Chapter 455: Marvel Pictures

In the days that followed, despite a barrage of negative reviews from audiences and the media alike, Attack of the Clones relied on the influence of the Star Wars Series and its one-week release advantage to firmly suppress The Two Towers, which had been out for four weeks. Aside from their stellar performances on Memorial Day Monday, both films saw their single-day box office numbers drop below $10 million over the next three weekdays.

The Two Towers was especially affected; as the massive moviegoing frenzy gradually cooled, its single-day weekday box office slipped to less than $5 million.

Entering the first weekend of June, although there was a huge gap between their weekend grosses—with Attack of the Clones taking the weekend box office crown for a second time by an absolute margin—the two films showed completely different drop-off trends.

The former had mediocre word-of-mouth. With a theatrical audience approval rating of merely 71 percent and a CinemaScore of A-, its second-weekend box office plunged by 51 percent, raking in only $39.2 million.

Although The Two Towers earned less than half of that during the same weekend, its $13.56 million haul was only a 40 percent drop from its fourth-weekend gross of $22.6 million!

And do not forget—Attack of the Clones had only been out for two weekends, while The Two Towers was already on its fifth.

Previously, many had pinned their hopes on the Star Wars Series to end Duke's unchallenged dominance over the summer season in recent years. But the box office trajectories of these two films made it abundantly clear: their final North American and global box office tallies would not end up anywhere near the same level.

Even those outside the film industry could see that Attack of the Clones could not possibly challenge The Two Towers in the box office market.

Duke and Ivanka's Australian vacation was also coming to an end. The two met up with Tina Fey, who had rushed over from New Zealand, and returned to Los Angeles together. However, because they had not taken a private jet, they were mobbed by reporters and paparazzi as they exited Los Angeles International Airport.

The crazed crowd even shouted for Duke and Ivanka to strike an affectionate pose and show off their romance for the cameras.

Unfortunately, neither Duke nor Ivanka had the slightest interest in doing so. They were completely different from typical Hollywood couples. Though their relationship was destined to be high-profile, they had no desire to flaunt it. Most people knew that the couples who constantly showed off their affection in the media and in public were usually doing exactly that—just putting on a show.

Duke did not need to increase his exposure this way. Even though directors were expected to step in front of the curtain more often nowadays, he had no interest in volunteering details of his private life. Ivanka, meanwhile, was somewhat averse to becoming a celebrity; her mind was focused primarily on business.

Even back when he was playing the field, Duke never intentionally hid from the media, but he had no obligation to cooperate with them either.

Upon returning to Los Angeles, Ivanka began preparing to relocate her company there. She ultimately chose Burbank City for the company's address and, with Duke's coordination, leased a small Warner office building to serve as its permanent headquarters.

Duke could not help much with most of these matters, and he had his own work to keep him busy. The visual effects for Return of the King were nearing completion, and he needed to edit the initial rough cut down to his desired version.

Meanwhile, the already mediocre box office trajectory of Attack of the Clones—which had enjoyed a mere two weeks of glory—was abruptly ended by the newly released Spider-Man. Produced and distributed by Sony Columbia Pictures, this Marvel superhero film truly demonstrated the power of the superhero genre, even after being ripped apart by countless critics upon release.

Over its three-day opening weekend in North America, Spider-Man raked in $114.84 million, shattering the North American box office record Duke had just set and becoming the second film in history to cross the $100 million mark in a single weekend.

However, while the response was massive, the public uproar was not quite as intense as it had been for The Two Towers. The reason was simple: the second film to break $100 million would never receive the same level of attention as the first person to eat a crab.

Nevertheless, the impact on The Two Towers was not particularly severe. After all, having been in theaters for over a month, both its screen share and its theater count had already dropped. They were both massive blockbusters, and assuming equal quality and marketing, how could a film that had been out for a month possibly compete with a brand-new release?

The explosive success of Spider-Man benefited not just Sony Columbia Pictures, but Marvel Comics as well. Peter Parker, along with Wolverine and the rest, instantly cast a dazzling spotlight on Marvel's superheroes. Countless film studios turned their covetous eyes toward Marvel Headquarters in New York. However, having received Duke's investment, Marvel was in no short supply of funds for the near future. The Ultimate Universe plan that Duke had tossed their way, in particular, left Marvel's top executives brimming with ambition, ready to forge superhero films that truly belonged to the Marvel brand.

Even though the plan was still in the paper stage, Marvel had no desire to sell off any more of its children; Spider-Man and X-Men had already left them full of regret.

