From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

The success of "Iron Man" was just the beginning. At that time, Disney hadn't yet figured out the formula, proceeding cautiously. So, when Robert Downey Jr. starred in "Iron Man 3," his final salary, including box office revenue sharing, reached $50 million. This also became the swan song for top actor salaries.

This was the watershed moment.

Film production companies, led by Disney, began to transfer risk. Actors became bundled spokespersons for superheroes. Audiences went to the cinema because of the comic book characters and copyrighted works—not the actors themselves. As long as the film companies firmly controlled the copyrights, they held the power.

If the film companies were willing, they could replace actors and reboot the series at any time.

For example, the "Spider-Man" series.

For example, the "Superman" and "Batman" series.

At the same time, after "Iron Man," bundled contracts became increasingly common. Disney chose some third- and fourth-tier actors to play superhero roles, signing them up for multiple works at once. This was not only cost-effective but also prevented future troubles, ensuring they wouldn't be led by the nose by the actors, maintaining firm control of the situation.

It is precisely because of this that Leonardo DiCaprio is known as "the last superstar in Hollywood." After him, whether it was Johnny Depp or Robert Downey Jr., they were each tied to a single role and were unable to reproduce the superstar glory of the 1980s and 1990s.

Therefore, starring in a superhero movie after 2010 requires careful consideration.

But!

Before 2010, superhero movies presented a completely different picture.

Although superhero movies did not dominate the mainstream market during this period, and many flopped, in fact, looking back at the first decade of the 21st century from twenty years later, superhero movies did produce many excellent works.

Among these, "Spider-Man" was a unique classic.

Even twenty years later, with superhero movies like "The Avengers," "Captain America 2," and "Guardians of the Galaxy" dominating the big screen with both critical and commercial success, when people discuss the first version of "Spider-Man" from 2000, it is still an undisputed masterpiece.

The fundamental reason is that the director of this version of "Spider-Man," Sam Raimi, calmed down and delved into the world of a high school student, exploring Peter Parker's psychological changes after accidentally gaining superpowers, and using him as a basis to explore the idea of "with great power comes great responsibility," analyzing the superhero.

This central theme runs through the entire trilogy, not only giving Peter Parker a wonderful growth arc but also truly calmly considering the identity of a superhero—before being a hero, he is first and foremost an ordinary person with his own joys, sorrows, and vulnerabilities.

This quality is particularly rare and precious in all superhero movies.

It was precisely because of this that, in the original historical trajectory, "Spider-Man" created history, breaking a series of North American box office records and completely changing the position of comic book-adapted superhero movies, even changing the status of the North American summer season, leaving a brilliant mark.

Perhaps, younger audiences are familiar with Andrew Garfield's version of "The Amazing Spider-Man" or Tom Holland's version of "Spider-Man."

But in fact, for audiences who like superhero movies and genre films, the earliest version of "Spider-Man" is a classic not to be missed.

At this moment, Anson is on a plane to New York for the "Spider-Man" audition, and the mix of excitement and anticipation makes his mood soar.

However...

This is a challenge.

It's not that Anson lacks confidence, but because he's not sure if his style aligns with Sam Raimi's expectations.

In his previous life, Tobey Maguire became the first Spider-Man. This actor, with a shy and introverted temperament, was also a child star and a close friend of Leonardo DiCaprio. He already had a series of impressive performances before starring in "Spider-Man."

He starred in Ang Lee's "The Ice Storm" and "Ride with the Devil"; he also collaborated with Woody Allen on "Deconstructing Harry" and with Terry Gilliam on "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."

Last year, he co-starred with Charlize Theron in "The Cider House Rules," which was nominated for seven awards at the Venice Film Festival, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won two Oscars for Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay.

His resume is amazing.

In addition, his collaboration with Ang Lee and his close friendship with Leonardo DiCaprio closely linked Tobey with the "Spider-Man" crew. The director and producers should have already noticed him.

However, what really worries Anson is the actor's personal style.

Tobey Maguire is not a typical handsome guy. Of course, it's not that he's not good-looking, but he doesn't fit the general impression. He's neither tall and mighty nor handsome and dashing. He was chosen to be Spider-Man because of his neighborly kindness and warmth, and his approachable human touch is a bonus.

The positioning of "Spider-Man" is that of a New York citizen who is a righteous good neighbor, which is the key to Tobey's success.

And James Franco also said that Sony Columbia didn't want to find a Christopher Reeve-style standard handsome guy, which proves that in both his past and present lives, the director's casting strategy hasn't changed.

In his previous life, Tobey defeated James Franco to win the role.

So what about this life?

Obviously, Anson is not "neighborly" at all.

Oh, and there's James Franco!

In addition to Tobey, Anson also needs to compete head-to-head with James for the role of Peter Parker. It's a little exciting.

A challenge, indeed.

Anson is a little... excited.

Acting is a challenge in itself, isn't it? In "The Princess Diaries," Anson tried a little bit. Michael is a boy-next-door character, and perhaps those experiences can become nourishment for this audition, allowing him to continue exploring in the world of acting.

Anyway, he has nothing to lose.

Putting aside success or failure for the moment, he should enjoy this unexpected opportunity, fully demonstrate his abilities, strive for it with all his might, relax, leave no regrets, and then face the results calmly.

Outside the cabin window, the plane is slowly descending, passing through thick white clouds. The scattered city is presented like a Lego game, and then it gradually zooms in, becoming clearer in his field of vision.

He thought he would feel strange, but in fact, a sense of intimacy surged into his heart—

The Wood family lives in New York.

Although Lucas and Anson are both on the West Coast, both brothers were born and raised in New York, spending their rebellious youth here.

Now, Charles Wood and Nola Wood still live here, and their work and lives are all in this city.

Originally, Anson was worried about when he should return to New York, otherwise the Wood couple might go to Los Angeles at any time, but unexpectedly, the opportunity arose just like that, without brewing or hesitation. Before he could react, his feet had already stepped on the land of New York.

Anson is finally home.

Second update.