Chapter 658: Sequel Surpasses the Last!

In the realm of Hollywood scandals, Warner Brothers reigns supreme, particularly post-2010. Their track record of questionable operations and questionable decisions has raised eyebrows across the industry. How could so many seasoned professionals make such egregious missteps?

For Jon Berg, the failure of "Pharaohs and Gods" amplified the pressure on his shoulders. The debacle mirrored the downfall of his predecessor, Alan Horn, whose resignation was prompted by the chaos surrounding "Terminator 2018".

Daniel, no stranger to controversy himself, had a hand in the mess, clandestinely pushing Martin's project onto the company's plate.

As Jon mulled over their next project, "Jack the Giant Catcher," anxiety gnawed at him. Adapted from a classic fairy tale, this magical epic boasted a hefty $200 million production budget, leaving no room for error. Even with his familial ties to Kevin Tsujihara, failure was not an option.

"Daniel, what are your thoughts on 'Jack the Giant Catcher'?" Jon inquired, seeking reassurance.

Unwilling to entangle himself further, Daniel deflected, citing urgent matters elsewhere. Left alone, Jon's worries multiplied, prompting him to summon his trusted assistant, McDonald.

"McDonald, I need you to oversee the filming of 'Jack the Giant Catcher'," Jon instructed, his tone grave. "Ensure the crew delivers quality and quantity."

McDonald nodded, recognizing the gravity of the task. "Consider it done, President," he affirmed.

With McDonald dispatched to Atlanta, Jon felt a semblance of relief. However, as word spread among investors, including Castle Rock Pictures and Legendary Pictures, additional pressure mounted.

Sensing the need for increased oversight, Jon welcomed the intervention, viewing it as a means to rein in the director and foster collaboration.

Four additional production managers were dispatched, signaling a united front. Yet, Bryan Singer, the seasoned director, found himself outnumbered as conflicting opinions clashed on set.

Amidst the chaos, tensions ran high, reminiscent of the turmoil surrounding David Fincher's debut on "Alien 3". With the fate of "Jack the Giant Catcher" hanging in the balance, the once-peaceful crew braced for tumultuous times ahead.

When 20th Century Fox entrusted David Fincher, a fresh face in the film industry, with the directorial reins for "Alien 3," skepticism ran rampant. A slew of executives and advisors descended upon the set, their presence a testament to the uncertainty surrounding Fincher's capabilities.

The atmosphere during production was fraught with tension, as Fincher grappled with the weight of expectations. Tortured by the demands of the film industry, his spirit battered and bruised, Fincher vowed never to return to the director's chair. It wasn't until three years later, after finding solace in the music video and advertising world, that he would resurface, helming the iconic "Seven."

Despite its place in cinematic history, Fincher vehemently disavowed "Alien 3," a sentiment echoed on every occasion and to anyone who dared to inquire.

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As news of "Pharaohs and Gods" dismal performance reverberated across North America, the repercussions were felt worldwide, casting a pall over its impending international release.

The film's lackluster box office returns, coupled with the onslaught of new releases, spelled trouble for its global prospects. Among the contenders was the highly anticipated sequel to "John Wick," promising audiences a high-octane thrill ride.

At the star-studded premiere of "John Wick" in Los Angeles, Martin, donning a sleek black suit, navigated the red carpet with Elizabeth by his side. Sipping on his trademark can of Coke, he posed for photos before entering the theater.

Louise approached, concern etched on her features. "Jon Berg's absence is glaring," she remarked, noting his failure to reciprocate Martin's previous attendance at his premiere.

Mene, brimming with enthusiasm, proposed a retaliatory plan. "Let's broadcast our box office numbers at Warner Studio every day once our film hits theaters," he declared, eliciting a smile from Elizabeth.

Chad, Marcus, and Chen joined the fray, each contributing to the spirited conversation. Marcus, visibly heavier than before, shared updates on Disney Pictures' scheduling of "Lone Survivor." Martin, impressed with the early editing, nodded in approval.

As Marcus floated the idea of inviting veterans to the premiere, Martin assented, delegating the task to Jessica. Meanwhile, Elizabeth reminded him of the presence of Alan and Robert Egger, ensuring they were acknowledged amidst the bustling atmosphere of Hollywood's elite.

As Martin exchanged warm greetings with Alan Horn and Robert Egger in the bustling theater lobby, the air buzzed with anticipation.

"I saw the test screening, and it was fantastic!" Robert Iger exclaimed, his excitement palpable.

Alan Horn nodded in agreement. "Indeed, the test screening exceeded expectations, surpassing even the first film," he added.

Martin graciously acknowledged their praise. "It's reassuring to hear positive feedback, especially from Disney," he remarked.

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As the entourage made their way into the theater, Chad lingered behind, eager to discuss future plans with Martin.

"Bradt and I have hashed out the plot for the third installment several times," Chad confided, falling into step beside Martin.

Martin nodded, recalling their discussions. "I've reviewed the outline Det sent over. Let's keep building on that," he suggested.

Chad's enthusiasm bubbled over as he outlined their plans. "Once promotion for this film wraps up, Tiger, Marcus, and I will dive into the third part. We're thinking of incorporating more melee fighting scenes," he revealed.

Confident in their abilities, Martin reassured Chad, "You have my full support. Action sequences have always been our forte."

Chad grinned, acknowledging Martin's pivotal role in bringing their vision to life. "With actors like you, our action sequences shine even brighter," he remarked.

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As the lights dimmed and the premiere screening commenced, the audience was immediately drawn into the heart-pounding action unfolding on screen.

From the opening sequence to the climactic showdown, Martin's portrayal of Jonathan, the stoic protagonist, captivated viewers. With each meticulously choreographed fight scene, the audience was swept up in a whirlwind of adrenaline and excitement.

As the credits rolled, applause erupted throughout the theater, a testament to the film's electrifying impact.

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Robert Iger rose to his feet, applauding vigorously. Turning to Alan Horn, he posed a question. "How does it compare to the first film?"

Alan Horn's response was unequivocal. "It surpasses the original in every aspect. This sequel is more thrilling, more captivating," he declared confidently.

Robert Egger, while impressed, couldn't help but express a hint of regret. "It's a shame Martin won't consider a role in a Marvel film," he lamented.

Alan Horn shrugged, unfazed by the notion. "Martin's talents transcend any single franchise. Besides, the opportunities he has outside of Marvel are equally rewarding," he countered.

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As the evening drew to a close, Robert Egger shared an intriguing statistic with Martin. "With your involvement, the film is poised to generate over $40 million in revenue, and that's just the beginning," he revealed, a note of excitement in his voice. "And that's not even factoring in the returns for Davis Studio."

With the success of "John Wick 2" firmly cemented, Martin's star continued to rise, promising even greater achievements on the horizon.