New York 2006

Chapter 271 Attacking Marvel
March 2009, 3, Long Island, New York.

Perlmutter, the former chairman of Marvel, took a car and arrived in front of a luxurious villa on the beach of Long Island with his wife.At this time, the party has started, and the whole mansion is full of people.

There were many young people having fun on the private beach, but no one went into the water. They just played games on the beach.The weather in New York at the end of March was still a bit cold.

His wife said, "Isn't Logic's home on Broadway?"

Perlmutter said, "This villa was newly bought by him."

"how much is it?"

"Thirteen million meters." Perlmutter continued: "Did you see the beach in front of you? It is also his private property."

The wife said, "Do you think we should buy one too? The environment here looks very nice."

Perlmutter is not short of money now. After selling Marvel, he now has 12.5 billion US dollars in cash. He readily agreed: "Okay, you can do it."

The two came to the door of the villa, they reported their names, and after security checks, the two came to the villa.

As soon as he walked into the party, Perlmutter saw many familiar people, including some former shareholders of Marvel, several Marvel executives, as well as some comic book artists and some people from Logic.

I chatted with some of my former subordinates for a while.He became a little uninterested.

Seeing his depressed look, his wife asked, "What's wrong?"

Perlmutter said, "I'm a little disappointed."

The wife asked doubtfully: "Didn't you tell me before that you were actually satisfied with the price? Why do you regret it now?"

Perlmutter said: "My subordinates just now felt more relaxed and less respectful when chatting with me. Power..."

"Even if you lose your power, you are still not rich." My wife comforted me, "You are still a big shot wherever you go."

Perlmutter said with some regret: "It's different... you women don't understand."

"You...forget it, I won't argue with you anymore."

The wife looked at Logic who was chatting with Marvel CEO Avi Arad and Marvel Studios CEO Kevin Feige not far away: "Should we go and talk to them?"

"No!" Perlmutter looked at his two former subordinates, standing respectfully in front of Logic, and the sense of loss in his heart became even more serious.

…………

Today's party was excused as a moving party, but in fact, it was mainly to celebrate the establishment of the second phase of the private equity fund and the successful acquisition of Marvel.

However, Luo Ji's focus is still on Marvel. This 70-year-old company has many subsidiaries across the country and has many problems that he needs to deal with slowly.

Luo Ji looked at Kevin Feige, CEO of the subsidiary Marvel Studios, and asked, "How was the conversation with Robert Downey Jr.?"

"There is no result yet." Kevin Feige persuaded: "Logic, his salary of 2 million yuan for "Iron Man 1000" is definitely not high. You must know that the global box office of the first film reached 5.65 million yuan."

"Do I care about the 1000 million yuan? What I care about is the future."

Luo Ji continued: "The contract you signed with him is for one negotiation per film. If the negotiations fail in the future, is it possible that he, an actor, could hijack Marvel's entire movie universe strategy? This is not a common sense in Hollywood. I don’t understand how you signed such an outrageous contract with him in the first place.”

Avi Arad hurriedly explained: "Marvel was completely desperate for the "Iron Man" project, and we didn't expect it to be a big success. So our strategy is to pay as much future returns as possible and reduce cash expenditures. Robert Jr. only received a salary of US$50 for his first movie, so we only signed a contract with him and negotiated once for each movie."

Luo Ji looked directly at him: "So, you mean we have to admit it if he wins the bet?"

"Of course not." Avi Arad said quickly: "It's just that Marvel is in a bad situation now and has huge debts. We still try to complete the filming of "Iron Man 2" and collect cash."

Luo Ji said domineeringly: "Now that I'm here, Marvel no longer has to worry about funds."

Avi Arad said: "What do you mean?"

"Wami Bank, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, Malaysia's sovereign fund, and myself will all provide full financing for Marvel's movies in the future." Luo Ji continued: "Marvel's future profits can be used to repay debts."

Avi Arad immediately expressed his position: "Then I have no doubts on my side and I support your decision."

Kevin Feige, the head of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, said: "If we keep delaying the filming of "Iron Man 2", there is a risk of breach of contract, and many actors may not be able to adjust their schedules."

"It doesn't matter, the movie universe strategy is just in its infancy. No one can't be replaced." Luo Ji continued: "Tomorrow you can let the news out that "Iron Man 2" has been temporarily postponed due to contract issues with Robert Downey Jr. "

The personal relationship between Kevin Feige and Robert Downey Jr. was okay. He said, "Are you trying to put pressure on him? It won't be a big deal in the media!"

"Then you'd better convince him that he must sign a long-term film contract, at least eight films. From now on, the salary will be increased according to the steps." Luo Ji looked at the two of them with a serious look on his face: "In the future, all the main characters in the film will have to sign a long-term film contract. . No one can be an exception."

Kevin Feige asked: "Including Edward Norton, who played last year's "The Incredible Hulk"?"

"Yes."

