Chapter 635： Find a backer to complain

Dunn was filming in Boston.

But there are assistants around.

He is still keeping an eye on some of the company's affairs that interest him.

Like the casting of Iron Man.

For example, the new plan of Marvel Studios.

With the release of "Daredevil: Time for War", the word of mouth has become popular, and a new chapter in the comic film has been opened - an epic dark style.

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

This is really a sudden accident.

is good.

But it also disrupted some of Dunn's original deployment.

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

The Avengers franchise is going well, no problem.

But the "mercenary army" has a big problem.

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

More importantly, now the "Dark Marvel" logo has been released, deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and well received!

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

Some of the superhero characters in "Mercenary Legion" are particularly bastards, some lack characteristics 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 with "Dark Marvel" as the symbol.

Just imagine how nondescript the scene is if the capable "Daredevil" and the almost invincible "Ghost Rider" work and fight together in one organization?

In this case, it is better to separate them and not interfere with each other, so you can create with confidence and boldness.

There are more than 5,000 superheroes under Marvel, and there are too many dark characters. Even "Spider-Man", "Captain America", "Iron Man" and these superheroes representing justice have all been blackened.

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

Dunn was in his suite, explaining to Kevin Feige, who came to report on a special trip.

"Venom? Red Skull?" Kevin Feige couldn't help but stunned, "This kind of villain... can also make independent movies?"

Tang En said with a smile: "After watching the role 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 released, the effect is good."

Kevin Feige nodded.

Some surprises, some doubts.

Can you really create a movie with the villain as the protagonist? This is probably another major innovation in the comic book movie.

Dunn changed the topic, "How about "Iron Man"?"

Kevin Feige said pitifully: "Mr. Diller's implementation of cost control within the group has greatly affected even the well-earned Marvel Studios."

"Um?"

"Iron Man" is about the life of a 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 it and asked for a reduction of 1500 $10,000-$20 million, which gave us a lot of trouble in the casting process.”

Dunn suddenly realized.

No wonder Nina Jacobson made a special trip to send Kevin Feige over.

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

As we all know, Marvel is the treasure in Dunn's hands.

is the key to his fortune.

He can't always "see death without help", right?

Dunn 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 has managed Tang En Films without any rules. In order to unite people's hearts under the pressure of large companies, many projects have been overrun.

Caused a lot of wasted expenditure.

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

This was a key element in his bringing Paramount back to life and becoming the No. 1 studio in Hollywood.

"I know about budget control." Tang En nodded, his face indifferent, "Since the group has launched a policy, it will be done according to the rules."

"But……"

"enough!"

Kevin Feige didn't speak, but Dunn interrupted him rudely, "There are many film companies under New Universal, and they should be treated equally. Marvel Studios is the old team of Dunn Films in the past, so it should be more Set an example, not a maverick!"

Kevin Feige blushed and was very embarrassed, and said nonchalantly: "Yes ... yes, in fact, we think so too."

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

Kevin Feige gave him a careful look, "We intended to invite the Wachowskis to direct, but they had just experienced the success of "The Matrix", and the salary was as high as 12 million US dollars, which...not in line with our expectations budget standards."

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

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

"Who?"

"Jon Favreau."

"what?"

Dunn was a little surprised.

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

Because Marvel was very poor at the time and couldn't afford a big-name director, he hired Jon Favreau, a low-cost director who failed to film "The Legend of the Brave 2" at the box office, and spent more money on filming and screen production. .

This made the $140 million "Iron Man" a success.

Could it be that because of Barry Diller's "cost control" policy, Marvel Studios has also been forced to the old road of "digging" new directors?

This is interesting.

Jon Favreau is not well-known, and Kevin Feige explained to him: "He is an actor and has made two low-budget comedy films, and the results are not bad. Last year, New Line Pictures invested in his new project " Christmas Elf, it's a fantasy comedy with some special effects shots. We're going to look at the movie and if it's a good fit... we'll hire him to direct."

"The Christmas Elf?" Dunn raised his eyebrows, "Has it been released yet?"

Kevin Feige 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."

Tang En thought for a moment, then waved his hand, "No need, sooner rather than later! Sign the contract as soon as possible!"

"Christmas Elf" is a very successful film. The film invested 33 million US dollars and got 220 million US dollars at the box office. It can be regarded as a model of Xiaoboda.

If you wait for the film to be released before negotiating with Jon Favreau, I am afraid he will use this as an excuse to raise his price.

Maybe $10 million will be offered as well.

This is troublesome.

Better to do it in advance.

Kevin Feige widened his eyes, "Boss, you...you know him?"

"Well, he has some ideas for comedy movies that can be used. However, Marvel Studios needs to master the rhythm and content."

"Oh, that's fine then."

Kevin Feige nodded happily.

He has an unconditional trust in Dunn.

Dunn said that if Jon Favreau is qualified for the role of the director of "Iron Man", he will definitely be qualified!

"Where's the actor?"

"Mr. Diller personally recommended Tom Cruise and he said...he said Tom Cruise had been taken off the New Universal blacklist."

Having said that, Kevin Feige carefully observed Dunn.

Everyone knows that the key to the conflict is the big boss.

He has an inexplicable and inexplicable relationship with Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise's predecessor.

Tang En waved his hand and said indifferently: "I'm not going to embarrass a little actor. Since he's been honest in recent years, there's no need to target him. Why, he agreed?"

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

Tang En was quite sarcastic, "It's a bit of a superstar's character. Forget it, is there any more?"

"Nicholas Cage."

"Oh? He promised?"

Dunn was very curious.

Last year, Marvel Studios invited Nicolas Cage to star in "Ghost Rider", but the guy was getting his way and didn't want to play a superhero and imprison his image.

However, with the box office fiasco of "The Wind Whisperer", his career has hit a serious crisis and has already started to go downhill.

Fortunately, the film "National Treasure" directed by the great director Ron Howard, produced by Dunn Films this year, invested 100 million US dollars and was released for 5 weeks, and the global box office reached 310 million US dollars.

But that's not enough.

Did Nicolas Cage agree to play "Iron Man"?

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

"He's asking for $20 million?"

"Yes."

Dunn's expression was pale, and he was a little unhappy.

Sometimes, he knew that this was a market situation, and he was not used to the "mercenary" business relationship of Laomei.

He helped Nicholas Cage so much, and as a result, this guy ended up costing 20 million dollars a piece, which is somewhat inhumane.

In this regard, foreign actors have done much better.

Especially Australian actors.

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

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

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

The only downside is that the pay is too high!

At this time, the door rang.

Dunn went to open the door, opened it, and saw Gal Gadot standing beautifully outside the door.

She had obviously just taken a shower, her hair was still dry, and she was wearing a cool white dress that looked astonishingly like a fairy in Asgard.

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

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

After a little surprise, Tang En's heart immediately became hot.

He remembered.

The agreed two days... have arrived!

It's time to make a decision.

(Sanqi Chinese)