Chapter 892: Full Force!

With the premiere of *Split*, Disney Pictures and Davis Studio kicked their publicity and marketing into overdrive, leveraging every tool at their disposal, especially the power of word-of-mouth buzz. Their focal point? The film's magnetic lead actor, Martin Davis, whose performance became the heart and soul of their campaign.

Everywhere you looked, on major film and entertainment websites, social media platforms, and in the pages of glossy entertainment magazines *Split* was the talk of the town. Headlines screamed the film's praises, creating an almost inescapable excitement:

"Martin's explosive new performance in *Split* will leave you breathless!"

"Martin Davis masterfully embodies 24 distinct personalities, prepare to witness a career-defining performance."

"*Split* is more than a psychological thriller; it's a chilling exploration of human nature that will test the limits of your mind."

The overwhelming wave of praise swept across the industry, igniting curiosity in moviegoers everywhere. Fans, critics, and casual viewers alike couldn't wait to see what this film had to offer.

In the midst of the growing anticipation, director David Fincher sat down for an exclusive interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*. As he discussed his work on *House of Cards 2* for Netflix, the conversation inevitably shifted to *Split*, his latest directorial masterpiece. Fincher was candid about the experience: "Out of all the films I've directed, *Split* was the smoothest production I've had. But the real magic happened in front of the camera."

He made no secret of Martin's pivotal role in shaping the film. "The challenge wasn't in the filming itself," Fincher explained, "but in capturing the brilliance of Martin's performance. He didn't just act, he breathed life into those 24 personalities, giving *Split* its beating heart."

Fincher wasn't alone in his admiration. Cast members and crew alike heaped praise on Martin's transformative portrayal. Their words might have been expected, but it was the chorus of raving critics and fans that truly amplified the film's success. By the time *Split* hit theaters, the buzz was undeniable, drawing eager audiences in droves.

What audiences experienced wasn't just a simple story of a man with multiple personalities. The film delivered a haunting narrative, orchestrated by Fincher's dark, meticulous direction. The seven personalities of the protagonist battled for control, culminating in the emergence of a sadistic, murderous persona. The atmosphere was thick with tension as the film built toward an unforgettable climax, including a grotesque ritual that left viewers on edge. The chilling "Last Supper" scene between the hero and heroine was seared into their minds, a nightmarish vision that haunted them long after the credits rolled.

Those who saw *Split* left the theater buzzing, not only feeling they'd gotten their money's worth but exhilarated by the sheer intensity of the experience. For fans of psychological thrillers, it was nothing short of a masterpiece, pushing their emotional and psychological limits in ways they hadn't anticipated.

While other dark, brooding films, like *Batman v Superman*, stumbled with critics, *Split* soared. Social media exploded with glowing reviews within hours of its release, and by the end of the first day, North American theaters were flooded with positive reactions.

One enthusiastic fan tweeted: "Martin just blew me away! I used to think he was on par with Leonardo DiCaprio, but now... 'superb acting' doesn't even begin to cover it."

Another chimed in: "Watching Martin play eight roles in one film? Absolutely worth every second!"

Audiences couldn't get enough of the collaboration between David Fincher and Martin Davis. One ecstatic viewer summed it up perfectly: "This movie delivers a double punch, masterful direction from Fincher and mind-blowing acting from Martin. To quote Tarantino, it's simply awesome!"

Even those who claimed not to be fans of Martin Davis were singing the film's praises: "I'm not usually a fan of his, but if you love psychological thrillers, *Split* is a must-see. It'll drag you into a twisted world and keep you guessing until the very end."

As positive word-of-mouth spread, attendance rates soared. On Friday, *Split* reigned supreme in North American theaters, leaving its competition in the dust. By midnight, box office reports confirmed what everyone already knew, the film was an undeniable hit.

Meanwhile, far from the hustle and bustle of the box office, actress Anya Taylor-Joy stood on the balcony of her bedroom, gazing up at the stars. She was waiting, expectant. She knew something was coming. The air was still when her manager, Julia, burst into the room, breathless, waving her phone in triumph.

