While in Hollywood, I used Taoist magic to quell American terrorism.

Chapter 197 You want to buy "Iron Man"?

In the afternoon, Cao Kun met Peter Berg at a coffee shop in Santa Monica.

Peter Berger is 39 years old this year, with a thick head of hair, and has the feel of a handsome middle-aged man.

"Mr. Cao, the story you told is very interesting."

After exchanging pleasantries, Peter Berg got straight to the point, his tone filled with excitement.

"A superman who is an alcoholic, slovenly, and short-tempered man, hated by the public."

This goes against all the superhero images we're used to!

But it is precisely this contrast and realism that makes it so dramatic.

Cao Kun stirred his coffee and smiled, "Yes, the audience is getting a little tired of the traditional image of the righteous and glorious superman."

We need a hero who is more down-to-earth and has more human weaknesses.

The audience will wonder, how can such a jerk become a hero?

His transformation will be more convincing and more moving.

"That's right!" Peter Berger said, becoming more and more excited.

He shared his insights on the subject matter.

"I'm very interested in this movie; I feel it resonates with me a lot."

Cao Kun chuckled inwardly: [Nonsense, in another world this is your work, of course you'd find it fitting.]

Cao Kun: "I have a feeling that 'Superman Returns' won't do very well next year. After they fail, our movie will be just in time to let the audience see a different Superman."

They inherently possess a high level of popularity by comparing the two films.

This can save us a significant amount of advertising costs.

Peter Berger was taken aback: "You think 'Superman Returns' will be a flop?"

Cao Kun: "Highly probable."

"That's a really bold idea," Peter Berg said. "If that were to happen, it would certainly be of great benefit to us."

If they were paired with a popular male lead, it would definitely generate massive buzz.

Cao Kun: "That's right, who do you think is suitable?"

Peter Berg leaned forward: "The first person that comes to my mind is Tom Cruz."

I worked with him on "Collateral," and his professionalism and box office appeal are impeccable.

Cao Kun did not agree immediately.

Tom Cruz would indeed be a good fit.

In particular, it won't be long before the sensational sofa-jumping incident that will shake the entire entertainment industry worldwide happens.

Tom Cruz will face a lot of criticism and misunderstanding.

This, unwittingly, resonated with Hancock's state of mind.

If we let him play the role, he might actually be able to capture that feeling.

However, this guy has never played a superhero.

I don't know if it will feel awkward.

Fortunately, this character doesn't need to wear a bodysuit or cape.

In fact, Cao Kun had an even more suitable candidate.

Robert Downey Jr.

He'd be perfect for the role of Hancock.

He would be far more adept at portraying that sense of decadence than Tom Cruz.

However, this guy is currently very unpopular with the audience.

Completely lacking box office appeal, "Hancock" was an original script with absolutely no existing audience.

It might mess things up.

Besides, Iron Man is waiting for him.

Cao Kun: "He certainly could, but I remember he doesn't act in superhero movies."

Peter Berg: "Although he doesn't play superheroes, Hancock isn't a Marvel or DC series character."

It's not a story, but a separate, profound one. I'm confident I can convince him.

Cao Kun: "We can make contact first and see what he thinks. The actual signing will take a few months."

Peter Berg asked, puzzled, "Why is that?"

Cao Kun smiled slightly: "Preliminary preparations also take time. You must have spent a long time drawing storyboards. There's no need to rush the actors."

Peter Burger felt that this was probably not the real reason.

But I didn't ask any more questions.

Peter Berg: "Okay, now let's talk about one of my biggest concerns: my treatment."

After some negotiations, Peter Berg's director's fee was settled at $500 million.

Yes, after tax.

This price was a full $200 million higher than when he made "Collateral".

He was very satisfied and completely ignored the fact that Cao Kun's film and television production company was a new company.

This is my first work.

Of course, this was also because Cao Kun gave him a $100 million advance payment after he signed the director's contract, which calmed his uneasy mind.

Just after seeing Peter Berg off, Cao Kun's phone rang again.

The person who called was none other than Marvel's CEO, Avi.

Looking at the phone, Cao Kun could roughly guess the other party's purpose.

Cao Kun couldn't help but smile; the day he had been waiting for had finally arrived.

Cao Kun answered the phone: "Hello, Avi, what can I do for you?"

"Cao, I have something very important to discuss with you."

Avi's tone was very serious.

Cao Kun: "What is it?"

Avi: "We want to buy back the rights to Iron Man."

Cao Kun found it amusing.

He knew this day would come.

Marvel has a lot of heroes.

But audiences are tired of ordinary heroes, and after looking around, the Iron Man character is the most suitable for this stage.

In addition, mechs are something that naturally attract attention.

What man wouldn't love mecha?

Cao Kun: "Sure."

"Um?"

Avi was stunned for a moment, not expecting Cao Kun to agree so readily.

Cao Kun then said, "I'll sell it to you for $5 million."

There was a sudden silence on the other end of the phone.

Cao Kun heard two heavy breathing sounds.

Clearly, there were other people besides Avi.

Without even guessing, Cao Kun knew that the person was Permat.

After a long silence, Avi said in a deep voice, "Damn, I'm not joking."

Cao Kun: "Neither do I."

Avi: "You know, $5 million, that's impossible."

Cao Kun: "Then I can only apologize."

Avi sighed: "Alright, let's try a different cooperation model then."

Cao Kun: "Go on."

Avi: "You give us the publishing rights and we'll be responsible for producing the Iron Man movie."

Cao Kun: "How about this, we can have the copyright as a share, and I can also contribute some of the production funds."

Avi's voice suddenly rose a few decibels: "You mean, you want to take the majority?"

Cao Kun: "I will also contribute more funds, but I will not interfere with the production. How it is filmed and what it turns out to be are all up to you."

Upon hearing this, Avi's tone softened somewhat: "I need to think about it."

Cao Kun: "Sure, I have plenty of patience. If you're not willing, I can independently invest in and produce the Iron Man movie myself."

Avi's breathing quickened again: "I'll give you an answer as soon as possible."

Cao Kun: "Talking on the phone is too inconvenient. Next time, you can come to Los Angeles to talk to me directly."

After hanging up the phone, Cao Kun smiled silently.

Three days later, Avi and Perlmutter arrived in Los Angeles.

Previously, it was Cao Kun who went to NY to find them.

But now, the situation has reversed.

After several days of discussions, Cao Kun reached a preliminary cooperation agreement with them.

The rights to Iron Man were valued at $2000 million.

In addition, Cao Kun invested another $8000 million, bringing the total investment to $1 million, accounting for the majority of the investment.

The rest will be handled by Marvel.