"Just this past weekend, distributed by Disney, produced by Marvel Studios, with the renowned director Gilbert serving as producer, directed by Jon Favreau, and starring Robert Downey Jr., Kate Beckinsale, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, and others, the blockbuster Iron Man earned $114.95 million in its opening weekend.
This film is also the first movie produced by the newly established Marvel Studios, which reportedly intends to build a connected Marvel Universe…"
"Following superheroes from Marvel such as Spider-Man, X-Men, and Fantastic Four appearing on the big screen, Iron Man, one of Marvel's early superheroes, has finally showcased his prowess on the cinematic stage."
"Marvel Studios' decision was wise. It's clear that the golden age of superhero films is about to arrive. To ensure success, they brought in Gilbert, who is well-versed in the film business, to oversee production.
Now the results prove this was an exceptionally smart choice. Gilbert integrated his strengths in large-scale scenes, explosive action sequences, and top-tier visual effects, creating a very entertaining film."
Unsurprisingly, after Iron Man broke $100 million in North American box office during its first weekend, Marvel Studios instantly became the center of attention in Hollywood.
Anyone with even a little foresight knew that, with Marvel's extensive intellectual property library, the rise of Marvel Studios was unstoppable.
Inside Sky Dance Studio, David Ellison, Michael Ovitz, and Mel Gibson remained silent.
After a while, Michael Ovitz broke the silence: "Andrew has already completed signing with Melon Studios and is now off to training."
Mel Gibson looked somewhat angry: "Michael, you knew this, why didn't you stop him?"
Michael Ovitz responded bluntly: "It's the actor's own choice. Why would I stop him? Andrew isn't a minor; his agency doesn't have the authority to decide for him."
An actor and their agency have a collaborative relationship. Usually, agencies can pressure actors, and originally Andrew Garfield was in that category, which is why he had been forced into compromising situations.
But after Gilbert extended an olive branch, the situation changed. Andrew Garfield now had a choice. And as the lead actor, Andrew Garfield would attract attention from other agencies.
Any penalty fees couldn't deter enthusiastic agencies.
Mel Gibson still wasn't satisfied: "The lead role for the next Transformers film could be used as leverage."
"Enough, Mel," David Ellison said. "Don't be so narrow-minded and make a fool of yourself."
Mel Gibson immediately fell silent, though his dissatisfaction was evident. Indeed, he was frustrated because Gilbert had achieved success again, even though he hadn't directed personally.
But everyone knew worldwide that Marvel is Gilbert's company. Watching Gilbert make money was more frustrating than his own losses.
They had considered tactics before, such as using Robert Downey Jr.'s past experiences for publicity. But Downey didn't shy away from past problems; instead, he presented himself as a reformed man.
If Iron Man hadn't succeeded, his reformation would have meant nothing. But with Iron Man breaking $100 million in its first weekend, Downey's comeback gained real value.
People are often harsh toward good men, yet unusually forgiving toward those who have done wrong but turn back. Robert Downey Jr. gained public forgiveness this way.
And the success of Iron Man brought Robert Downey Jr. back into Hollywood's mainstream spotlight.
However, after years of decadence, he seemed to have grown shrewd. While promoting with the crew, he wasn't just witty and humorous but credited other key contributors for the main achievements.
Downey was particularly grateful to Gilbert, publicly stating, "As long as Director Gilbert needs me, even for a minor role, I have no complaints."
Of course, it wasn't just Downey—many Hollywood actors wanted a role in Gilbert's projects because of the substantial rewards.
Since returning to Long Island, New York, on Saturday with his wife, Robert Iger wasn't fully aware of Iron Man's distribution. He only learned of the film's North American first-weekend box office breaking $100 million through his assistant's call.
After returning to New York, Iger rushed to the office in the afternoon, and his assistant provided the final data for Iron Man's opening weekend.
"The international results were a surprise—$123.6 million. Combined with the North American box office, Iron Man reached $238.55 million worldwide, topping the global weekly box office chart."
Robert Iger was not surprised by this figure: "Of course, he succeeded again. He always succeeds."
Someone had once asked Robert Iger the secret to his leadership at Disney. Iger had only said one sentence: "Trust Gilbert, and follow his lead."
Robert Iger was aware of Gilbert's specific plans for the Marvel Universe. After a moment's thought, he said, "Call Cook, Richard, and Solomon over."
Soon, Disney's core decision-making team gathered in Robert Iger's office, and naturally, the topic was Marvel Studios.
"We've signed a three-film distribution agreement with Marvel. Judging from Iron Man, we must negotiate quickly to secure the remaining distribution rights," Cook Dick suggested.
As head of distribution, Richard supported the proposal: "Yes, Bob, Marvel Studios has huge potential. I heard they are preparing two more films internally, and other distribution companies are watching closely."
Disney Vice President Solomon pondered: "Should we wait and see? What if Iron Man's success was just luck?"
"It's not luck," Cook Dick disagreed. "The main factor is Gilbert overseeing things. Marvel won't act recklessly. With Gilbert's market insight, he will ensure Marvel follows the direction he has planned."
Robert Iger listened silently to their debate, not participating, his mind occupied with other thoughts.
As Disney's leader after Michael Eisner, Robert Iger outwardly appeared cheerful, like a genial good guy.
But those who knew him understood that Robert Iger was extremely ambitious. His dream was to elevate Disney to the position of the number-one media conglomerate.
And to become the top media conglomerate, many factors were needed—Disney as it stood was not enough.
A bold idea came to Robert Iger: since Disney could handle distribution rights, why not, like Warner, acquire Marvel outright?
However, this also posed a new problem—if this were done, Gilbert's stake in Disney would increase significantly.
Acquiring Marvel with cash flow was impossible. Gilbert didn't lack money; he would certainly demand a stake in exchange.
Although Robert Iger supported Gilbert, he remained cautious about control over the company. What if Gilbert developed ambitions? How would he respond?
The discussion soon reached a conclusion: everyone agreed that Marvel Studios' distribution rights had to be firmly held in their hands.
....
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