Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 217 Afternoon

The reason Wu Yuchen personally came over was twofold: first, to show his sincerity, and second, to end the battle as soon as possible.

Because after the huge success of "X-Men" two months later, the prices of Marvel superheroes will likely increase. Although the increase won't be too significant, it's possible that Ike Perlmutter, the major shareholder, might not want to sell his shares.

The team has currently offered $1.5 million for the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Ike Perlmutter holding an 80% stake. At present, Marvel's majority assets are not the superhero copyrights, but rather their comic book and toy companies. Marvel still has a considerable number of comic book fans who continue to buy their comics.

For Wu Yuchen, he had two options. The first option was to directly buy Marvel and become its major shareholder, which would be ideal.

The second option is to buy the rights to Marvel's superheroes if they can't buy Marvel itself.

To be honest, at current prices, Marvel's remaining copyrights wouldn't cost much. However, this has a drawback: it prevents Marvel Comics from cooperating with your movies. Over time, as the movies make more money, Marvel will become increasingly envious. They might even kill off the hero because they're unhappy with you making so much while they get nothing, resulting in a lose-lose situation.

Ike pondered for a moment, then said to Wu Yuchen:

“Wu, this is indeed a good investment for me, but I don’t want to sell it all. I have a feeling that your arrival will make Marvel better. I’ll sell you 65% of the shares for $1 million, and I’ll keep 15% for myself. How does that sound?”

Wu Yuchen thought about it and figured that buying 65% was about right. Marvel still had 10% of its shares held by executive Avi Arad, and another 10% were scattered among minority shareholders. He could contact them and buy some more from them, eventually bringing the total to over 70%, which would be enough.

Wu Yuchen extended his hand and shook hands with Ike Perlmutter: "Deal!"

Ultimately, Wu Yuchen bought another 5% from Avi Arad and another 3.4% from others, bringing his total stake in Marvel to 73.4%, making him the true largest shareholder of Marvel.

After he bought Marvel, the first thing he did at the board meeting was to ask Marvel to take back all the "sons" that had been sold off. This naturally pleased some long-time employees, since they were the "sons" they had created!
However, some executives objected because Marvel simply didn't have the money. To address this, Wu Yuchen provided Marvel with a three-year, $20 million interest-free loan specifically for repurchasing copyrights, a move that naturally won over many within the company.

The first target to be discussed is Spider-Man. Although it is unknown whether Sony is willing to sell it back, we have to try. We can get back as much as we can, because Spider-Man is too tempting!
There's still some hope in talking about it now. But once Sony sees the success of "X-Men" at the box office in two months, they'll definitely start preparing for the "Spider-Man" movie right away.

The Marvel superhero copyrights that truly impressed Hollywood wouldn't be revealed until the release of Spider-Man two years later. Now is the time to buy back as many as possible, even if it means spending some money.

As for Marvel's daily management, it continues to operate as before. Marvel has its own committee, and the top executives are still Ike Perlmutter and Avi Arad. Meanwhile, Wu Yuchen also plans to poach Kevin Feige, currently one of the producers of *X-Men*, specifically to oversee Marvel's superhero film business.

However, for the board and committee to agree to take on this important task, they will have to wait until after the release of "X-Men" and achieve its success before they will trust Kevin Feige.

After settling things off with Marvel, Wu Yuchen immediately flew back to Los Angeles, where filming for "The Pirate King" was about to begin.

At the press conference for the start of filming of "The Pirate King", not only did Wu Yuchen bring the main cast of the film, but even Spielberg came to show his support. After all, DreamWorks has invested so much money, so they have to do a good job of marketing from the very beginning.

"Mr. Spielberg, what made DreamWorks willing to invest heavily in a pirate-themed movie?"

"It's very simple. I was moved by Wu and his interesting story. I've always followed one principle when making movies: they have to be interesting. And DreamWorks is a place that creates dreams. We're very willing to bring the interesting story of 'The Pirate King' to the big screen. As for the subject matter of the film, it's not a problem at all for a good director. 'The Sixth Sense,' a horror film, still achieved super high box office results. We believe that Wu can create another miracle!"

Reporters jotted down notes on keywords such as pirate theme and director of a miracle.

Then, many reporters focused their questions on the lead actors, specifically why Johnny Depp and Keira Knightley were chosen. Wu Yuchen's answer was simple: they were suitable.

At this moment, a reporter raised his hand and asked:

"Director Wu, some people are comparing your upcoming film, 'The Pirate King,' to 'Pearl Harbor,' both of which are big-budget productions with a budget of 1.4 million. What is your opinion on this?"

