Chapter 54: Chapter 53
"Robert, what are your plans next?"
"I don't know. I might just stay home and wait for my agent to call me."
Robert Downey Jr. smiled self-deprecatingly.
"No, I mean, are you available at the beginning of next year?"
"Ah? Are you going to make a sequel so soon?"
"No, not just a sequel—the entire series."
Xu Can handed Downey a document containing the next Marvel movie production plan and Iron Man's future appearances.
The timeline was ambitious:
- August 2007: Post-credits scene in "Thor."
- January 2008: "Iron Man 2."
- Second half of 2008: "The Avengers."
- First half of 2009: "Iron Man 3."
The plan continued with titles like "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Captain America: Civil War," "Avengers: Infinity War," and "Avengers: Endgame." Beyond that, even more projects like "World War Hulk," "Avengers vs. X-Men," "Onslaught," and "Dark Reign" were outlined.
Each movie was a crucial node in an intricate network, and for the first time, Robert Downey Jr. glimpsed Xu Can's cinematic universe vision.
Before this, no one had ever attempted such an expansive, interconnected series. The closest comparisons were the "007" and "Harry Potter" franchises, which followed single narrative lines. But this was different—a vast, intertwined movie world under the same universe. It was beyond anything Downey could have imagined. He even began to feel a mix of awe and fear toward the young man beside him, who was more than ten years his junior. Xu Can was a visionary, perhaps even a monster in the best sense of the word.
"How about it? Any thoughts on joining? There will be plenty of time for you to do other movies, so you won't be playing Iron Man all the time."
Robert Downey Jr. realized that even if he took on other roles, Iron Man's influence would only deepen. But with such a massive project, he'd probably regret it if he didn't join.
"I'm in—count me in."
"Very good. Then we'll need to adjust our contract accordingly. Let the legal department talk to you later. Don't worry, we'll make sure you're well taken care of."
"Thanks, Xu. You could've chosen Tom Cruise for this role, but you insisted on me..."
"Come on, we're buddies. I think you *are* Tony Stark."
"So, you think I'm an asshole?"
"You said it, not me," Xu Can responded seriously, pushing aside the playful banter.
"Iron Man" had officially wrapped, and while it awaited post-production, other movie plans were already underway. "Thor" had begun preparations, with Xu Can overseeing the final script revisions and partial supervision. Kevin Feige was handling the director and cast. Alan Taylor, who directed "Thor: The Dark World," was likely to direct, and Chris Hemsworth was set to play Thor. This time, Xu Can planned to merge elements from "Thor 12" to create a new version of "Thor" that would directly introduce the Space Stone.
Next up was "Captain America," set to begin production after "Thor." Xu Can would also write the script for this one, aiming to improve upon the flaws of the original "Captain America: The First Avenger" by introducing exciting stories about the Howling Commandos, leading into "The Avengers."
With a chance to redo the entire Marvel universe, Xu Can intended to make up for the regrets of his previous life and make the already brilliant universe shine even brighter. Each character's solo movie wouldn't just be filler or part of the series, but a high-quality film on its own, maximizing each character's value. This was one of the reasons Xu Can had acquired Marvel.
* * *
Griffith Observatory, under the same lavender night sky.
Xu Can and Emma Stone sat side by side on a bench, gazing at the night view of Los Angeles, just as they had the night before the "Spider-Man" premiere. Back then, they were still in the Spider-Man-Gwen phase, and their relationship was heating up. But now, with both of them busy and often apart, their relationship had cooled. The presence of Taylor Swift didn't help—Emma sometimes deliberately avoided Xu Can unless it was unavoidable. Her sixth sense told her that Xu Can and Taylor had an unusual relationship, but Xu Can didn't admit it, and Emma wasn't in a position to press him.
On this day, they finally had a date. After a big meal, Emma suggested they come here to sit.
"Why do you want to come here? Why don't we go back and do something more... interesting?" Xu Can suggested, earning a helpless look from Emma.
"You know what that is..."
"That just means you're attractive enough."
"I really can't beat you." Emma pouted, attempting to playfully step on Xu Can, but he sensed it and dodged her sneak attack.