Riding the tailwinds of Spider-Man, Marvel Pictures was officially established in mid-June. To be closer to Hollywood, Marvel specifically located this film subsidiary in Burbank City. And with Duke's backing, Kevin Feige became the first CEO of Marvel Pictures.

"Marvel has only one goal in establishing a film company."

At the press conference for the studio's founding, Kevin Feige told the countless reporters, "To produce superhero films that belong to Marvel. Our preliminary plan is to release our first superhero movie within three to four years."

"May we ask about Marvel's specific plans?" a reporter immediately asked. "What will the first superhero movie be?"

"Of course we have a plan."

As soon as Kevin Feige finished speaking, another reporter asked, "The film industry is not the comic industry. Isn't Marvel taking too much of a risk by rashly diving into film production?"

"We are naturally aware of the risks, which is why we have formulated a comprehensive plan."

At this point, Kevin Feige opportunely steered the topic toward Duke, who was sitting next to him. "The entire plan comes from Director Rosenberg, and Director Rosenberg will serve as one of the supervisors and executors for this overarching film initiative. With Director Rosenberg on board, Marvel is full of confidence in Marvel superhero movies."

The reporters immediately shifted their targets to Duke, but Duke opted to take a question from an old acquaintance.

Sarah from the Los Angeles Times asked the question the two parties had agreed upon long ago. "Can you reveal what Marvel Pictures' first superhero movie will be?"

For a complete novice like Marvel Pictures, the success or failure of its first superhero movie was exceptionally crucial. Therefore, the words that came out of Duke's mouth were no surprise at all: "Tony Stark, Iron Man!"

"How soon could this film see a release?"

"We need three to four years to prepare!"

Marvel Pictures was a brand-new company, and this was an entire series of plans. Rushing into production without making adequate preparations? That was a choice only an amateur would make.

"Mr. Feige just mentioned that Marvel has a series of plans. May we ask what they are?"

"You'll see when Iron Man is released..."

After the press conference concluded, there was a routine reception. The event was held at the Annabel Hotel, which was not too far away.

Not only was this hotel close to the Marvel Pictures headquarters, but it was not far from the Warner Building either—just a little over a mile away. Furthermore, Doug Walter, the man set to take over as the CEO of Warner Brothers next month, had also arrived at the reception.

Although Marvel and Warner's subsidiary DC had a relationship that was both cooperative and competitive, there was far more competition than cooperation. The two sides had been bitter rivals for decades.

"Duke, I don't even know what to say."

Facing the largest shareholder of Marvel and the largest individual shareholder of Warner Brothers, Doug Walter looked rather helpless. "DC's Superman and Batman films are both waiting for salvation, yet here you are, our shareholder, cozying up with Marvel."

Though his tone was not heavy, Duke still caught the undertone of dissatisfaction.

This was perfectly normal. Anyone about to assume the mantle of CEO would have some opinions on the matter.

"Doug, there are some things I was originally planning to discuss with you in detail after you became CEO..."

Just as he said this, someone came over to say hello. Duke had no choice but to cut off his conversation with Doug Walter and exchange a few pleasantries with the newcomer. By the time he sent the person away and turned back, he saw Doug Walter having his female companion block anyone else trying to come over and greet him; he was clearly impatient.

Originally, Duke had wanted to wait until Doug Walter officially took over as CEO next month before delving into the matter of DC. But since his succession was already guaranteed, and he had brought it up himself, they might as well just talk it out now.

However, this was no place to talk.

Nearby, Tina Fey had already called the hotel to request a reception room. Duke and Doug Walter lingered no longer; they left the banquet hall and walked straight into the private room.

"Duke, do you have some ideas for DC's superheroes?"

The moment they sat down, Doug Walter spoke with eager impatience. "Our superhero films have been sinking into obscurity for too long—so long that people have forgotten the glory they once created."

Before the new millennium, the only superhero movies that had achieved massive success were Superman and Batman. It was just that both franchises had stumbled and fallen on their fourth installments. For the sake of the series as a whole, Warner Brothers ultimately had no choice but to temporarily shelve them.

"Ever since Batman and Robin failed, I've been thinking about superhero movies," Duke said.

Hearing Duke's words, Doug Walter's eyes instantly lit up. "Does that mean you're interested in directing a superhero film?"

As far as he was concerned, if anyone could save DC's comic book movies, it was none other than Duke.

"Doug, visual effects technology is advancing at lightning speed right now. It's getting easier and easier to showcase the abilities of superheroes on the big screen. Furthermore..."

Duke spoke a few brief words before concluding, "I believe that in the coming era, superhero films will become the mainstream of the market. Warner Brothers and DC should have a long-term, systematic plan for this!"