "Daredevil" with civilian abilities and the almost invincible "Ghost Rider" in one organization to work and fight together, how nondescript is that scene?

In this case, it might as well be separated, without interfering with each other, and you can create boldly with confidence.

There are more than 5,000 superheroes under Marvel, and there are too many dark characters. Even superheroes such as "Spiderman", "Captain America" ​​and "Iron Man" who represent justice have been blackened at times.

"Since you have already conceived it, let's arrange it like this. Dark Marvel... is also a good idea. In the future, you can bring big villains like Blade Warrior, Black Bolt King, Deadpool, and even Venom and Red Skull to the big screen. .”

Tang En was in his suite, explaining to Kevin Fitch who came here to report.

"Venom? Red Skull?" Kevin Fitch couldn't help being taken aback, "This kind of villain...can also make independent movies?"

Tang En said with a smile: "After seeing the characters of justice, the audience will definitely have new expectations. At that time, there may not be a market for anti-hero movies. Isn't the TV series "The Punisher" you produced going to be broadcast? The few trailers that have been released have worked well.”

Kevin Feige nodded.

Some surprises, some doubts.

Is it really possible to create a movie with a big villain as the protagonist? This is probably another major innovation in comics.

Tang En changed the subject, "How about "Iron Man"?"

Kevin Feige said pitifully: "Mr. Diller implemented cost control within the group, and even Marvel Studios, which has a lot of money, has been greatly affected."

"Um?"

""Iron Man" is about the life of the super rich. The characteristics of this superhero also determine that there will be more special effects shots. Although you approved the budget of 150 million US dollars, Barry Diller approved the request to compress 1500 10,000-20 million US dollars, which caused us a lot of trouble in the casting process."

Tang En suddenly realized.

No wonder Nina Jacobson sent Kevin Feige here.

It is false to report the meaning of "Dark Marvel" and the casting of "Iron Man", but it is true to find a backer to complain.

As we all know, Marvel is Twain's treasure.

It is the key to his fortune.

He can't "do nothing to save him", can he?

Tang En remained calm.

It is impossible for him to change the strategic decision of the entire group company for a small Marvel Studios.

In the past few years, he managed Dunn Films without any rules. In order to gather people's hearts under the suppression of big companies, many projects were over-produced.

Caused no small expenditure waste.

Now, New Universal has grown stronger and is not afraid of any suppression. Especially after Barry Diller came to power, he launched a series of reforms. Apart from personnel changes, the most important thing is to strictly control the budget of film projects!

This is the key element for him to bring Paramount back to life and become the number one film company in Hollywood.

"I know about the budget control." Tang En nodded, his expression calm, "Since the group has introduced the policy, let's follow the rules."

"But……"

"enough!"

Kevin Fitch didn't say anything, and Twain interrupted him very politely, "There are many film companies under New Universal, and they should be treated equally. Marvel Pictures should be more responsible because it is the old team of Twain Pictures in the past. Be an example, not a maverick!"

Kevin Fitch blushed, embarrassed, and said submissively: "Yes... yes, actually, we think so too."

Tang En waved his hand, "Okay, let's talk about "Iron Man". Who did the director choose?"

Kevin Feige glanced at him carefully, "We originally invited the Wachowskis to direct, but they have just experienced the success of "The Matrix", and the salary asking price is as high as 12 million US dollars, which...doesn't meet our requirements. Budget standards."

Tang En frowned, "Then just give up, Hollywood movies, when did the director have a decisive decision? What about alternatives?"

"Uh...we're looking at a new director."

"who?"

"Jon Favreau."

"ah?"

Tang En was a little surprised.

The original version of "Iron Man" in the previous life was directed by Jon Favreau.

Because Marvel was very poor at the time and couldn’t afford big-name directors, they invited Jon Favreau, a low-priced director who failed to film “Legend of the Brave 2” at the box office, and spent more money on filming and screen production. .

This made the "Iron Man" with an investment of 140 million US dollars a success.

Is it because of Barry Diller's "cost control" policy that Marvel Pictures has also been forced to the old path of "mining" new directors?

This is interesting.