"Anya, my dear!" Julia exclaimed, rushing toward her, "Congratulations! You did it! You're amazing!"

Anya turned, a knowing smile spreading across her face as the night sky sparkled above. She had been part of something extraordinary, and now the world knew it too.

Anya turned around to face Julia, her eyes wide with anticipation. "Well? Did you get the numbers?" she asked, her voice barely hiding her excitement.

Julia, leaning casually against the balcony railing, extended the tablet in her hand, the screen illuminated with a set of figures. The title *Split* was followed by an impossibly long string of numbers.

Anya's heart pounded so loudly she instinctively pressed a hand to her chest, as if trying to contain the wild thumping. She leaned closer, her fingers counting every digit. Then, it hit her.

"Twenty-five point twenty-five million dollars!" Anya gasped, her voice trembling. She couldn't believe it. "Oh my God! My first leading role, and it's a massive hit!" Her face lit up, practically glowing with excitement.

But Julia, ever the level-headed manager, chuckled softly. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, darling," she said with a raised eyebrow. "Technically, you're still the supporting actress in this film."

Anya scoffed, waving off the comment with a playful grin. "Supporting actress? I was the leading lady during all the pre-screening promos, and you know it!"

Julia couldn't help but smile at Anya's confidence. "Alright, heroine," she teased, "congratulations! You're part of a film that's about to become a massive hit. Your future is looking bright."

Anya beamed and replied without hesitation, "As long as I stick with Martin, my future is set."

Julia nodded, acknowledging the truth in that statement. "Martin's one of the few big players in Hollywood who's true to his word. If you stay in his circle, your hard work won't go unnoticed."

Anya smiled mischievously. "We've already made an agreement. I'm his for the next seven years. I'll give up my youth until I'm 25 in exchange for the career I want."

Julia's expression turned more serious. "You should think carefully about that. It's not something to take lightly."

Anya, striking a confident pose, shrugged. "What else do I have to offer besides my youth and body?" she said matter-of-factly.

Julia sighed, sensing Anya's determination but concerned for her nonetheless. "You've got more to offer than you realize. And with *The Queen's Gambit* coming up, this is your chance to really capture the public's attention. Make it count."

"I will," Anya said, her voice firm. "Martin's already recommending me for new roles. I just have to keep him happy."

As the success of *Split* grew, it wasn't just about Anya and Martin anymore. The film's popularity soared, and with more people seeing it, opinions began to diversify. The initial wave of glowing reviews started to balance out with more critical voices, but nothing too damaging. Unlike *Batman v Superman*, which had been eviscerated by critics, *Split* maintained its strong reputation.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film's score remained impressively high, holding steady at over 90% freshness. On IMDb, while the rating dipped slightly to 8.8, it was still a testament to the film's solid impact. Disney Pictures and Davis Studio capitalized on the film's growing word-of-mouth buzz, knowing that fan-driven promotion was key to sustaining its momentum.

The main battlefield? Social media.

Platforms like Twitter and Instagram were flooded with posts about *Split*, many of them shared and re-shared by enthusiastic fans, all thanks to the film's marketing team. The reactions were a mix of admiration, awe, and humor:

"Martin's acting in this is insane! When his 'Soul Cooking' personality showed up, I literally thought I was going to split myself!"

"David Fincher is a genius. His direction made Martin shine in ways I didn't think possible. Mind-blowing."

"I feel bad for Martin, though. Imagine playing 24 characters and still only getting one paycheck..."

"This movie shows the world how insanely talented Hollywood actors can be!"

But the film wasn't just gaining traction through online conversations. It extended into physical products too. Coca-Cola, in collaboration with the movie's marketing team, released a special edition of their drinks *Split* versions of Coke. Each bottle and can featured one of Martin's characters, and if a consumer collected the first seven, they'd get the eighth, featuring his most sinister personality, for free.

This promotional tie-in drove a buying frenzy, with fans and collectors alike scrambling to get their hands on all eight bottles. The campaign boosted not only Coke's sales but also further expanded *Split*'s reach, drawing more people into theaters as they got swept up in the movie's hype.