"Pearl Harbor" started filming a month ago, and it's a big production, one of Disney's major investments this year. Just a month later, DreamWorks and Wu Yuchen's team also started filming a $1.4 million film, "The Pirate King," which inevitably led many people to compare the two movies.

Wu Yuchen smiled upon hearing this, then declared firmly into the microphone: "The Pirate King will shatter Disney's Pearl Harbor dream next year!"

These words immediately ignited the atmosphere among the reporters present. They had all expected Wu Yuchen to offer some polite, bureaucratic refrains, as was the norm. But they hadn't expected him to so bluntly declare war on *Pearl Harbor*, and the tone was incredibly confrontational!
"Wu, may I ask why you are so confident?"

"Wu, what are your box office expectations?"

"Wu, do you have a conflict with Disney?"

"Wu, do you not take Michael Bay seriously?"

Wu Yuchen did not continue to answer the questions that were being asked, and the press officer announced that the press conference was over.

Upon reaching the back lounge, Spielberg couldn't help but say to Wu Yuchen, "Wu, you're really direct..."

Wu Yuchen chuckled and said, "Steven, I'm doing this all for the good of the production team. This way, the attention on our 'Pirate King' will definitely increase. From now on, whenever people mention 'Pearl Harbor,' they'll definitely think of our 'Pirate King.' I've saved the production team a lot of money on publicity!"

Although Wu Yuchen's words made a lot of sense, Spielberg knew that he was only there for Disney, so he shook his head and asked Wu Yuchen:
“Wu, this is a 1.4 million investment. Don’t act rashly. If you make promises now and they don’t come true next year, you’ll face the backlash. There’s no need to really go against Pearl Harbor…”

In Hollywood, while these major studios or big productions sometimes collaborate on hype, they rarely have direct conflicts. Their release dates are often staggered, and they agree on this beforehand.

"Why not? I'm a man of my word. 'The Pirate King' will be released on the same day as 'Pearl Harbor,' crushing 'Pearl Harbor' head-on. We will win everything!"

Wu Yuchen gave Spielberg a confident smile before turning and leaving, leaving Spielberg with a hand on his forehead, realizing he had underestimated the youthful spirit. He had assumed that even if Wu Yuchen wanted revenge against Eisner and Disney, making money would be his primary goal; he hadn't expected the young man to be so hot-blooded!

"Wow, Wu, what you just said has really impressed me!"

Depp seemed to have entered Captain Jack Sparrow mode, twirling his index finger in the air as he spoke to Wu Yuchen.

Wu Yuchen laughed and said, "It's just 'Pearl Harbor,' Depp. If you don't want to be ridiculed for not being able to carry a film, then give me a performance that will impress you during filming!"

Depp gave a soft hum, but his fighting spirit was also ignited.

Keira Natelli then asked in a low voice, "Director, are we really going to go head-to-head with Pearl Harbor?"

"What? Are you insecure about yourself, or about me and 'Pirate King'?" Wu Yuchen retorted.

Kayla quickly waved her hand: "Oh, no, no, Mr. Director, I just feel a little... nervous and excited, yes, I'm excited!"

She dared not speak her mind. In fact, even she didn't think there was much to be done with the pirate theme. She had read the script, and it wasn't anything particularly unique. Would the audience really like this kind of thing?

Only Hugh Jackman said to Wu Yuchen, "Director, I believe you can do it!"

Hugh Jackman was one of the first people to know Wu Yuchen. Over the years, he has watched Wu Yuchen create miracles and has benefited from it himself. Naturally, he firmly supports Wu Yuchen, his mentor.

Wu Yuchen smiled upon hearing this: "No, it's something we can do!"

……

"The Pirate King challenges Pearl Harbor: a showdown between two $1.4 million blockbusters!"

"Wu Yuchen fearlessly takes on the pirate theme, openly challenging 'Pearl Harbor'!"

In the Disney president's office, Michael Eisner frowned as he looked at the report in his hand and asked Miles, "Have DreamWorks and this Wu lost their minds?"

Pearl Harbor is Disney's biggest film project this year, and it's something Michael Eisner values ​​highly. Not only did he bring in Hollywood's top producer Jerry Bruckheimer, but the director is also Michael Bay, who has had a string of box office hits in recent years. It's aimed at competing with Titanic, with a box office target of $10 billion.