Jon Favreau is not well-known, and Kevin Feige explained to him: "He is an actor. He has made two small-budget comedy films, and the effect is not bad. Last year, New Line Films invested in his new project " Christmas Elves, which is a fantasy comedy with some special effects shots. We're going to look at the film and if it's right ... we'll hire him to direct."

""Christmas Elf"?" Tang En frowned, "Is it released?"

Kevin Fitch said: "Not yet, it will be on the Christmas file. But we can communicate with New Line Cinema through internal channels, watch the finished film in advance, and evaluate it."

After thinking for a while, Tang En waved his hand, "No, sooner rather than later! Sign the contract as soon as possible!"

"Christmas Elf" is a very successful film, with an investment of 33 million US dollars and a box office of 220 million US dollars, which can be regarded as a model of small and big.

If he negotiates with Jon Favreau after the film is released, I am afraid he will use this as an excuse to raise his value.

Maybe $10 million will be offered as well.

This is troublesome.

It's better to get it done in advance.

Kevin Fitch opened his eyes wide, "Boss, you...you know him?"

"Well, he has some ideas for comedy movies, which can be used. However, Marvel Pictures must master the rhythm and content."

"Oh, that's all right."

Kevin Fitch nodded happily.

He has an unconditional trust in Tang En.

Tang En said that if Jon Favreau is competent for the role of director of "Iron Man", he will definitely be able to do it!

"Where are the actors?"

"Mr. Diller personally recommended Tom Cruise, and he said... He said that Tom Cruise has been taken off the blacklist of New Universal."

As he spoke, Kevin Fitch carefully observed Dunn.

Everyone knows that the crux of the conflict is the big boss.

He has an inexplicable and unclear relationship with Tom Cruise's early Nicole Kidman.

Tang En waved his hand and said calmly: "I'm not going to embarrass a young actor. Since he has been honest these past few years, there is no need to target him. Why, he agreed?"

Kevin Fitch shook his head and said, "No, he said that the style of superhero movies is too low. He didn't even talk about the salary, so he rejected us directly."

Tang En was quite mocking, "It does have the character of a superstar. That's fine, is there any more?"

"Nicolas Cage."

"Oh? He agreed?"

Tang En was very curious.

Last year, Marvel Studios invited Nicolas Cage to star in "Ghost Rider". As a result, this guy was in the middle of his career and didn't want to play a superhero and imprison his image.

However, with the disastrous box office failure of "Wind Talker", his career has encountered a serious crisis and has begun to decline.

Fortunately, this year Tang En Films produced the film "National Treasure" directed by the great director Ron Howard, with an investment of 100 million US dollars. It was released for 5 weeks, and the global box office reached 310 million US dollars. It can be regarded as a recovery.

But this is not enough.

Will Nicolas Cage agree to play "Iron Man"?

Kevin Feige said: "He agreed to play this role in principle, but... his salary requirements, we can't meet."

"He asked for $20 million?"

"Yes."

Tang En's expression was stern, a little displeased.

Sometimes, he knows that this is the market, and he is not used to Laomei's "profit-only" business relationship.

He helped Nicolas Cage so much, but in the end, this guy was still worth 20 million US dollars, which is somewhat unreasonable.

In this regard, foreign actors have done much better.

Especially Australian actors.

When it's time to back down, even Mel Gibson will back down.

Nicolas Cage's acting skills are better than Robert Downey Jr., his charisma is higher, and his physical condition is better. He has a sense of comedy, the aura of an action star, and his personal image is stronger than that addict.

From any aspect, Nicolas Cage seems to be more in line with the "Iron Man" movie positioning than Robert Downey Jr.

The only downside is that the pay is too high!

At this time, the door rang.

Tang En went to open the door, and when he opened it, he saw Gal Gadot standing outside the door delicately.

She had obviously just taken a shower, and her hair was not completely dry. She was wearing a cool white long dress, which looked as stunning as a fairy maiden in the fairy palace.

Her facial features are exquisite and delicate, and her fair skin exudes a moist blush that is rosy in white.

This was the first time she came to Tang En's room.

After being slightly surprised, Tang En's heart immediately became hot.

He remembered.

The agreed two days...here it is!

It's time to make a decision.