Chapter 11: "Spider-Man" Premiere! The Box Office Must Exceed 500 Million!
Los Santos, Griffith Observatory.
Xu Can and Emma Stone lay side by side in front of the guardrail, looking far away at Los Santos under the purple sky in the evening.
"Xu, how do you know? This is the first time I have seen such scenery in all my years in Los Santos!"
The hazy night scene before her eyes shocked Emma Stone deep in her heart.
I didn't expect that this city full of money and fame would have such a quiet scene.
"Well...I've come to see it a few times."
Xu Can told half the truth.
He has indeed seen it, but only in GTA5 and "La La Land".
"Thank you, it gave me a much better impression of this city."
"By the way, why did you publicly bet on box office with film critics before? What if you lose the bet?"
Xu Can looked at Sister Stone playfully.
"Who told him to say that to you? I'm so angry!"
Mentioning that film critic made Emma Stone angry.
Xu Can, who was so perfect in her heart, went into battle in person regardless of the danger, and shot so many wonderful scenes.
And he used his excellent acting skills to fully demonstrate the changes in Peter Parker.
Why should a rising star who works so hard and has talent be questioned because of racial issues?
Xu Can's handsomeness as Spider-Man is really more than enough!
It obviously fits the image in the comics very well!
So before Xu Can said anything, Emma Stone, who has always been outspoken, couldn't help but attack the film critic.
She predicted in front of the media that the box office of "Spider-Man" will exceed 500 million US dollars!
If it's less than 500 million, Emma Stone is willing to eat a whole herring can in front of the media!
Film critic Howard Newber was also amused, and the other party responded to the bet.
"Spider-Man" has a maximum box office of 200 million. If it exceeds 200 million, he will go skinny-dipping in the Hudson River in New York!
The two are not top-notch celebrities, but they both have a certain degree of popularity.
This bet was also hyped up by the media, making the already popular "Spider-Man" topic reach a new level.
Faced with this situation, Sony executives are actually very uneasy.
The popularity is rising, but if it fails at the box office, Sony and its Columbia Pictures will become the laughingstock of Hollywood.
Emma Stone, Xu Can, and director Marc Webb will also be implicated.
Producer Avi Arad also plans to talk to Sister Stone and do some crisis public relations.
But he was stopped by Xu Can.
"I have confidence in our movie and I have confidence in Emma. Just wait and see, Avi, be optimistic."
Avi Arad is nearly fifty years old and has gray hair on his temples.
However, he found that Xu Can, a young man in his early 20s, was calm and wise beyond his age.
As a result, both the media and the public witnessed this bet.
Time turns quietly, the original summer disappears, and the temperature in Los Santos gradually drops.
The day when the answer is revealed is getting closer and closer.
The film crew has released multiple trailers for "Spider-Man" in succession, and they have been broadcast on CBS's NBC, FOX, CW and other television stations.
And launched the final onslaught before the release online and offline.
Each trailer has more than 100 million views on YouTube. In addition to North America, hundreds of countries and regions are paying attention to this movie.
Except of course China.
American comics have not been out of the entertainment industry in the distant Eastern continent and have always been a niche hobby.
Except for a few news reports on the topic of "Chinese Spider-Man", there is basically no news on this matter.
Negotiations between Sony Entertainment and China Film are still ongoing, and the film has been submitted for review.
The specific release date is yet to be determined, and there is a high probability that it will not be able to catch up with the simultaneous premiere.
Although Xu Can is a little regretful about this, he is not too worried.
The main ticket sales for this movie are still in North America. Only after it is released from the industry can it be promoted globally.
With one week left before its premiere, "Spider-Man" has only made $8 million in pre-sales in North America.
Those who dare to buy pre-sales without thinking are basically die-hard comic fans.
The vast majority of the remaining ordinary people are still waiting and watching.
According to these data, the professional film and television magazine "Box Office Pro" gave the first weekend box office of 45-55 million US dollars.
This data is good compared to low-cost comedies, but bleak compared to large-scale special effects productions.
Even a comedy like "Football Dad" opened with $40 million and ended up with a box office of $150 million.
This is closer to the prediction of film critic Howard Newber. It seems that "Spider-Man" really cannot exceed 200 million!
"If we can't break through 500 million, the worst possible outcome is canned herring."
Emma Stone actually had no idea. She believed in Xu Can, but was worried about the market.
"Do not worry."
Xu Can hugged her waist.
"Certainly possible."
Even "Spider-Man" in 2002 exceeded US$400 million, not to mention the new version of "Spider-Man" with completely upgraded stories, shooting techniques, and special effects!
Xu Can is still very confident.
"What if I eat canned herring, will you dislike me?"
"Then before you eat, I want to remember the taste of your little mouth."
Xu Can lowered his head and kissed her.
"You! Um..."
Emma Stone was attacked and tried to push him away, but then she fell into it.
…
The week passed quickly.
Xu Can writes scripts in his spare time, goes shopping with Sister Stone to eat, drink and play around.
The premiere day has arrived!
In order to ensure an excellent premiere, Sony Entertainment spared no expense and updated its "Galaxy Cinema" with a state-of-the-art IMAX screen and Dolby stereo in advance.
When ready, at 8pm on Thursday, December 21, 2006, before Christmas Eve.
A grand premiere officially begins!
Whether it is the media that Sony paid to invite or the media who come here to enjoy the reputation, they have gathered here.
The main creative staff of "Spider-Man" arrived in luxury cars one after another and entered the theater through the red carpet to attend the premiere.
Producer Avi Arad and director Marc Webb were the first to walk down the red carpet.
He is not a star director like Spielberg, Quentin, or Cameron, and he has only been interviewed by the media for a short time.
Soon it was the turn of the old Green Goblin Willem Dafoe and his wife Giatta Colagranti to appear on the red carpet.
The Green Goblin is the film's biggest star and has been nominated for multiple Oscars.
He had just divorced two years ago, and his new wife is a well-known Italian director.
As they were caught in flashbulbs, James Franco on the other side caused a commotion.
He has become one of the more outstanding male stars in Hollywood with his works such as "Young and Wild", "Freaks and Geeks" and "A King's Heart".
In theory, he originally auditioned for Spider-Man, but the role was given to Xu Can, so he could only play the little Green Goblin.
Reporters also raised this question tactfully.
"Spider-Man was supposed to be your role, but it ended up being given to an unknown Asian actor. What do you think about that?"
The media reporters present were obviously here to stir up trouble, and Fu Lanlan obviously would not fall into the trap.
"You are all wrong, Xu Can is the best actor for Spider-Man! I am honored to play Harry Osborn and honored to work with Xu Can."
"Why?" The reporter kept asking.
James Franco laughed.
"You will know the answer soon after the film premieres."
At this moment, an extended white Hummer parked in front of the red carpet.
Controversial male lead Xu Can made a stunning appearance holding hands with the stunning Emma Stone.
"Good guy, this is a battle."
Xu Can was hit by countless flash lights and almost went blind.
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