Wait, this scene—
Xu Can suddenly realized that this scene was eerily similar to one in "La La Land," where the lead characters tap-danced. It had been a while since he had acted, with his last performance as the Joker in "The Dark Knight." With "Spider-Man 2" and "John Wick 2" on the horizon, he found these roles not challenging enough. Over the past half year, he'd been more of a director and investor, but his original dream was to act.
Maybe "La La Land" would be a good choice—a way to rediscover the joy of acting and be a pure actor again. Plus, he had promised Emma they would co-star in another movie.
Why not make this one?
It would be perfect for the 2009 Oscars.
Xu Can decided then and there—he would take on Hollywood's best and brightest, confident he could make a lasting impact. As he drifted off in thought, Emma noticed his sudden stillness and, worried she'd hurt him, asked, "Xu, are you okay? Did I hurt you?"
Instead of answering, Xu Can pulled her close and kissed her deeply.
"What's going on?" Emma was confused by the sudden kiss.
"As I promised, we'll collaborate on a musical. I'm planning to start the project and shoot it right after Christmas!"
"Really?" Emma's eyes lit up, bright and excited under the streetlights.
"Yes, and we'll aim for the Oscars together."
This time, Emma took the initiative to kiss Xu Can.
* * *
Post-production for "Iron Man" proved more challenging than expected. Although Xu Can's newly established special effects company, Galaxy Digital, had attracted top talent, this was their first task. They needed more time and effort to meet Xu Can's high standards. As a result, "Iron Man," originally set for a Christmas release, was postponed to late January 2008, conveniently avoiding a clash with "The Dark Knight."
Warner Bros., bolstered by the success of "Batman Begins," poured significant resources into promoting "The Dark Knight." Just like with "Spider-Man," Xu Can saw "The Dark Knight" posters everywhere—on subways, in newspapers, magazines, and as giant billboards in commercial areas. Online platforms were also abuzz, with the teaser trailer spreading rapidly. With Xu Can playing the pivotal role of the Joker, he posted the trailer on his social media, where his 15 million followers quickly responded, garnering tens of thousands of likes and thousands of comments.
"Wow, what did I just find?"
"The Joker! Xu Can's Joker is finally here!"
"I've been waiting since the day the casting was announced. It's finally happening!"
"'The Dark Knight' is just the appetizer—the main course is coming!"
Despite Xu Can's established roles as Spider-Man and John Wick, fans eagerly anticipated his portrayal of the Joker and couldn't wait to watch the trailer. Soon, over 100 million movie fans were viewing it on YouTube, DC Community, IMDB, and other movie review websites.
* * *
*Warner Bros.*
*DC Comics*
In the dark night, Batman leaps from a skyscraper.
*Produced by Galaxy Pictures*
"Where do we start?"
The first narration in the trailer is Xu Can's voice—the Joker's unique, low, chaotic tone immediately captures everyone's attention.
"A year ago, who would've dared to touch you—cops, lawyers? What happened?"
The scene shifts to Commissioner Gordon and Harvey Dent.
"It's simple..."
The camera first shows the Joker's back—messy dark green hair and a flamboyant purple suit. But this comical appearance exudes an intense sense of menace.
"Kill the Batman."
The camera cuts to the front, revealing the Joker's pale face for the first time. Most viewers didn't even recognize Xu Can at first. With his crazed eyes, how could this be the same person who played Spider-Man and John Wick?
"Hahahahaha—"
The high-pitched, sinister laughter sends shivers down everyone's spine.
"This is my calling card..."
A colorful Joker card flashes on the screen as the powerful melody composed by Hans Zimmer plays, adding to the tension.
"Bruce, this is Harvey Dent. He's Gotham's White Knight, the hero we need."
The scene shifts to Batman riding his Batpod through flames.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!"
The Joker's twisted voice echoes as he makes a grand entrance.
"We're here to add a little chaos tonight!"
"Wow! Hello, beautiful. You look too tense, how about a smile?" A pencil stabs into a table, and the Joker slams a gangster's head onto it with ruthless force.
"Gotham is on the edge of collapse, and Batman is the only one who can stop this."
Two minutes and thirty-two seconds later, the "Dark Knight" logo appears. The entire trailer ends with the Joker's maniacal laughter.
"Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!"
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