Chapter 139: Organizing the New Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The review process is not complicated, especially for renowned directors like Steve Kevin.

For the reviewing department, their concern was not the box office success or failure after the film's completion, but the feasibility of the project proposal.

They needed to consider factors such as the cost of the designated actors and other crew members, whether they aligned with the 3:7 ratio common in Hollywood, and the overall workflow.

After two hours of review, the head of the reviewing department picked up the project proposal and confidently said:

"This is a practical and feasible project proposal. I haven't found any issues."

As a long-time employee at Fox, his words carried credibility.

Since the project proposal had no issues, the next step was to sign the contract.

The Fox executives, who had been eagerly waiting, returned to the reception room.

Davis took the initiative and said:

"Director Kevin, the project proposal is fine, and the contract can be signed anytime. I'm just wondering when you plan to start shooting this film?"

"Early October."

The executives exchanged glances. Although they wished Steve Kevin could start filming tomorrow, early October wasn't too far away.

Just a little over a month.

Considering the time needed to assemble the crew and audition actors, this speed was already quite fast.

Once they reached a consensus, Kevin left Fox directly.

He didn't sign the specific contract with them. Instead, Dawn Films, his production company, coordinated with Fox. Kevin signed a third-party hiring contract.

The investment funds from Dawn Films would be transferred to his own account as a salary.

The reason for following this process was simple—to minimize tax obligations.

Income taxes on salary payments were much lower compared to taxes paid under the company's name.

...

Kevin called Dawson and asked them to come to Fox for further discussion on the specific contract.

Kevin arrived at Marvel.

As soon as he entered the editing department, he saw Kevin Feige and the legendary Stan Lee arguing about work matters.

"Stan, I think you're too biased towards Spider-Man," Kevin Feige said, feeling annoyed.

"No way, Spider-Man is naturally amazing," Stan Lee retorted, although it was clear to everyone that he was just being stubborn.

The other editors and comic authors stood by, watching the scene as if it were a show.

Apparently, this was not the first time such a thing had happened in the company.

However, many of these people had been working at Marvel for over a decade or two, so it goes without saying that they had a special relationship with Stan Lee.

To them, the dynamic between Stan Lee and Kevin Feige was like a grandfather teasing his grandson.

They were all happy about it.

Seeing Kevin, Feige hurriedly ran over to complain.

"Kevin, look at Stan Lee. With him in charge, the Marvel Universe will become the Spider-Man Universe. This can't go on," Feige said.

Kevin interrupted him, signaling with his eyes and maintaining a stern expression.

"Feige, can't you cut Stan Lee a little slack?" Kevin said.

Feige fell silent instantly but could only go along with Kevin's words.

"I understand. I'll be more mindful in the future," Feige replied.

Stan Lee suddenly smiled and let go of his stubbornness.

He took the initiative to apologize.

"Feige is right. I've been too biased towards Spider-Man. In fact, I think his proposal is excellent," Stan Lee said.

"According to his proposal, the preliminary plan for the first phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is already in place."

"Oh?"

Kevin suddenly became excited.

He hadn't expected it to happen so quickly.

Kevin Feige and Stan Lee managed to come up with the first phase of the cinematic universe so soon.

"Take me to see it," Kevin said.

Stan Lee and Kevin Feige led Kevin to their shared office.

This office was exclusively for the two of them, and except for a few senior employees, no one else was allowed inside.

It was even under 24-hour surveillance.

Although Kevin had the copyrights and theoretically didn't have to worry about anyone causing trouble, he couldn't shake off his cautious mindset.

Now was not the time for the Marvel Universe plan to be revealed.

The three of them entered the office.

Inside, apart from two computers, there were filing cabinets filled with various comic materials accumulated by Marvel over the years.

Some were organized by chronology, while others were organized by character.

Their task was to create a cohesive film universe based on these materials.

Kevin Feige pointed to a pile of documents on the desk and said, "Kevin, this is the result of our work, but it's still unorganized. It's just a rough draft for now."

"After discussing it with Stan Lee, we've decided to incorporate characters into the cinematic universe who have slightly less powerful versions in various iterations. Of course, these versions should also align with mainstream aesthetics and values."

"For example, when it comes to the character of the Hulk, there are versions like Four-Armed Hulk, Red Hulk, and even the strongest incarnation, Green Scar. However, the version we've chosen is the most ordinary one, capable of single-handedly destroying a city in terms of power and expression."

Kevin nodded.

This was all agreed upon in advance.

Kevin Feige had arranged it well.

Having overly powerful characters in the cinematic universe would only disrupt the overall atmosphere.

The efforts of those weaker superheroes to protect the Earth would seem like a joke to the audience.

This was perfectly demonstrated in the Joss Whedon version of Justice League.

Having Superman easily defeat enemies made the other characters' desperate struggles seem ridiculous.

On the other hand, Zack Snyder's version of Justice League handled this aspect well.

Each character in the Justice League played a crucial role. Cyborg was responsible for separating the Mother Boxes, Superman stopped Steppenwolf, Aquaman, Batman, and Wonder Woman each had their own tasks.

And when everything failed, there was the Flash to turn the tide.

With his super speed, he could reverse time and change the outcome.

Kevin couldn't help but comment that at that time, after watching Zack Snyder's version of Justice League, he had to say that the DC Universe was not doomed.

If Zack Snyder's vision had been followed, there might have been a chance to revive the DC Universe.

Unfortunately, Warner Bros. made various questionable decisions.

At least until 2021, the DC Universe seemed to have no hope.

But now, Kevin had Zack Snyder's working for him...

In retrospect, he realized that he had unknowingly dug so many pitfalls for Warner Bros.

Lost in his thoughts, Kevin snapped back and praised, "Well done."

"What's the main storyline for Phase One?"

Kevin felt that the original Marvel Cinematic Universe had been too hasty.

Jumping straight into the cosmic entity of Thanos in the first phase made it difficult to develop subsequent storylines.

Kevin's current plan was to expand the original Marvel Cinematic Universe.