C 58

"In recent days, Kingpin was arrested, and his underworld empire has collapsed. I thought this would have nothing to do with Stark Industries, but I didn't expect that someone within the company's upper ranks had secretly colluded with him... In short, I have taken this matter very seriously. Authorities have also stepped in. Please rest assured and continue to trust Stark Industries..."

Obadiah Stane looked the picture of stern righteousness as he addressed the press, emphasizing the gravity of Stark Industries' internal investigation. 

He spoke with conviction, as if he had no association with Kingpin whatsoever. His tone conveyed remorse, but also a steely resolve to protect the company's integrity.

By his statements, Obadiah effectively distanced himself from any connection to the crime syndicate. Now, even if someone were to claim that he had been involved with Kingpin, it's likely few would believe it. 

Only undeniable evidence could cast any real doubt. However, Anton knew that evidence would be difficult to find.

Reflecting on the original storyline, Anton remembered that S.H.I.E.L.D. had chosen to search for Tony Stark in the deserts of Afghanistan for months, rather than dig into Obadiah's dealings. 

This alone spoke to how cautious and cunning Obadiah was. It wasn't easy to pin down an old fox like him.

"It looks like Obadiah noticed that certain people are watching him," Anton thought. 

He did a quick search on the guy Obadiah had thrown under the bus—a senior assistant with significant power in the company, someone loyal to him but ultimately expendable. 

By sacrificing his assistant, Obadiah had, as the saying goes, cut off a limb to save the body. Anton shrugged and turned off the TV. 

"Tony can handle him when he returns," he murmured. He had other matters demanding his attention at the moment.

Tony Stark had been missing for almost a month, and if Anton's memory of the storyline was correct, it would only be a couple more months before Tony made his triumphant return as Iron Man. 

With Tony's reappearance, Obadiah would have more than enough on his plate. Anton wasn't about to rush headlong into a confrontation with the veteran industrialist just yet; he had plans of his own in motion.

As his thoughts wandered, Betty entered the room and walked up to him. "Anton, Batman will be wrapping up its theatrical run in about a week," she informed him with excitement.

"So far, Batman's domestic box office earnings are $470 million, with an overseas total of $380 million, making for a global gross of $850 million. By the end of its final week, we're looking at about $880 million."

Anton raised an eyebrow. "If I remember correctly, there are still a few countries where it hasn't been screened yet, right?"

"That's correct," Betty said, her excitement barely concealed. "Once it's fully released worldwide, it may actually reach a billion in global box office revenue. That would put it among the top earners of the year. Anton, Hollywood's already treating you like a sensation. I've been flooded with party invitations for you. Should I accept any on your behalf?"

"Hmm, really? Maybe just one party in New York," Anton replied, looking eager for a break from his recent workload.

But the look Betty gave him was icy, and he felt a sudden chill. 

He coughed awkwardly and quickly changed his tone. "Actually, on second thought, let's hold off on that. I'm really busy these days, you know? I have a meeting with Jim tonight to discuss my next movie."

"The next movie?" Eddie, who had been listening nearby, perked up. "You mean you're planning a Batman sequel?"

Anton flashed a mysterious smile. "Nope, it's something new—a different superhero story."

Eddie looked genuinely surprised. "A new superhero? And you're not capitalizing on Batman with a sequel right away?"

Anton simply smiled in response. Sometimes, he thought, people just couldn't understand his thinking.

That evening, Anton met with Jim to discuss the project. Jim, who'd assumed they'd be discussing a Batman sequel, was taken aback when Anton revealed he had other ideas in mind. 

After all, the public's curiosity about Batman was at an all-time high. They were hungry for more, and Anton's decision to shelve a potential blockbuster sequel for a new story was almost unthinkable.

It took Jim a few moments to process this. But as he considered it further, he understood Anton's logic. Anton wasn't necessarily abandoning the Batman franchise; he was merely allowing someone else to take the reins for the next installment. 

This opened up space for him to create something entirely new, something that could further establish DC's position in the industry.

Anton's reputation as a visionary was already solidifying in Hollywood. If his next film succeeded, it would cement DC as a powerhouse, and Anton as one of its most creative minds. 

Jim accepted the decision, even if it meant shelving his initial plans. They spent hours ironing out the strategy for DC's future, which included not only the new film but also marketing, licensing, and other revenue channels.

The two agreed on a roadmap that would allow Anton to bring his original concept to life. Jim, meanwhile, would secure the necessary investors and prepare for production. 

The ambitious strategy involved not one, but three separate film crews working simultaneously on different DC properties: 'Batman: The Dark Knight', 'Cyborg', and 'Superman'. 

This expansion plan was risky but had the potential to yield incredible returns if successful.

Within weeks, preparations were underway. Toby, the chief writer, handed Anton the completed scripts for Cyborg and Superman, and already had The Dark Knight script prepared as well. 

In parallel, new superhero storylines were being serialized on the Daily Bugle forum, with characters like Superman, Cyborg, and Flash set to make their debuts soon.

However, funding became a sticking point. Superhero movies required huge budgets, especially with their extensive special effects and elaborate set pieces. 

According to their preliminary calculations, The Dark Knight and Cyborg would each need over $150 million. Including Superman, they were looking at a minimum investment of $500 million across the three films.

Even with his personal wealth, Anton wasn't at Tony Stark's level. He couldn't just casually put up $500 million without feeling the pinch. 

He had other financial priorities, and using all his funds on a single venture wasn't wise. On top of that, his family companies, managed by professionals, weren't at his direct disposal for funding his private projects.

While Anton was confident about his future projects, he was realistic about needing partners for the financial burden. 

Yet, he didn't want just any investor. He was selective, seeking backing from those who would respect his creative vision.

Just as things were reaching a standstill, news arrived that an interested party had reached out to Jim. Curious about who it could be, Anton arranged a meeting. When he saw who had shown up, he was taken aback.

….

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