The richest actor in Hollywood.

The Los Angeles afternoon in May was already scorching. The sun had moved to the west but still shone brightly. In front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the red carpet was rolled out long and far to welcome the cast, crew, and guests attending the premiere. Not only were Matthew, Kevin Feige, Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, and Scarlett Johansson—all directly involved in the film—present, but even Stan Lee, Avi Arad, and other top executives from Marvel Comics had flown in from New York.

This was the inaugural film of the Marvel superhero movie series and the first installment in the Avengers initiative. For Marvel Comics, which was in a precarious situation, it was crucial—perhaps even a make-or-break moment for the entire company.

People like Matthew didn't have many suggestions, but the veterans like Stan Lee and Avi Arad knew just how tough it had been for Marvel to reach this point.

However, Matthew was very aware that if everything went as smoothly as the presales and previews suggested, a new era of Marvel superhero movies was about to begin.

By now, he was certain that even if the film didn't become a blockbuster, it wouldn't flop either.

In the two weeks leading up to the premiere, Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures had held several preview screenings for "Iron Man." Both media journalists and fan representatives gave the film overwhelmingly positive reviews.

As for the critics who nitpicked during the screenings, their opinions could generally be disregarded when it came to summer blockbusters.

Thanks to the effective marketing campaign and the promising word of mouth from the preview screenings, "Iron Man" had a strong presale performance, with North American pre-sales for the first three days nearing $18 million. Most market research companies predicted the film's opening weekend box office would be around $80 million.

This was already a huge surprise for Marvel. From Kevin Feige to Stan Lee, and from Jon Favreau to Avi Arad, everyone was beaming with genuine joy.

Judging from the reactions so far, it seemed that Marvel's gamble with "Iron Man" was paying off.

Having invested in the film, Matthew had come to realize just how dire Marvel's situation was. The $120 million investment in "Iron Man" from Marvel didn't include a single dollar out of Marvel's own pocket.

Marvel simply didn't have the capacity to pull funds from its necessary working capital. The entire $120 million was secured through a credit loan from Merrill Lynch, with Marvel's rights as collateral.

If "Iron Man" failed, Marvel might not be able to survive.

It had to be said that Marvel's management certainly had guts.

"Sometimes, when making movies, it's fun to add a bit of mystique around a legendary figure."

As Matthew walked down the red carpet and past the interview area without stopping, heading straight for the theater entrance, he heard Kevin Feige's voice behind him as he was interviewed by reporters. "Choosing Howard Hughes' two old airplane hangars as our filming location wasn't a coincidence. When Stan Lee originally created Tony Stark, he was inspired by Howard Hughes. So, in the movie, this character embodies wealth, genius, and fame."

Before Matthew could enter the theater, he was stopped by the production staff and reminded to take a group photo with the sponsors.

As one of the film's investors and producers, Matthew was well aware of his obligations. He cooperated by stepping in front of the backdrop to take photos with the rest of the cast and the sponsors.

"Hey, Matthew."

Scarlett Johansson, wearing a short white ruffled dress, was standing next to him. "Long time no see."

Matthew moved a little closer to her, smiled for the cameras, and then whispered, "You look stunning today. You're radiating goddess-like charm."

Scarlett Johansson smiled happily and whispered back, "A goddess? That's not so good. Goddesses are always too lonely."

Matthew understood the implication and immediately replied, "I'd be happy to keep the goddess company tonight."

"Sounds good." Scarlett Johansson whispered, "Wait for me after the premiere."

Matthew's expression remained neutral, but he responded, "Alright, my car will be waiting at the back of the theater."

Hollywood premieres might differ in content, but they generally followed the same format. After the usual media photos, Matthew and Scarlett Johansson entered the theater together.

"Hey, Matthew."

Kevin Feige suddenly caught up from behind. "Can we talk for a minute?"

Scarlett Johansson smiled at both of them and said, "You guys chat, I'll head in first."

With that, she walked into the theater alone.

Standing in the theater lobby, Matthew asked directly, "What's up, Kevin?"

Kevin Feige nodded lightly and said, "So far, it looks like 'Iron Man' will be a success, or at least it won't be a loss." He glanced at Matthew. "As you know, Marvel Studios has a long-term series plan. 'The Incredible Hulk' has already finished filming, and I'm planning to push for a few more superhero films to get greenlit. We've worked well together on this project, and I hope you'll continue to support Marvel Studios."

