The richest actor in Hollywood.

The film was reaching its conclusion. Tony Stark stood at a press conference, facing hundreds of journalists. But instead of reading the pre-written statement, he directly announced to the media— "I am Iron Man!"

The press conference scene erupted into chaos, with reporters going wild, and the audience in the theater was equally electrified. The viewers were instantly engaged, their emotions riding high.

From the beginning of the film until now, Tony Stark's character had provided a completely new superhero experience. The character was full of personal charm, and by revealing his identity as Iron Man, he pushed that charm to its peak!

Hollywood's superheroes, from Clark Kent to Peter Parker to Bruce Wayne, always kept their true identities hidden, never revealing their real selves. Never before in a superhero movie had anyone openly declared their identity like this.

Those traditional superheroes all led double lives, but Tony Stark was entirely different.

And this difference offered the audience a fresh, exhilarating experience.

This was undoubtedly one of the film's biggest surprises, making it impossible not to fall in love with Tony Stark, not to love "Iron Man."

Seeing the audience's reaction at the premiere, Matthew couldn't help but think of the legendary moment when "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back" was released. Although he hadn't witnessed it himself, he had heard countless stories about how the theater nearly exploded with excitement when Darth Vader told Luke Skywalker, "I am your father." Tony Stark's announcement of his Iron Man identity seemed to have a similar effect.

Besides Iron Man himself, the skilled and foxy female agent also sparked a strong response from the audience.

Especially the scene where she and Samuel L. Jackson's one-eyed director discussed forming a team to deal with supernatural threats, which made fans of Marvel Comics incredibly excited.

Many realized that the Avengers Initiative was now officially underway.

So when the mysterious one-eyed director appeared in Tony Stark's mansion and mentioned that the world had more than one superhero, the theater erupted in applause.

This was an era before superhero movies had become oversaturated, a time when the superhero takeover of the big screen was just beginning.

As the big screen went dark and the lights came up in Grauman's Chinese Theatre, applause broke out without hesitation. From the back row to the front, every audience member stood up and clapped, their faces beaming with joy.

The film had made them feel satisfied, entertained, and thrilled…

For the average viewer, very few go to the cinema to ponder life's philosophies. The film met their needs for entertainment, leaving them with bright smiles, great moods, and a willingness to open their wallets for the movie and its related products.

At that moment, audiences in countless theaters across North America were standing and applauding.

Matthew was clapping as well, further reassured that his $40 million investment would undoubtedly turn a profit.

Next to him, Charles Roven was clapping while deep in thought. Marvel Comics had clearly taken the lead over DC Comics, and they needed to catch up quickly.

For a long time, DC Comics, thanks to the massive influence of Superman and Batman, had dominated Marvel Comics in film production. Before the new millennium, Marvel's superhero movies weren't even in the same league as DC's.

But now, Marvel's "Iron Man" had successfully set the stage for the entire Avengers Initiative. The film was explosive, light-hearted, humorous, and fun—a truly outstanding commercial film. This would ensure that Marvel's subsequent plans would unfold smoothly…

And what about DC's Justice League?

Charles Roven knew they needed to push the Justice League plans forward quickly, especially the script for the Green Lantern Corps, which had to move faster. They couldn't let the superhero movie market become Marvel's exclusive domain.

After congratulating the production team, Charles Roven said to Matthew, "I'm heading out. Expect my call."

Matthew nodded and casually replied, "Alright."

As the film ended, Matthew exited through the special guest passage. After waiting for a while at the entrance, Scarlett Johansson slipped out and linked her arm with his, saying, "Let's go."

There was no post-screening press conference, as a large media and fan event was scheduled for the next day at Nokia Plaza.

"At your command," Matthew joked, "Agent Natasha Romanoff."

He escorted Scarlett Johansson toward the back entrance, praising her as they walked. "Your character is so captivating; it's driving men wild."

Scarlett Johansson pouted playfully. "What, am I not captivating enough on my own?"

"Of course you are," Matthew quickly clarified. "Agent Natasha Romanoff and Scarlett Johansson are two completely different styles, both equally irresistible."

As the two of them stepped out of the theater's back entrance, countless flashbulbs went off, and a large group of reporters swarmed around them. Although Matthew's Mercedes was right in front of them, they were momentarily stuck.

The bodyguards reacted quickly, creating a barrier between Matthew, Scarlett Johansson, and the reporters.

Matthew glanced at the enthusiastic reporters, noting that this was likely the result of not having a post-screening press conference.

The reporters bombarded them with questions, many asking about the nature of their relationship and why they were leaving together.

They ignored the questions and, with the bodyguards clearing a path, continued toward the car.

As they reached the car, Scarlett Johansson finally decided to speak to the press, given that the film had just had its premiere.

"I won't answer any questions unrelated to the movie," she reminded the reporters before responding to one of them, "Playing Agent Natasha Romanoff was a huge challenge and an incredibly exciting experience. I had never done anything like this before. Getting the role of Black Widow in 'Iron Man' made me so thrilled I was practically shaking."

Matthew stood by her side, a silent presence, like a stone statue. He didn't need to say or do anything; Scarlett Johansson, a seasoned Hollywood veteran known for her sharp wit, handled the press with ease.

After answering one question, Scarlett Johansson signaled to Matthew. He immediately opened the car door, stepping aside for Scarlett Johansson to get in before following her.

The car, surrounded by reporters, couldn't leave immediately. It took about ten minutes before they could slowly drive away from Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

"It seems like my character is a hit, doesn't it?" Scarlett Johansson glanced back at the swarm of paparazzi following them and asked, "What do you think, Matthew?"

Matthew gently patted her hand. "Don't worry, this isn't going to be another 'The Island.'"

Scarlett Johansson sighed softly, "I hope this one's a box office success. Otherwise, I'll have to take out a bank loan."

"It will be," Matthew reassured her with a smile, changing the subject. "Filming 'Iron Man' was easier than your usual art films, right?"

"Easy? Are you kidding?" Scarlett looked at him seriously. "I had to put in way more effort for 'Iron Man.'"

She started counting on her fingers. "I spent nearly six months learning combat techniques, doing extensive stunt and strength training, all for one goal: to fit into that Lycra bodysuit."

Matthew laughed. "The first time I saw you in costume, it was mind-blowing. Zipping up all the way and strapping on all those weapons—I have to say, 'Black Widow' is incredibly seductive and very cool."

Scarlett Johansson had a sudden idea. "How about this? I'll borrow Natasha's costume and the eyepatch from the set one day, and we can have some fun?"

"Great idea," Matthew said, hooking a finger under Scarlett Johansson's chin. "Scarlett, you're too good at this, making yourself even more irresistible."

"Too bad," Scarlett Johansson sighed playfully. "I can't get them tonight."

Given their history of on-and-off one-night stands over the past few years, Matthew said, "There will be plenty of opportunities."

Scarlett Johansson laughed. "I love that you don't beat around the bush."

She had no desire to complicate her relationship with a casual fling, and Matthew's approach matched hers perfectly.

The black Mercedes returned to Beverly Hills under the cover of night, driving straight into the Horner estate. Before entering the mansion, Scarlett Johansson glanced back, noting that dozens of cars were parked on the road outside the estate. The paparazzi would likely be camping out there all night.

The next day, theaters across North America witnessed the first surge of the summer movie season.

In recent years, comic book movies had become increasingly popular, with more and more top-tier comics being adapted for the big screen. "Iron Man" was destined to be one of the lucky beneficiaries of this trend.

Comic book movie adaptations had been around for a long time, but they only became mainstream commercial films with the release of "Spider-Man."

In 2002, Sony's Columbia Pictures hit it big with a movie about a teenager who gains superpowers by accident, reaping massive box office rewards. The success made studio executives believe that the superhero craze sparked by Christopher Reeve's Superman had revived.

As a result, large budgets were allocated to comic book adaptations, sending one iconic superhero after another to the big screen, which led to the steady rise in popularity of these films over the years.

Of course, this trend was also fueled by the enormous popularity of these superheroes in the United States. When Americans saw their childhood comic book heroes come to life on the big screen, they naturally flocked to theaters in droves.

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