Luo Ji then thought of the fact that in all four Avengers movies, the Hulk had been played by Mark Ruffalo, so he added: "If Edward Norton doesn't agree, I'll replace him. Anyway, "The Hulk" is already so exciting." It’s so popular that there won’t be any independent movies in the future. In The Avengers, he is at best a supporting role.”

"Okay." Kevin Feige nodded.

If Edward Norton agreed to sign the contract, Luo Ji would not stop him.

He has been mentally prepared for this. Under the butterfly effect, Marvel's future movie universe strategy will definitely not be exactly the same as the original lineup.

No one is irreplaceable. The characters of "Twilight" have been replaced so many times, but it has still been successful.

It is the movie that makes the actor, not the actor that makes the movie!

Luo Ji thought for a while and continued: "Since you don't want to break up with Robert Downey Jr., then let the news out tomorrow. Marvel is preparing to start shooting other movies this year."

This year, Marvel only plans to launch one movie, "Iron Man 2", due to funding issues.

Kevin Feige was a little confused and asked: "Are you really planning to start it, or are you just talking about it?"

"It's really started." Luo Ji said: "Thor or Captain America, isn't this what you have planned? We will shoot one this year, and Marvel will ensure that at least two movies are released every year."

"Okay." Kevin Feige had no doubts. This was a character in the movie universe strategy.

Luo Ji then rubbed his chin and began to think. After the acquisition of Marvel was completed, he reviewed the evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe plan in detail.

When they first launched in 2005, they planned to launch two movies per year. Superhero movies include Captain America, Iron Man, Nick Fury, Black Panther, Ant-Man, Black Widow, Hulk, Cloak and Dagger, Doctor Strange, Hawkeye, Power Pack, and Shang-Chi.

After all these individual super-movies are released, it's time for the final "Avengers".The grand plan is great, but in reality it is very skinny.Because "The Incredible Hulk" performed poorly, this strategy was greatly compromised.

So they scaled back the heroes.Cloak and Dagger, and Power Pack are eliminated first.The comic style is too childish and does not match the overall atmosphere.

Then came the financial crisis. Merrill Lynch, which financed Marvel, was acquired, and there were cash flow problems.Marvel then excluded Black Panther, Shang-Chi, and Doctor Strange from "The Avengers".

But now, "Avengers" still doesn't match his impression. There is an additional superhero who did not appear in "Apocalypse", Ant-Man.

Maybe the people at Marvel also realized that the current movie universe is too white, so they replaced the white superhero Nick Fury with the black actor Samuel L. Jackson, who will appear in "Iron Man 2".

In short, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is adjusted step by step based on actual conditions.Except for "Iron Man 2", the scripts for other movies have not been written yet.

The plot of the movie basically draws on some stories from the comics, and has little to do with the comics themselves.The stories are basically all original from scratch.

Like the Mandarin, a very famous Chinese villain and the most powerful enemy of Iron Man in the comics.Because of the increase in China's national power over the years and the gradual strengthening of the Chinese film market, Marvel Studios has never considered letting the Mandarin appear as the villain of Iron Man.

Luo Ji thought for a long time, then looked at the two of them: "Do you think that in the first phase of Marvel, there are too few superheroes from ethnic minorities?"

The two looked at each other, both showing worried looks. Logic has been holding back for more than ten days, is it finally going to take action on Marvel?

Avi Arad reacted quickly: "Black Panther and Shang Qi will appear in the second phase. They are the superheroes of ethnic minorities."

Luo Ji was very dissatisfied with this answer. The second phase had not yet happened. They were writing a blank check.

Luo Ji looked directly into their eyes: "Is there any problem adjusting to the first stage?"

Kevin Feige hesitated: "This..."

Luo Ji continued: "There are more than 100 superheroes in the Avengers in the comics. How difficult is it to add two superheroes in the movie?"

"It's not difficult!" Avi Arad still decided to give the new boss a face: "I will arrange for people to readjust."

Luo Ji said, "OK! I remember that there is a Chinese Lin Hui among the senior agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., I can also join him."

"Okay." Neither of the minor characters refused.

Luo Ji thought for a while and continued: "I may play the role of Shang-Chi, so the plot will try to make it more exciting and powerful for me, you know?"

Didn't Logic say in the media before that he wouldn't play the role?Why did they change their mind now? Although both of them were a little confused, they still nodded: "Okay."

Luo Ji was still a little worried, so he continued, "You will submit a report to me on any progress in the first phase of the film strategy."

Kevin Feige couldn't help it and said with a hint of emotion: "Didn't you promise before not to interfere with Marvel's creative freedom?"

"I'm just reviewing it. When did I say that I would participate in the creation?" Luo Ji's face turned cold and he stared directly into his eyes: "Don't you think that, as the chairman, I don't even have the right to review it!"

Kevin Feige and Luo Ji looked at each other. Three seconds later, his determined expression disappeared, and a faint smile appeared on his face: "Logic, I, I didn't mean that."

Luo Ji did not continue to show his strength and stopped.Now he and Marvel's executive team are still in the running-in stage.It takes some getting used to.