Matthew had been consistently interested in investing in films, including major projects like "Cloud Atlas," "John Carter," and "Fast & Furious 4." Even though he had lost out on the first two, his involvement showed substantial financial backing.

If he didn't have significant funds, he wouldn't have been able to compete.

"Iron Man" looked like a success, but it would take a long time to recoup the investment. Marvel needed to push their plans further to demonstrate their value.

Additionally, the funds they recouped would need to cover the investment in "The Incredible Hulk" and pay off the loan from Merrill Lynch…

Matthew thought for a moment and then asked, "Which superhero movies are you planning to make next?"

According to the supplementary agreement he had with Marvel, Thirteenth Film Studio had the right to select Marvel film projects for investment, but this right was limited to eight years after "Iron Man" was released.

Kevin Feige looked around to make sure no one else was nearby and then said, "The tentative projects are 'Iron Man 2,' 'Thor,' 'Ant-Man,' 'Captain America,' and 'Doctor Strange.' Of course, we'll only choose three of these to move forward with. We have limited funds and can't manage too many films at once."

"My collaboration with Marvel has been very pleasant." Matthew quickly made a decision. "How about this, Kevin? Could you give me a specific script or project proposal? I'll decide after reviewing it."

"Sure." Kevin Feige nodded and reminded, "But it has to remain confidential."

Matthew nodded. "I understand."

The two chatted about some specific matters before entering the theater together. Matthew's seat was in the second row, and when he found it, he realized that the person next to him was Charles Roven.

Matthew looked at Charles Roven curiously. "I didn't expect to see you here, Charles."

"Good evening, Matthew." Charles Roven smiled at him.

"I heard from Christopher Nolan that you're not producing his new film?" Matthew recalled his recent meeting with Nolan at the Warner Bros. building. "Are you working on another project?"

Charles Roven nodded. "Unfortunately, I won't be able to work with you on that. Warner Bros. has asked me to take charge of the DC Comics superhero movie projects."

Matthew was surprised. "Weren't you in charge of the Batman series?"

"It's different." Charles Roven pointed to the big screen and said deliberately, "You're a Warner Bros. partner, so I'll be candid. The new project I'm in charge of is akin to 'Iron Man' for Marvel."

Matthew immediately understood. "Iron Man" had gone through several test screenings, and Marvel Studios, aiming to enhance their marketing impact, had mentioned the Avengers plan in their early promotions. Industry insiders with keen senses, especially those at DC Comics, which was both a competitor and collaborator with Marvel, would surely take note.

Matthew leaned in a bit and asked quietly, "Does Warner Bros. and DC have plans for a Justice League?"

Charles Roven smiled. "It depends on the reaction to 'Iron Man.'"

Matthew could easily understand. If "Iron Man" did well, Warner Bros. and DC would follow suit. If not, they would wait and see.

After all, Marvel borrowing from DC and DC learning from Marvel was nothing new.

Charles Roven had shared this information mainly because Warner Bros. and DC Comics were interested in having Matthew play a key role in the Justice League. When Kevin Tsujihara had met with him earlier, he had explicitly mentioned that if "Iron Man" succeeded, Warner Bros. would spare no expense in hiring Matthew as the lead for the DC Universe's opening film to increase its influence and chances of success.

Matthew agreed wholeheartedly. The importance of the first film in a series like this couldn't be overstated.

Because of his past relationship with Warner Bros., Matthew was very curious about their Justice League plans, so he asked in a low voice, "Do you know which film they're planning to make? Superman? Wonder Woman?"

"Neither." Charles Roven lowered his voice as well. "It's 'Green Lantern Corps.'"

Matthew was taken aback. Charles Roven continued, "How about we find some time next week to discuss it in detail?"

"Uh..." Matthew nodded instinctively. "Alright."

At that moment, the big screen lit up, and the two stopped talking, focusing on the "Iron Man" movie.

"Tony Stark, a dreamer, a genius, a patriot. From a young age, as the son of legendary weapons developer Howard Stark, he quickly captured people's attention with his brilliance…"

The film began by introducing Tony Stark from Rhodey's perspective, giving the audience

 an idea of who Stark was.

"As the military liaison for Stark Industries, I've had the honor of working with this true patriot. Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to present the Apex Award to Tony Stark."

"Please welcome Tony Stark!"

_________________________

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