America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM

Chapter 344 342. Another US$3 billion spent

"Mother"

Liu Xiaoli opened her eyes tiredly and saw her daughter standing in front of the bed.

"What's wrong with you? Why don't you go to bed? It's only what time it is."

"I woke up and I couldn't find Eric. There was no one in the toilet either. Do you know where he went?"

Lao Liu thought about where he could go. After torturing your mother, he could pat his butt and leave.

Eric had already told her the situation. There were still six tigers and wolves waiting for food at home, and he would not easily stay outside for the night.

"He, he left. He left after you fell asleep."

"Ah? Why are you leaving? You didn't even tell me."

Looking at her daughter who was a little stupid, Liu Xiaoli sat up and immediately became red and swollen. The damn guy didn't know how to show mercy to her.

"Sissi, sit here and I'll tell you something."

"What's up?"

"About what happened between you and Eric."

It’s mid-June, and a fierce fight is going on in the cinema.

Disney's masterpiece "Mulan 2" was released seven years ago in 1998, also in mid-June, when the first Mulan met the global audience.

As an ancient Chinese legend, Mulan joins the army, but it was filmed in Hollywood on the other side of the ocean in a new way.

After Disney's production, the characters were lively and interesting, and it eventually grossed more than 300 million U.S. dollars at the global box office.

That was US$300 million in 1998. Needless to say, it was one of the top ten grossing movies in the world that year.

Hua Mulan, a Chinese character, has also become one of the Disney princesses.

This incident had a huge impact on domestic filmmakers back then, and it was ironic.

As a sequel, "Mulan 2" is naturally highly anticipated. Many children and adults are waiting to go to the cinema to experience Mulan and Mushu Dragon.

Unfortunately, the ideal is very full and the reality is very skinny.

Although it was created by the original cast, "Mulan 2" received rave reviews after its release.

Without the blessing of legendary stories, the screenwriter applied modern core to the ancients, turning the movie into a bloody love story.

This kind of rigid application produced a serious sense of fragmentation and discomfort, and directors Rooney and Lynn Sutherland were almost sprayed in the face by the audience and critics.

Great subject matter is wasted like this, it would be better not to shoot it.

Elizabeth wanted to take Eric to watch the premiere, but Eric refused.

"Baby, promise me not to watch it. This is definitely a complete bad movie. You will be disappointed."

"Why? How do you know if you haven't seen it yet?" Aomei was a little dissatisfied.

"Because this movie was filmed last year and has been backlogged in Disney's film library for a year."

"If it was really a high-quality film, they would have taken it out to attack MGM last year."

"But the fact is that Disney chose to let the movie sit in the film library and gather dust. Why do you think it is?"

"Although your analysis makes sense, I still want to see it. That was my childhood, okay? You go with me, okay?" Aomei pouted and started acting coquettishly.

Eric was so entangled by her that he had no choice but to agree: "Call daddy, and I will take you there!"

"dad!"

"Be good, let's go then."

Then Omei vomited before she finished watching it. She was vomiting and cursing at the same time. It was a pure money-making movie without any sincerity.

MGM released a blockbuster movie in June, "Rush" starring Fahrenheit.

This movie is actually a fast and furious bank robbery brought to the big screen.

As the protagonist, Fasha naturally takes over the role of Paul Walker.

Then he also brought in Dwayne Johnson, who has a bald head, and his target is naturally family man Vin Diesel.

Although Johnson will become a big name in Hollywood in another ten years, his popularity is not as popular as Vin Diesel now.

His main career is still in WWE. In the film industry, he guest-starred as the Scorpion King in "The Mummy 2" and starred in the spin-off movie "The Scorpion King".

The other works he starred in all received mediocre response. After receiving the invitation, he saw that it was a double-male lead, an A-level production, and Le's nose was bubbling.

The female lead went to Eliza Dushku, who played Agent Carter in "Captain America" ​​and gained some fame.

At this point, the movie tailor-made for the British trio is complete.

And "Hurry", just like its name, started a high-speed ride in the cinema.

The violent driving scenes, especially the use of safes as weapons to rampage through the streets, made every audience who entered the cinema excited.

It’s so exciting, this is drag racing!

Although film critics did not acknowledge the film's connotation, they praised it as a qualified commercial blockbuster.

If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, go watch "Rush" at the movies.

As for "Fast and Furious", the pressure is on them.

Fshark, Johnson and Eliza Dushku also became famous in what will become their masterpiece.

However, although "Cyclonus" is very fierce, it can only get the runner-up position.

Because there is also a national-level super IP "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" on it.

As a Chinese in his previous life, Eric had watched the Star Wars movies, but to be honest, he didn't think they were that great.

He still buys peripherals like Transformers and Lord of the Rings, but Star Wars has never occupied his heart.

But it's different when you come to the United States. When Star Wars elements pop up around you from time to time, you will naturally integrate into it as time goes by.

Just like a cultural identity, the atmosphere has been formed and will gradually assimilate the people around you.

Just like the old version of the Four Great Classics TV series, everyone agrees and you slowly accept it.

And compared to "Attack of the Clones", George Lucas is obviously more attentive to this film, and there has been progress in polishing the script.

The big IP and good reputation naturally brought about explosive box office.

In half a month, it has grossed US$488 million at the global box office. Not only did Lucas avenge his shame, but it also gave Fox the loudest hit of the year.

As for the sniper plan originally formulated by Eric and Judy, it was no longer needed.

Now that MGM is the industry leader and Warner Bros. is about to be acquired, everyone with a discerning eye knows how to choose.

"Rush" took in a box office of US$124 million in North America. Box predicts that it will eventually reach US$450 million globally. Whether it can reach US$500 million depends on luck.

"Mulan 2"?

No one cares about that piece of garbage anymore.

But while the box office war is fiercely underway, entertainment reporters are focusing on the other side.

Hundreds of media outlets gathered around a vacation home in Santa Monica.

Even at the seaside, the weather in June is very hot, but even though they are sweating profusely, these people are unwilling to leave and are still waiting for the door of the villa to open.

"How long have they been in there?"

"In just one hour, damn it, come out quickly, why did you choose the location here?"

"It's only been an hour. It's probably going to take a while."

"I'm not sure. The content should have been negotiated in advance. I just need to sign it beforehand."

"I hope so, but the movie hasn't been finished yet. Why didn't George Lucas wait for a while? The higher the box office, the more he will get."

"Perhaps the box office has been paid according to the estimated box office, and don't forget that "The Conjuring 2" and "The Conjuring" have also kept MGM's stock price growing."

"What does Lucasfilm have? It's nothing more than the Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark series. Star Wars won't have a sequel in the short term, and Raiders of the Lost Ark has no plans."

"If this drags on, Lucasfilm will become less and less able to keep up with MGM. It's better to sell some favors now and join as soon as possible."

"I heard that George Lucas is planning to retire. Maybe that's true. The Star Wars prequel trilogy is over. He has indeed completed his mission."

"I have also heard this rumor. He must be at least 60 years old. At this age, it is better to go for leisure and entertainment."

"It's amazing. Once MGM annexes Lucasfilm, special effects technology will usher in a qualitative leap. This lion is constantly strengthening and improving itself."

"On the contrary, I think Disney is going to be in trouble. It will become increasingly difficult for it to resist MGM's attack."

"The production of "Mulan 2" is so bad, but Michael Inus still doesn't step down. I don't understand what Disney's board of directors is doing."

"Rumors say that they are already considering dismissing Michael Ainas, and maybe they will seek peace."

"real or fake?"

"I don't know. I told you it was hearsay."

Bang bang bang.

At this time, the entire audience in the villa stood up and applauded.

Eric and George Lucas hold hands together and sign their names on a document on the table, symbolizing the official completion of the acquisition of Lucasfilm.

The transaction cost a total of US$3.055 billion, using an equity plus cash model.

The contract includes Lucasfilm, as well as core resources such as Industrial Light and Magic Special Effects and Skywalker Mixing Room.

