Chapter 463 - Stan Lee

Investing 200 million for two films was a relief for the signed stars who had been waiting, at least they wouldn't have to worry about not having anything to shoot. With mega-productions like this, often involving hundreds or even thousands of actors, who would worry about not finding an extra role to grab? Even top celebrities were interested in Laila's films. Regardless of whether she directed them or not, movies that she endorsed tended to perform exceptionally well.

Of course, it was even better if they could be part of a film she personally directed. With her track record of producing one hit after another, as long as they landed a good role in her film, they could practically guarantee an increase in their worldwide reputation.

After sorting out the AMG deal, Laila shifted her focus to the acquisition of Marvel. The boss of Marvel, Martin Goodman, was a shrewd man who was well aware of the potential his company held.

The price offered by Quentin's side was fair, but Goodman was not satisfied. He was not even willing to sell his company. He believed that the current difficulties were not a sign that the company had no future; it was just a matter of timing.

If the other party was unwilling to sell, Laila believed that acquiring Marvel was still possible, although it would require more time and resources. Quentin had little hope of acquiring the company from Goodman since he had been rejected without any negotiation. It was clear that Goodman had no intention of selling.

Quentin was not the type to give up easily, and the reason he had returned so quickly was that he didn't have much faith in this acquisition. He didn't believe it would be a profitable business, and he didn't want Laila to make a loss, especially since she was his wife's daughter.

After listening to his report, Laila raised an eyebrow nonchalantly. "I recall that you promised to have both companies under my control by May, didn't you? Should I tell Janet's future child that their father is someone who doesn't keep his word, someone without integrity?"

She feigned surprise, ignoring the frustrated look on Quentin's face. "Oh, I forgot, you're not Janet's child's father yet. It's a shame; I wonder if you'll ever have the chance to be called 'Dad'?"

With his level of self-control, Quentin was left speechless. She was clearly threatening him, saying she wouldn't let him marry her mother and wouldn't allow her child to recognize him. What was infuriating was that he didn't even doubt the possibility. He knew Janet well enough to know that if Laila insisted on stopping her from marrying him, she would listen to her daughter.

It sounded unbelievable, but Janet's love for Laila was not just maternal; it was tinged with deep guilt. She considered her daughter's childhood illness, which had nearly killed her, as her own sin. Never mind Laila asking her not to get married; there was almost nothing she wouldn't do if Laila wanted her to.

"I understand! I'll make sure to acquire Marvel for you," Quentin replied through clenched teeth, reluctantly giving her the answer.

"That's good." Laila then put on a friendly smile, as if the earlier confrontation had been nothing more than a mirage.

What a scoundrel! He had made her mother pregnant out of wedlock, and he expected her to be gracious.

Indeed, Laila held a deep grudge against this man who dared to let her mother become a single mother. While such a thing might be commonplace in the West, it was a grave matter for someone with an Eastern soul like her. She considered it a grave sin.

But regardless, it was her business, so she gave him a clear direction: "If the negotiations don't go well, you can look for Stan Lee."

"Stan Lee?" Quentin had thoroughly researched the acquisition of Marvel, so he was well aware of this iconic figure.

When it came to Stan Lee, fans of superheroes certainly wouldn't be unfamiliar. This cartoonist, who couldn't even draw, had brought countless superheroes to the world over more than 30 years. Well-known superheroes like the X-Men, Doctor Strange, the Hulk, and Iron Man, to name just a few, were all creations of Stan Lee and his comic book collaborator, Jack Kirby.

Moreover, what endeared him to many people in the future was the fact that he had cameo appearances in most of the Marvel film adaptations. It had become something of an Easter egg for fans to spot his appearance in each movie.

"Didn't he leave Marvel in 1998?" Quentin asked, puzzled.

Laila's knowledge of this matter wasn't surprising to him. "Yes, he did leave, and he started Stan Lee Media. However, his business isn't doing well." Indeed, it was far from doing well; in history, the company was about to go bankrupt this year.

"Why would we look for him then?" Quentin couldn't understand why they would seek the help of someone who had left the company years ago. The only thing he could think of was that Stan Lee might still have some influence in Marvel. But just how much influence, and whether it would be enough to change Goodman's mind, were questions worth pondering. He didn't believe that the owner of Marvel would be easily persuaded.

Laila, however, smiled slightly. "Just do as I suggest. Find Stan Lee and tell him that as long as he helps us acquire Marvel, he will receive an 8% share of the profits from the copyrights of those superheroes he designed. And also, remind him that the X-Men had a successful box office, but besides playing a bit part, what did he get out of it?"

As Quentin grasped her intentions, he decided that he would ensure his wife and her child were kept far away from Laila in the future. He had seen many geniuses, but someone as extraordinary as her was a first. She not only pinpointed Marvel's weakness but also factored human nature into her strategy.

Was an 8% profit share insignificant? It wasn't much considering Marvel's current standing. However, it was a decent income for Stan Lee, who was facing the bankruptcy of his company due to poor management. Once Laila officially took over Marvel, she would undoubtedly use her abilities to unlock the business potential within it.

Last year's X-Men movie, which had a budget of $75 million, grossed $296 million worldwide. It was an astonishing achievement, and even though it might not have been as good as Laila's movies, it was still enough to excite a film production company.

If Laila, who could turn even small-budget films into blockbusters, were to direct new superhero movies, one could only imagine the kind of box office success they would achieve. In that case, Stan Lee, who held a share of the profits, would enjoy a substantial windfall.

Upon being reminded of this, Quentin thought through many things.

"I know what to do now," he said, his gaze complicated as he glanced at Laila. Then he turned and left. To be taught what to do by someone who was half his age and to be his daughter-in-law, no less, made him feel quite embarrassed, despite considering himself a financial genius.