Now DreamWorks and Wu Yuchen have made a pirate-themed movie that's box office poison, and they dare to provoke Disney?
Miles smiled obsequiously at Eisner and said, "Mr. Eisner, this must be a marketing strategy devised by the other party. They just want to ride on the popularity of our 'Pearl Harbor' and enter the public eye in one fell swoop."

Eisner nodded upon hearing this, then asked with slight displeasure, "What's their lineup?"

After hearing Miles's introduction, Eisner couldn't help but laugh contemptuously: "Ha, a weirdo, a newly emerged Australian, and a 15-year-old stand-in girl, with this kind of main cast, plus a pirate theme, who gave them the confidence to challenge our 'Pearl Harbor'!"

"You're right. Wu is too young. He's become arrogant after a few consecutive high-grossing films. Even Spielberg has lost his head. 'Pirates of the Caribbean' is not worthy of being our opponent. They'll be crying when the movie is released next year."

However, Mr. Eisner, I think this topic is also very advantageous for us. Two big-budget productions of $1.4 million have been rivals since filming began, and this year-long rivalry is sure to attract a lot of attention.

"I believe the showdown between our two blockbuster films will definitely become the focus of attention in Hollywood next year, and even the whole world. No other film can compare to our viewership. Then, we can launch a full-scale attack on 'The Pirate King' with 'Pearl Harbor,' defeat them in front of the whole world, become the victor, and have a box office explosion. What a perfect script!" Eisner's eyes lit up after hearing this, and he nodded in satisfaction. He was also looking forward to the scene described by Miles, mainly because it could boost the box office of 'Pearl Harbor.'

“Good, Miles, do as you say. Have the Pearl Harbor crew cooperate with the related hype and gradually build up the buzz.”

"Of course, Mr. Eisner, the publicity department will handle things carefully."

Shortly after the "Pirates of the Caribbean" press conference, the "Pearl Harbor" crew also responded. It was none other than the film's director, Michael Bay, also known as "Explosive Bay."

"Michael, have you heard about the challenge that Wu Yu-chen and 'Pirate King' have issued to you?"

Michael Bay smiled and said to the reporter in a relaxed manner:

"Oh, we didn't receive anything as formal as a challenge. But I heard what Wu Yuchen said; he's a good director, and both 'Pearl Harbor' and I are looking forward to his challenge!"

He didn't say anything more, just gave a simple response as instructed by the publicity staff, and he was the only one to speak; the rest of the crew remained silent. This was also part of the production team's publicity strategy. After all, filming had just started, and making such a big fuss wouldn't be useful. They would maintain the buzz by occasionally engaging in verbal sparring and playful banter with the other side, and then really go all out and fight back when the film was about to be released next year.

Even so, it still attracted considerable attention from movie fans. Michael Bay and Wu Yuchen are among the youngest representatives of Hollywood's top directors. Since his debut, Michael Bay's films such as "Bad Boys," "The Rock," and "Armageddon" have all been box office hits, and he is particularly skilled at directing large-scale scenes.

Now these two are facing off, and both are big-budget productions costing 1.4 million each. This is really going to be interesting!

Many people immediately started discussing the two works, Pearl Harbor and Pirate King.

Although Wu Yuchen's three films have outperformed Michael Bay at the box office, none of them have been big-budget productions, and the pirate genre has been unpopular in the market in recent years. Therefore, there are more voices supporting Michael Bay and "Pearl Harbor" this time.

However, Wu Yuchen has not responded to these comments. He is currently busy filming in a studio in Los Angeles and has no time to engage in verbal sparring with the other party.

It's impossible to shoot "The Pirate King" in chronological order; that would be incredibly exhausting, and it would probably take a year to finish filming.

The route was planned out: first, we'd shoot some scenes in a studio in Los Angeles, then head to Port San Pedro in Los Angeles, then to the set built in the South Bay, then to St. Vincent in the Caribbean, which would be the main filming location, and finally to the treasure cave where the climax scene would take place.

"Pass! 20-minute break."

The crew filmed for more than half a month, and everyone gradually got into character. Overall, Wu Yuchen was satisfied.

Taking advantage of this moment, Wu Yuchen was explaining the effects he wanted to the special effects team:

"It's not a purely romantic style; I want a sense of historical fantasy. And have the data on the pirate crew been collected yet?"

When creating the skeleton image for each person, it's not just a simple computer effect. The production team will input the actors' body scan data into the computer to ensure that each skeleton image matches the appearance and movement characteristics of the character.

"It will take some time; the process is not that simple."

Wu Yuchen nodded, then turned to the makeup and styling staff and asked, "I want their eyes to look more sinister and ruthless, is there any way to do that?"

