Kapitel 12: Chapter 11
At the Griffith Observatory, Xu Can and Emma Stone lay side by side in front of the guardrail, gazing at Los Santos under the purple evening sky.
"Xu, how did you know about this place? I've lived in Los Santos for years, and I've never seen such a breathtaking view!" Emma said, her voice filled with awe. The hazy nightscape before her was unlike anything she'd ever imagined in a city known for its hustle and glamour.
"Well… I've been here a few times," Xu Can replied with a half-truth. In reality, he'd only seen this scene in GTA V and La La Land.
"Thank you. It's given me a whole new perspective on this city."
Emma turned to him with a thoughtful expression. "By the way, why did you publicly bet on the box office with that film critic? What if you lose?"
Xu Can grinned playfully at her. "Who told him to talk like that about you? I was furious!"
At the mention of the film critic, Emma's anger flared up again. To her, Xu Can was the perfect Spider-Man, embodying the character with depth and brilliance. He had gone all out in his performance, transforming Peter Parker with his outstanding acting skills. Why should such a hardworking and talented rising star be doubted simply because of his race?
In her eyes, Xu Can's portrayal of Spider-Man was flawless, capturing the very essence of the character from the comics. So, before Xu Can could even respond to the critic's harsh words, Emma, known for her outspokenness, had jumped to his defense. She boldly predicted that Spider-Man would surpass $500 million at the box office, even promising to eat an entire can of herring alive in front of the media if it didn't.
Film critic Howard Newber, amused by the challenge, responded with a bet of his own:
"Spider-Man won't gross more than $200 million. If it does, I'll go skinny-dipping in the Hudson River!"
Although they weren't A-list celebrities, both had a decent following, and the media eagerly hyped up this bet, pushing the already popular Spider-Man into the spotlight.
Sony executives, however, were uneasy. The rising hype was a double-edged sword—if the film failed at the box office, Sony and its subsidiary Columbia Pictures would become the laughingstock of Hollywood. Emma Stone, Xu Can, and director Marc Webb would all be caught in the fallout.
Producer Avi Arad considered pulling Emma aside for some crisis management, but Xu Can stopped him.
"I believe in our movie, and I believe in Emma. Just wait and see, Avi. It's going to be fine."
Avi Arad, nearly fifty with graying hair, was struck by Xu Can's calmness and wisdom, which seemed far beyond his years.
As time passed, the summer heat faded, and the temperatures in Los Santos began to drop. The premiere date loomed ever closer.
The Spider-Man team released several trailers in quick succession, airing them across major TV networks like CBS, NBC, FOX, and The CW. They launched an all-out marketing blitz online and offline. Each trailer garnered over 100 million views on YouTube, drawing attention not only from North America but also from audiences in hundreds of countries and regions worldwide—except, of course, China.
American comics had never really taken off in China, remaining a niche interest at best. Aside from a few news reports about the "Chinese Spider-Man," the film had generated little buzz there. Negotiations between Sony Entertainment and China Film were still ongoing, with the film submitted for review, but a simultaneous release seemed unlikely.
Xu Can was slightly disappointed but not overly concerned. The North American box office was the film's primary target. Once it succeeded there, the rest of the world would follow.
With just a week left before the premiere, Spider-Man had only made $8 million in pre-sales across North America. Those who bought tickets without hesitation were die-hard comic fans. The majority of the general public was still undecided.
Based on these numbers, the professional film magazine Box Office Pro projected an opening weekend gross of $45-55 million. While decent for a low-budget comedy, it was underwhelming for a large-scale special effects blockbuster. Even a comedy like Football Dad had opened with $40 million and gone on to gross $150 million.
This projection seemed to support Howard Newber's prediction that Spider-Man wouldn't surpass $200 million.
"If it doesn't break $500 million, the worst that could happen is eating canned herring," Emma said, her confidence wavering despite her belief in Xu Can. But she couldn't help worrying about the market's response.
"Don't worry," Xu Can said, wrapping an arm around her waist. "We've got this."
Spider-Man (2002) had grossed over $400 million, and Xu Can was confident that the new version, with its upgraded story, cutting-edge cinematography, and advanced special effects, would do even better.
"But what if I eat the herring and you can't stand me anymore?" Emma teased, though the worry in her voice was real.
"Then before you eat it, I'll make sure to remember the taste of your lips," Xu Can said, leaning in to kiss her.
"You! Um…" Emma tried to push him away but soon melted into the kiss.
…
The week passed quickly. Xu Can spent his free time writing scripts, going shopping, eating, drinking, and having fun with Emma Stone.
Finally, the day of the premiere arrived!
To ensure a stellar premiere, Sony Entertainment spared no expense, upgrading the Galaxy Cinema with a state-of-the-art IMAX screen and Dolby surround sound.
On Thursday, December 21, 2006, just before Christmas Eve, the grand premiere began at 8 p.m. sharp!
Both paid and unpaid media outlets gathered to witness the event, filling the venue with journalists and photographers.
The key players behind Spider-Man arrived at the theater in luxury cars, walking the red carpet into the premiere.
Producer Avi Arad and director Marc Webb were among the first to arrive. While not on par with star directors like Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, or James Cameron, they were still met with media attention before quickly moving inside.
Next, the legendary Willem Dafoe, who played the Green Goblin, made his entrance with his wife, Giada Colagrande, an acclaimed Italian director. Flashbulbs popped as the couple walked the red carpet, both receiving significant attention.
On the other side, James Franco caused a stir as he arrived. With hits like Young and Wild, Freaks and Geeks, and A King's Heart, Franco had become one of Hollywood's most promising young actors. Although he had originally auditioned for the role of Spider-Man, he ended up playing the part of the Green Goblin's son, Harry Osborn.
A reporter, eager to stir up drama, posed a provocative question: "Spider-Man was supposed to be your role, but it went to an unknown Asian actor instead. How do you feel about that?"
Franco didn't take the bait. "You've got it all wrong—Xu Can is the perfect Spider-Man! It's an honor to play Harry Osborn and to work with Xu."
"Why do you say that?" the reporter pressed.
Franco smiled. "You'll understand when you see the movie later tonight."
At that moment, a white Hummer limousine pulled up in front of the red carpet. The man of the hour, Xu Can, made a dazzling entrance, arm in arm with the stunning Emma Stone.
"Wow, look at this spectacle," Xu Can muttered, nearly blinded by the barrage of camera flashes.
"Who's the joker with the high flash on A1?" he joked as they made their way down the red carpet.
---------------------------------
Uploaded 10+ new chapters on patreon
Read 2 advance chapters for free on patreon
TO READ CHAPTERS IN ADVANCE GO TO MY PATREON - patreon.com/ihatesakura
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein