From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

"Surely Sony Columbia wouldn't make such a low-level mistake?" Lucas raised his eyebrows slightly, a hint of surprise in his eyes, not believing it.

Anson, however, seemed remarkably calm. "It's not a low-level mistake."

"More accurately, movie companies currently don't have the concept of tying actors to superheroes. Firstly, they didn't anticipate that superhero movies could become a trend. Secondly, they didn't realize they should personify superheroes with actors, breaking the fourth wall for marketing."

That's precisely why it doesn't seem to matter if actors play different superheroes.

Halle Berry played "Catwoman" after appearing in "X-Men."

Chris Evans, "Fantastic Four" and "Captain America"; Ryan Reynolds, "Green Lantern" and "Deadpool"; Ben Affleck, "Daredevil" and "Batman."

And so on and so forth.

It wasn't until Disney realized the marketing strategy of tying Marvel characters together that the clause prohibiting actors from playing different superheroes to avoid disrupting audience associations appeared. But even then, it was still common for the same actor to play different superhero movie villains. After all, villains don't need to worry about breaking the fourth wall for promotional strategies.

As for now, the entire industry hasn't realized the possibilities, including Sony Columbia, so naturally, there are no related clauses.

Imagine Spider-Man transforming into Constantine, smoking away half his life, instantly evolving from a naive middle schooler into a weathered old smoker. The audience in the movie theater would collectively lose their minds.

That being said, "But this producer probably doesn't know that Sony Columbia doesn't have such a clause." Lucas agreed with Anson's earlier point—

Lauren wouldn't be completely ignorant when submitting the project to Forest Films.

Anson shrugged slightly. "I'm not her. I can't judge what this producer is thinking. In my opinion, there are two possibilities."

"One possibility is that Lauren simply doesn't consider Constantine a superhero. And it's true, he's more like a rebel challenging taboos and principles than a superhero. Plus, the original comic has a smaller audience, so the movie can completely abandon superhero promotional language."

"Another possibility is that Lauren is doing it on purpose, deliberately using Spider-Man's influence as a gimmick to attract more investors' attention."

Lucas raised his chin slightly, pondering for a moment.

"She can use us, and we can use her too."

Anson was slightly stunned, then laughed directly. "As expected, different professions have different perspectives."

Lucas could sense Anson's teasing, but he didn't mind. "Next, 'Spider-Man 2' will be released, and our negotiations with Sony Columbia will begin."

"In Sony Columbia's eyes, we have no reason to leave this series. Now, let's give them a reason. We don't need 'Spider-Man 3'. In fact, it's Sony Columbia who needs us."

Anson was taken aback. "Wow, do you mean to use 'Hellblazer' as a bargaining chip to challenge Sony Columbia? The weight of this project probably isn't enough. If it were 'Batman,' the situation might be different."

Lucas shook his head. "Not necessarily."

"As you said, Batman is famous. You're just jumping from one pit to another, unless the movie company holding the Batman rights is willing to bid against Sony Columbia..."

"A smaller reputation means fewer constraints. Forest Films can spread its wings, and you can develop it according to your own wishes. This contrasts sharply with 'Spider-Man 3', making it more convincing in Sony Columbia's eyes."

Anson raised his chin slightly—

Commercial gamesmanship, this is indeed Lucas's strength.

Lucas looked at Anson. "So, are you interested in starring in this project?"

Anson: "I think it's a very interesting character, suitable for being cool, but he's an old smoker..."

Before Anson could finish speaking, Lucas directly cut him off. "No." He swiftly snatched the project proposal from Anson's hand. "I'll keep it here."

Anson was dumbfounded, understanding without Lucas even needing to explain. "Luca, you... So, are all projects involving smoking and drinking forbidden from now on?"

Lucas: "Just this once, just this once."

"You just finished such a project. Wouldn't it be better to choose something light and happy for the next project?" He couldn't help but feel a little guilty under Anson's gaze. "Not just this time, 'The Butterfly Effect', 'Elephant', 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', including 'Catch Me If You Can', they're all the same. Next time, let's film a comedy."

Anson looked at Lucas, finally realizing something. "So, you were just picking out comedies?"

Lucas: ...

Anson lowered his head and flipped through the projects, pulling one out and reading it carefully. "Then it's this project. It's very suitable, one hundred percent, after all, it's a fairy tale."

Anson showed the cover to Lucas—

"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

This isn't just a project proposal, but a script, adapted from the 1964 novel of the same name by British author Roald Dahl. It's a globally renowned children's literature.

The movie tells the story of the mysterious Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory, which has been unvisited for fifteen years. One day, Willy Wonka announces that he will open it to five lucky children, as long as they find a Golden Ticket in a chocolate bar. They will not only be able to tour the factory but also have the chance to win a lifetime supply of chocolate and candy. So, five children embark on a magical adventure.

Undoubtedly, a fairy tale movie is not only a comedy but also an adventure fantasy type, perfectly meeting Lucas's requirements.

What Lucas doesn't know is that "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" later achieved great success, grossing over $430 million worldwide.

And, eighteen years later, a spin-off movie "Wonka" was born, also achieving box office success.

At this moment, Lucas could feel Anson's teasing and吐槽.

Lucas smiled wryly, raising the corners of his mouth. "I'm really curious, are they inviting you to play Willy Wonka or Charlie?"

Charlie? The eleven-year-old boy in the movie, who is also the true protagonist of the movie.

Anson didn't mind Lucas's counterattack. He couldn't help but show a big smile. "What I'm really curious about is how this project ended up in Edgar's hands. I wonder what image I have in the producer's mind in the movie?"

Fairy tale? Fantasy? Adventure?

It should be very different from "The Princess Diaries". This is a type that Anson hasn't tried yet.