"You could try wearing contact lenses with a passivation treatment."

Just then, Wu Yuchen's phone rang. He waved for someone to do it and answered the phone himself.

"Wu, Sony has relented!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Yuchen's spirits lifted, after all, it was Little Spider!
"How to say?"

"Sony said that if you, Wu, are willing to direct Spider-Man yourself, then they will agree to let us redeem half of the film and television rights to Spider-Man."

After hearing this, Wu Yuchen shook his head with a slight wry smile. It seemed Sony wasn't stupid after all. He was naturally happy to get half of the Spider-Man rights back, but directing it was a different story. He was already busy enough directing the Pirate King trilogy; if he were to direct a Spider-Man trilogy, he wouldn't be able to make any other films for the next five years—all his time would be devoted to these two series.

Although both the Pirate King trilogy and the Spider-Man trilogy were huge box office hits, he didn't want to be completely tied to them for the next few years!

Wu Yuchen sighed, then thought for a moment and said:
"I can't direct Spider-Man, but you can tell Sony that I will personally tailor the most suitable script for Spider-Man, not just one movie, but a trilogy. I already have a complete plan in mind, and I can also be the project producer and control the direction of the entire project. Go and talk to them again."

Wu Yuchen felt that this was the most he could do, and now he just had to see if Sony would be interested.

……

At Sony Columbia, a discussion about Spider-Man and Wu Yuchen is also underway.

What do you think of Marvel's proposal?

"If Wu is willing to direct this, that would be ideal. If he can't, then I think giving Marvel half of the rights wouldn't make much sense. Besides, can they even afford that much money right now?"

Giving Marvel half of the film and television rights comes with conditions: whichever company makes a Spider-Man solo film, the other company has the right to half of the investment rights, which is equivalent to sharing the risks and profits.

"Last year, we bought the rights to Spider-Man because we saw the success of Blade and considered it a casual move. But we didn't expect that Wu Yuchen would become a new shareholder of Marvel and have mature plans and ideas for adapting Spider-Man into a film."

I think we can collaborate with him. After all, a good copyright is one that can guarantee box office success; otherwise, it's a waste to just hold onto it. Besides, we had an agreement with Marvel that we must produce and release a Spider-Man movie within five years, or we'll have to return the Spider-Man copyright. Isn't this a perfect opportunity?

“I also agree to collaborate with Wu. Given his current achievements, this could increase the project’s success rate. However, I think that since he can’t direct the project himself, the percentage of the copyright redemption can be adjusted.”

"Then let's negotiate with Marvel again."

……

"30%?" Wu Yuchen asked, frowning.

"Yes, Sony agreed to let us redeem 30% of the film and television rights to Spider-Man for $200 million, on the condition that you provide a complete plan for the Spider-Man project, give us the script, and also serve as one of the producers."

"Can't we talk anymore?"

It used to be 50%, but now it's dropped to 30%, which makes Wu Yuchen feel a little heartbroken.

"This should be their final condition, unless you are willing to direct it yourself."

Wu Yuchen rubbed his chin, paced back and forth a few times with his phone in hand, and then said:
“You tell Sony that I can agree to this condition, and I will also write the script for the Spider-Man trilogy and serve as a producer, but I personally want 3% of the North American box office revenue of the Spider-Man movies.”

In fact, the Writers Guild of America stipulates that screenwriters can receive 3% of the net profit, but net profit is easily manipulated into a loss, so it's just an unrealistic expectation for most screenwriters. Wu Yuchen, however, is demanding a share of the box office revenue, which is a tangible and real benefit.

He then added, "Also, we need to reclaim the right to make Spider-Man a non-protagonist character in films and television series."

"Non-protagonist adaptations?"

"Yes, that means allowing Spider-Man to appear as a supporting character in our own Marvel movies, and Sony can't stop it."

Wu Yuchen made this request, of course, to prepare for Spider-Man's future inclusion in "The Avengers". In his previous life, Marvel had begged Sony for a long time, so he decided to settle it in one step now to avoid future disputes.

Sony Columbia.

"3% of the North American box office revenue? That's a deal many screenwriters dream of."

"Agree to it, as part of the total compensation for the producer and screenwriter. Anyway, if his script and plans can't convince us, we can simply refuse. As for the rights to this non-lead film, do they want to make other superhero movies?"

"Hehe, this doesn't matter at all. The only Marvel character that people can really appreciate is Spider-Man. We can add a condition: Spider-Man's total screen time in a single movie cannot exceed 20 minutes."

"Yes, Not Bad."

(End of this chapter)