Chapter 136

"Okay, okay, Mom, I understand. I won't do anything dangerous anymore."

"Ah, I understand, I understand. You'll be worried, I was just impulsive at the time."

Martin hung up the phone and sighed.

Even though he's now a "superhero" praised by everyone, he can't escape his mother-in-law's scolding!

But Martin wasn't disgusted. In fact, he could hear the deep concern in Linda's voice. He liked that feeling.

It was something he had never experienced when he was a succubus.

As a succubus, there were too many others spreading their seeds everywhere, making it impossible to care about anyone.

Sony Columbia Pictures

In a conference room, Yuken Shimauchi sat at the head of the table and knocked lightly.

"Tell me, have we settled the copyright issue for Spider-Man?"

"Sir, MGM still refuses to let go. They want the 007 rights back."

The Spider-Man copyright dispute was a public matter.

Stan Lee, the "Father of Marvel," created Spider-Man. In 1985, Marvel Comics collaborated with Cannon Pictures to produce a Spider-Man live-action film.

At the time, Cannon Films purchased the five-year movie rights for Spider-Man for $225,000, along with a share of the revenue.

The company had big ambitions and even approached Tom Cruise for a potential collaboration. Cruise was reportedly excited at the time.

(Side note: We almost had a Tom Cruise Spider-Man—how disappointing!)

However, due to the failure of Superman IV and The Battle of Time, Cannon's finances took a hit, and the Spider-Man movie was shelved.

In 1990, Stan Lee stated that Columbia Pictures, which had been acquired by Sony from Coca-Cola, would buy the Spider-Man rights.

But during this time, Carocco Pictures also acquired the movie rights to Spider-Man from Marvel.

James Cameron, from Carocco Films, even submitted a Spider-Man script and had an opportunity to direct the film.

(Side note: We almost got a James Cameron Spider-Man—but, again, what a disappointment!)

However, due to financial and legal issues, Cameron ultimately gave up.

In 1996, three companies—Carloco, 21st Century, and Marvel—declared bankruptcy simultaneously. By then, the ownership of Spider-Man's movie rights had become a confusing mess.

On one side, MGM Films had acquired Carloco and, with it, the rights to Spider-Man scripts, including those from James Cameron.

On the other side, Marvel Comics officially handed over the movie rights to Columbia Pictures in 1999.

The battle between MGM and Columbia over Spider-Man's copyright was fierce.

However, because several MGM executives had transferred to Columbia along with the 007 rights, Columbia saw an opportunity to reclaim the full rights to Spider-Man.

"What do you think?" Shimauchi asked.

"007 cannot be given to MGM," someone replied. "That franchise is a gold mine."

"Well, it used to be a gold mine," another voice interjected. "Since Pierce Brosnan's Tomorrow Never Dies, the box office for the 007 series has been declining. I agree with trading 007 for Spider-Man."

"A temporary drop in box office numbers doesn't mean much. Compared to Spider-Man, 007 has a proven track record of success."

"But 007 is not entirely ours. Even if we own a small share of the copyright, we can't film it without MGM's approval. It would be better to strike a deal with them to swap the complete Spider-Man rights."

In the conference room, everyone shared their opinions, but no one could sway the others. Eventually, all eyes turned to Shimauchi.

The president of Sony Columbia thought for a moment, as if making up his mind, then declared, "I've decided. We'll take the 007 copyright and exchange it for the complete Spider-Man copyright."

"Also, I want the Spider-Man project to begin as soon as possible. You should start thinking about who to hire as director and who should play Spider-Man."

The room went silent as everyone began thinking deeply.

Just then, a middle-aged man sitting at the end of the table spoke up, "I think I have a very good candidate."

"Oh? Who?" Shimauchi asked with a serious expression.

It wasn't that he was dissatisfied with his subordinates; Shimauchi was just used to projecting authority, especially in front of his mostly white American staff.

"Martin Meyers. I'm sure you've all seen the news. He happens to be in high school, the right age, and while he's a little taller than expected, I don't think that small flaw will be a problem."

The room immediately reacted with surprise.

Shimauchi still looked confused. "What news? Martin Meyers is a genius, right? What has he done? Why do you all think he's suitable?"

Shimauchi had just returned from Japan, so he wasn't aware of the story about Martin saving Michael. The news had only started to spread in Japan after he left.

The man at the end of the table, clearly prepared, said, "I have a video here. If you don't mind taking a moment, I can show it to you now."

The man's name was Ian Bryce. In his forties, bald, and with a rather unassuming demeanor, he seemed trustworthy.

Shimauchi nodded gravely. "Go ahead."

Ian Bryce was overjoyed. He immediately walked to the TV, turned it on, and inserted a video tape. The footage began with an edited clip from the Munich concert.

At the start, Martin was singing. As soon as the music from "Unstoppable" began, many in the room subconsciously began to sway along with the rhythm. The hypnotic quality of Martin's voice was so powerful that even through a screen, it seemed to draw people in.

Even someone as composed as Shimauchi couldn't help but tap his feet a few times as Martin's voice soared to the climax.

But as the video continued, Shimauchi's confusion grew. Martin's singing was undeniably impressive, but what did this have to do with Spider-Man?

Then the video reached a critical point—when Michael Jackson walked onto the bridge.

"Is that Michael?" someone in the room asked.

As the top star under Columbia Records, Michael Jackson had a very good relationship with Sony's headquarters.

Despite their falling out with Columbia's president, Motura, Michael's connections were still strong. He was even awarded an honorary black belt in karate and had been a frequent visitor to Japan, where he had received significant honors.

Shimauchi knew Michael well. Just three months ago, Michael had publicly criticized Motura in front of him.

It turned out that Martin had been an assistant singer at Michael's concert. But what did this have to do with Spider-Man?