By Saturday, the theaters showing *Split* saw a significant uptick in attendance, thanks to the buzz, the Coke tie-in, and a fortunate lack of strong competition at the box office. The film stood alone, shining as the undisputed star of the North American market.

And so, with every passing day, *Split* cemented itself as not just a movie but a cultural phenomenon, one that had captured the imaginations and hearts of audiences everywhere.

On that particular day, *Split* saw another significant boost at the box office, closing the day with a staggering $28.98 million. The buzz around the film was undeniable. Cnemascore, a respected market evaluation firm, announced the latest on-site ratings, and to no one's surprise, *Split* had received an impressive overall grade of A from theater audiences.

When the weekend wrapped up and the latest figures were released three days later, the numbers were nothing short of phenomenal. *Split* had raked in a total of $76.84 million, securing its position as the top film in the North American box office rankings. Even more impressive was that in just three days, the film had surpassed its $60 million production budget.

The high production costs had largely stemmed from the substantial salaries of its two powerhouses: Martin Davis and director David Fincher. But their contributions had paid off in a big way. The film was already on track to becoming a box office juggernaut, and both Martin and Fincher were credited for the film's soaring success.

---

At Disney Studios, in the exclusive conference room of the president, the mood was optimistic. Alan Horn, the head of Disney, sat at the head of the table, addressing his team of key executives.

"I don't think I need to say much about Martin's market insight and vision. You've all seen it for yourselves," Alan said, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "*Split* isn't your typical commercial blockbuster, and yet, under Martin's influence, it's become a runaway success. There's something almost magical about the way he handles projects."

Kenneth Branagh, the acclaimed director behind *Thor*, chimed in, his tone appreciative. "Martin's performance is truly remarkable. Without him, *Split* would have lost at least half of its brilliance."

David Baron, a producer with decades of experience, nodded in agreement. "I've been hearing a lot of chatter about *Split*. It's clear that Fincher focused the plot and camera around Martin's performance, almost deliberately setting him up for another Oscar."

Chris Weitz, a seasoned screenwriter, leaned forward in his seat, adding his perspective. "The Academy loves characters that deal with mental illness, and Martin's role is one of the finest I've seen in my 20 years in the industry. His portrayal is simply outstanding."

Alan, sensing the conversation veering off track, gently steered them back to the business at hand. "Today's project, *Cinderella*, was originally brought to us by Martin. His Davis Studio is also one of the investors. We won't move forward with the script unless it gets his stamp of approval."

Neither Branagh nor Weitz had any objections. They both understood the position they were in, Martin wasn't just the project's initiator but also a key investor, with an impeccable track record. If either of them had any disagreements, they knew they'd likely be removed from the project.

Moments later, Martin himself entered the room, accompanied by his assistant Bruce. The atmosphere shifted immediately. Martin had that effect, his presence commanded attention without him having to say a word.

Alan didn't waste any time, cutting straight to the point. "So, Martin, are you happy with the script?"

Martin casually placed the script on the table and nodded. "I'm satisfied," he said confidently. "It respects the original story, and that's exactly what *Cinderella* should be."

Chris Weitz visibly relaxed, relieved by Martin's approval. "That's what I thought too. The most popular version of the fairy tale is the one that resonates most with audiences."

Martin had gone over the script in detail. He appreciated its family-friendly approach. There were no controversial changes, no scheming Cinderella, no shoe-throwing, no dark, violent moments like cutting off toes. Instead, it stayed true to the heart of the beloved fairy tale, a quality that Martin valued for its universal appeal.

With Martin's approval, the project was officially entering the fast lane. *Cinderella* had a production budget of $100 million, with Kenneth Branagh set to direct and David Baron overseeing as lead producer. The choreography would be handled by the same team that worked on *Beauty and the Beast*, ensuring a dazzling song and dance element to the film. However, casting decisions hadn't been made yet.

As the room discussed next steps, Martin leaned back in his chair, his mind wandering for a brief moment. He thought of Anya Taylor-Joy, the talented actress who had gone out of her way to impress him the previous night. Her performance in *Split* had been captivating, and now, a new thought crossed his mind.