From then on they became Eric's personal property.

That's right, it doesn't belong to MGM, but to Eric personally.

Because Lucasfilm is a company 100% owned by George Lucas, it is not listed at all.

So Eric bought it for US$2 billion and 3.87% of MGM's equity.

With this equity, George Sr. can be regarded as the second largest individual shareholder of MGM.

However, he said that he would not participate in the operation of the company and only wanted to quietly collect money and dividends to ensure that he would have enough food and clothing for the rest of his life.

On the contrary, Warner spent US$51 billion on this acquisition.

But since it is a listed company, what Eric bought is actually equivalent to the shares of those on the board of directors.

He personally will become Warner's largest shareholder, but Warner does not belong to him personally. There is still a lot of money that belongs to the market and stock investors.

"Let's go. There are still many reporters waiting outside. It's time to announce the good news to everyone."

"good."

George Lucas nodded and the two walked in front side by side.

Click!

The door of the villa opened and the waiter greeted him. The reporters immediately shouted long live in their hearts and hurriedly walked in.

When I came to the lobby, after waiting for a while, I saw a young man and an old man with a gray beard walking out with a group of people each.

"I am honored to announce to everyone that I have just reached a cooperation agreement with Mr. George Lucas."

"I personally will pay $3.055 billion in equity and cash to buy the entire Lucasfilm from Mr. Lucas."

The old man took over: "This is definitely an exciting collaboration. Eric is a very capable and accomplished filmmaker and entrepreneur."

"Under his leadership, we can foresee that the company will develop better, which is what I look forward to."

After that, the two hugged each other gently in front of everyone, and then faced the reporters, asking them to take pictures and record this important moment.

After a burst of flashes, reporters on the scene began to raise their hands to ask questions.

"Mr. Cooper, owning Lucasfilm means owning Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Do you plan to shoot a new series?"

Eric smiled and pointed to the ceiling: "Revenge of the Sith is still in the cinema. I don't think Star Wars will be restarted in the short term."

"But I have considered shooting a TV series. Star Wars has never landed on the small screen. This will be an interesting story."

Hearing this, the reporter asked excitedly: "I am a big fan of Star Wars, Mr. Cooper, have you written the script?"

"No, I just have an idea. This story will take place after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order. It will revolve around the remote star belt of the Milky Way far away from the control of the New Republic."

"There are many clues and characters to explore, which will connect the plots of the Star Wars series."

"Do you have a name? Have you named this series?" Another reporter asked quickly.

"Yeah! I want to call it "The Mandalorian."

The reporters immediately remembered the name firmly in their hearts and sent out the manuscripts when they returned. It will definitely be a big wave of traffic when the movie is released.

"What about Indiana Jones? Are there any plans for Indiana Jones? The last movie was more than a decade ago."

Eric recalled Indiana Jones 4 in his mind. Although it was produced by Spielberg, the movie received mixed reviews.

The plot did not grasp the pulse of the market and the times, and it ushered in a wave of criticism.

Although the reputation was not as good as the first three films, the box office was very popular, with nearly 800 million US dollars worldwide.

The 800 million US dollars in 2008 was much higher than Iron Man.

After all, it was a big IP return work after more than ten years, and selling feelings can also make a lot of money.

Avoid those big pits and change the plot, and the movie will be very interesting.

"Yes, I personally like the Indiana Jones series very much. Indiana Jones is the hero dream of every man."

"I will make the fourth one, maybe it will be available to everyone during the Christmas season next year."

The reporters were in high spirits again, and the blockbuster news came one after another.

After asking some more questions, they turned their attention to George Lucas.

The old man smiled and waved his hands: "Yes, I will not be involved in the development of the Star Wars series in the future. I will only serve as an art director or something like that."

"The old man can no longer keep up with the times of the young people. Let me take a break."

"What do I want to do?"

"I will probably try to shoot some experimental films. This is actually my long-cherished wish, but I simply don't have the time. You know."

"Of course, I have 100% confidence that Eric can bring new life to the two series. I will definitely pay attention to The Mandalorian."