Avi Arad smoothed things over: "Logic, have you read Marvel's latest comics recently? The sales are very good."

"I read it." Luo Ji told the truth. During this time, he also read some Marvel comics and gradually fell in love with them.

"Have you read the previous comics?"

“I’ve basically seen them all.” You don’t have to be creative about your own industry, but you must understand it.This is the rule Luo Ji always follows.

Avi Arad continued: "Actually, there are quite a lot of Chinese characters in Marvel comics..."

The two chatted about the comics themselves, and Kevin Feige was still a little emotional and only listened on the side.

There are still Chinese-American characters in Marvel comics, such as Thunder God, Radiant Man, All Heroes, Red Star, Soldier One, Wonder Woman, Goddess, Weather Witch, Juggernaut, Innovator, Chinese Zodiac, Director of the Spear Bureau Zheng Xian, the Monkey King, an ancient mage.

Some of the characters in it are very powerful in combat. They can destroy the Adamantium shield with one hand, face the hard steel Hulk, challenge Magneto with bare hands, and are the superpowers of the multiverse.

These characters basically refer to Chinese mythology. This is clear when you look at the Monkey King.

……

Shang-Chi, a member of the Avengers in the comics, is also one of the superheroes in Marvel's early movie universe plans.

His real name is Zheng Shangqi. In the comics, his father is Zheng Zu and his mother is a white American.The design is inspired by martial artist and kung fu superstar Bruce Lee.

In the comics, he is a good friend of Spider-Man. He has carried out major event missions with Black Widow, Spider-Woman, and Wolverine many times, and they have also blocked Thanos together.

However, their combat power is a bit worse than that of the First T Team, and they should really be strengthened.

Gradually, Kevin Feige also joined in, completely forgetting the discomfort just now, and the three of them discussed the comic plot enthusiastically.

It can be seen that several people like comics very much.Men are actually that simple, they will forget everything else when discussing the things they love.

Compared with movies, comics are not widely disseminated.

However, comics can carry far more imagination and big scenes than movies.Think about crushing the multiverse with your bare hands and destroying planets in an instant. You can draw it in a comic with a random page, but it would be too expensive to do it in a movie.

Fiona came over at this time and patted Luo Ji on the shoulder who was chatting happily: "Mr. Perlmutter is here. You asked me to notify you when he said he was here."

Luo Ji looked at his two Marvel executives: "I don't have anything to do here, you go and enjoy the party."

"Ok."

"Goodbye."

Luo Ji stared at Avi Alade's disappearing back, stroking his chin in thought.

Fiona saw Luo Ji's expression and whispered in her ear, "What else are you planning?"

Luo Ji first looked around and found no one, then he said, "Thinking about how to get Marvel to lay off employees."

Fiona was full of surprise: "Didn't you promise them that you would try not to interfere in Marvel's affairs within three years?"

"You also said, try your best!" Luo Ji said lightly, "I have the final right to explain your best efforts."

Fiona looked at Avi Arad in the distance: "Are you going to lay off this CEO?"

"Then it depends on whether he is willing to cooperate with me." Luo Ji continued: "What I actually want to lay off is the Marvel toy and sticker production factory in Ohio, owned by Marvel, which has a large number of employees. Helping high-wage workers in the United States greatly reduces profits."

Fiona curled her lips: "Humph, capitalist!"

Luo Ji said, "I'm not the only one who did this. The toy and sticker production industry in the United States has long been outsourced to Southeast Asia and China. By then, we will only retain a few toy and sticker sales departments. The factory will be sold together with the land. After that, maybe we can get back some blood for Marvel. By then, Marvel’s profits from toy sales will definitely increase greatly!”

Fiona said: "You think so well, why didn't Perlmutter and Avi Arad do it before? Aren't they stupid?"

"That's because they started this toy company and they have feelings for this factory. You should know that founders always have feelings for the companies that made them rise."

Luo Ji then said slowly: "Emotions are irrational and do not conform to the logic of business operations!"

The predecessor of this toy factory was Toy Biz Toy Company, which merged with Marvel in the 90s.Perlmutter and Avi Arad came from this company.

However, they finally drove out Perelman in the corporate struggle and took over Marvel, taking over the magpie's nest.As for a toy production and distribution company, it is certainly not as well-known as Marvel.The final overall brand was determined to be Marvel.

"Okay." Fiona just mocked her nephew every day. She definitely didn't care much about the closure of the factory thousands of miles away.

Fiona thought for a while and continued: "When are you planning to lay off employees?"

"Let's talk about it next month," Luo Ji said, "I don't have much control over Marvel right now, and Marvel is so popular right now that the media is watching my every move."

"Even if the heat subsides by then, there will definitely be media reports, and the blame will definitely fall on you." Fiona then said with some concern: "This is not good for your reputation."

Luo Ji stared at Fiona and smiled: "It doesn't matter, you already said it, I am a capitalist! And capitalists, when choosing between fame and wealth, will always choose the latter."

(End of this chapter)