"For the leading actress," Martin began, his voice steady but purposeful, "I'd like to recommend someone. Anya Taylor-Joy, the lead actress from *Split*. She's got the perfect look, strong acting chops, and she's the right age for the role."

The room fell silent for a brief moment as everyone considered his suggestion. Kenneth Branagh and Chris Weitz exchanged a quick glance, both nodding subtly. It was hard to argue with Martin's instincts, especially given his recent successes.

Alan Horn smiled, recognizing Martin's influence yet again. "Sounds like we've got our Cinderella," he said, as the team began to prepare for the next phase of the project. And just like that, with Martin's backing, Anya's future was set to take another giant leap forward.

Without undergoing any plastic surgery, muscle augmentation, or drastic weight loss, Anya Taylor-Joy's appearance remained naturally appealing and well within the general public's aesthetic standards.

Alan Horn, always direct and efficient, got straight to the point. "She'll need to audition. If she's suitable, we'll prioritize her."

The director and producers had no objections. They'd all seen *Split* and were thoroughly impressed. While Martin's performance as the male lead was unquestionably the highlight, Anya's portrayal had left its own mark, showing her potential as a leading actress.

Martin's recommendation of Anya was just a starting point. In a project of this scale, many key players would be vying to push their own preferred candidates forward. It was a complex, layered process, where relationships and connections often played a role.

After the meeting concluded, Alan Horn pulled Martin aside into the reception room next door. Shifting the conversation, they turned their attention to *Beauty and the Beast*, the highly anticipated live-action adaptation set to release the following month.

The project had been in development for two years, with meticulous attention to detail throughout the production. The film was slated for a Thanksgiving release, a prime spot for family blockbusters. Disney had conducted several test screenings, and the feedback had been overwhelmingly positive, with audiences praising it as the perfect embodiment of a fairy tale film.

The stakes were high. *Beauty and the Beast* was a massive investment, and both Martin and Horn knew they needed it to be a box office success.

"If this film doesn't make over $250 million in North America alone, we could be looking at significant losses," Alan Horn stated bluntly, laying out the financial realities.

Martin, having already seen the preview, was confident. "Judging by the buzz, I'm certain it'll break $100 million in the first weekend," he reassured.

Horn's expression lightened slightly. "If the opening weekend in North America hits over $100 million, Disney Pictures will throw a celebration party immediately."

To further push *Beauty and the Beast*, Disney strategically placed a teaser ad for the film at the start of *Split* screenings. The timing couldn't have been better.

*Split* was now in its second week in North American theaters and still riding a wave of popularity. Although the IMDb score had dropped slightly to 8.6 as more than 50,000 users rated it, the film's overall reception remained stellar. Its box office performance was equally solid. The film's weekend revenue fell by less than 40%, bringing in another $46.8 million across more than 3,800 theaters.

Including weekday totals, *Split* had crossed the $150 million mark in North America in just one week.

Internationally, the film debuted in 11 European countries, where it earned over $35 million. This strong overseas start boosted the film's global box office numbers even further.

As the movie continued its international rollout, Davis Studio, Disney Pictures, WMA, and Martin's hired PR team launched an aggressive awards-season campaign. While the traditional North American awards season didn't officially kick off until early December, the push began months earlier, starting with the Toronto Film Festival in September.

The PR team lobbied tirelessly, focusing on key Academy judges and influential voters. Disney Studios sent out free tickets en masse to media outlets and film critics, hoping to sway opinions. As WMA's top client, Martin received the full weight of the agency's resources to position him as a frontrunner for major awards.

Corporate sponsors, including Coca-Cola, Cadillac, and Brioni, also threw their support behind Martin, helping to generate buzz and build momentum. Media outlets began publishing glowing profiles and op-eds about his performance.

One such article came from Kenneth Turan, the highly respected film critic at the *Los Angeles Times*, who wrote with great enthusiasm: "So far, no performance this year has matched the brilliance of Martin Davis in *Split*. It's undoubtedly his finest role to date."

The campaign was in full swing, and Martin's chances at securing another major award looked stronger than ever. The success of *Split* was only just beginning to show its impact, both at the box office and in the race for awards-season glory.