Capítulo 270: Chapter 270: A Love Story
North American theaters are still expanding, and the number of theaters and screens showing "Deadpool" now could never compare to what will be available in ten years. Even if the film might receive better feedback and surge in attendance, bringing the North American audience numbers close to or even surpassing those of that past film, the box office in North America still couldn't hold a candle to it.
Indeed, compared to before, the cost for North Americans to watch a regular film hasn't seen a significant rise, and the ticket prices for standard screenings haven't skyrocketed in the next ten years.
But this doesn't include 3D!
Don't forget, a decade later, the number of 3D screens and the generally higher ticket prices by a third to a quarter compared to 2D, not to mention the even pricier IMAX tickets.
This part of the equation isn't something Murphy can ignore, and the impact these objective conditions have on a film isn't something an individual or even a single film company can change.
How many 3D screens are there in North America now? Even adding up those used for experiments or educational purposes, it might not even total two hundred.
Based on the trial screening feedback and the actual effects of the promotion, Murphy was very confident in "Deadpool," but he also remained sufficiently rational.
After the trial screenings, "Deadpool" entered the final sprint of pre-release promotion, with 20th Century Fox starting to leverage the trial screening buzz.
Many comments from the audience spread widely online.
"They've made an incredibly awesome and exhilarating 'Deadpool' movie, it's so unique," said a regular audience member named Lucas Singer.
Another big boy named Eddie Biddle said, "'Deadpool' is just so damn brilliant."
Praise with audience signatures kept coming, "'Deadpool' is insanely good! So absurd and funny, it might become one of my favorite movies."
Information about "Deadpool's" trial screenings also reached the distributors of "Hellboy," which was released a week before, and "Catwoman," which was coming out a week after.
The former, just a small company in Hollywood, didn't have the capability to compete with 20th Century Fox. Warner Bros., one of the Big Six, was constantly monitoring "Deadpool's" movements. The film's second weekend would clash with "Catwoman's" opening weekend, and both being superhero movies, they would compete for audiences and theater screenings.
However, the competition among the Big Six studios has always maintained a certain level of tacit understanding, employing mostly fair and legal means without crossing the line.
For example, some negative rumors about Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. circulated in the media and online, suggesting that their relationship wasn't just friendly but also involved drug abuse, especially Murphy's alleged connections to a drug trafficking group in downtown Los Angeles, possibly even being a member.
Clearly, the private investigations targeted at Murphy, failing to produce any evidence, turned into tabloid gossip.
"Such news won't have much effect," two producers in charge of "Catwoman" entered a Warner Bros. meeting room where several top executives, including TV division head Bruce Rosenbloom and Warner Bros. CEO Bruce Berman, were waiting.
Seeing Bruce Berman there wasn't surprising for them; "Catwoman" was a project that Berman had pushed forward despite internal opposition, directly relating to his ability to maintain his position.
"Take a seat," Bruce Berman nodded to them.
The brief meeting began.
"We still have some time before the release," said a middle-aged man to Berman's left, starting the conversation. "We can completely finish re-editing 'Catwoman.'"
He coughed, "The disadvantage is, 'Deadpool,' releasing a week before us, has excellent trial screening feedback. Its second-week box office and screenings could affect 'Catwoman.'"
The room fell silent. Trial screening feedback, in reality, often differs from promotional portrayals. For example, Warner Bros. made some efforts for "Catwoman's" trial screening buzz, but negative news still leaked. In today's era, no film company or media can completely block bad news about their movies or unbridledly exaggerate good news.
From this perspective, "Deadpool's" overwhelmingly positive trial screenings are at least 70% genuine.
Everyone's expression turned serious. The outcome of "Catwoman's" re-editing and adjustments was uncertain. If "Deadpool's" box office was as explosive as its trial screening feedback, could "Catwoman" withstand its impact?
"What if we do this?" the person to Berman's right suggested. "We could try to influence the MPAA rating, make 'Deadpool' be rated NC-17. That would essentially eliminate any threat to 'Catwoman.'"
"Absolutely not!" Bruce Rosenbloom suddenly interjected. "We are members of the MPAA, as is 20th Century Fox, and they have been for longer and have greater influence. It's difficult to achieve."
"Indeed," Berman nodded firmly. "That's the worst option. Apart from 'Deadpool's' content issues, what if 20th Century Fox retaliates against our films?"
The person who suggested it closed his mouth, looking somewhat embarrassed.
All eyes turned to Bruce Berman, waiting for his decision.
"Proceed with 'Catwoman's' second editing," Berman didn't keep them waiting. "Actively contact theaters to secure more screenings and better screening rates for 'Catwoman', and have our media further hype the negative news about Murphy Stanton..."
Mentioning this name, Berman frowned but continued, "Spread negative news about Murphy Stanton and Robert Downey Jr."
These were standard competitive tactics. Berman was well aware of Hollywood's rules of the game. The Big Six studios compete and cooperate, forming a community of interests against emerging forces, never engaging in unlimited vicious competition that could drag both their backing corporations through the mud.
The atmosphere in the meeting room turned cold, as everyone seemed to lack confidence in "Catwoman."
Berman stood up, confidently addressing the room, "Gentlemen! You should all understand that trial screening buzz doesn't mean everything. 'Deadpool's' initial audience was definitely comic fans, a minority group whose reactions might not represent the market. Critics, well, they exist apart from the audience. And Murphy Stanton's niche style, while appealing to critics, isn't what mainstream audiences usually prefer."
His gaze swept across the faces in the room, confidently adding, "I firmly believe 'Catwoman' will be successful, surpassing 'Deadpool's' second weekend box office, becoming one of this year's most outstanding commercial films."
"Exactly!"
"That's right!"
A chorus of agreement filled the room.
Bruce Rosenbloom also smiled in agreement with Berman's words, but inwardly, he sneered. From "Catwoman's" trial screening feedback, he foresaw the crisis Warner Bros. and DC Comics might face, with these people squandering the chance to revitalize DC's superhero movies, handing it over to 20th Century Fox.
This was fine by him; only in a crisis could he see an opportunity.
Warner Bros., having invested over a hundred million dollars in "Catwoman," naturally didn't want to see the film fail and subsequently intensified its promotional efforts. On the other hand, Revolution Studios' "Hellboy" had a lukewarm marketing campaign, seemingly resigned to make what they could from it.
20th Century Fox, meanwhile, ramped up "Deadpool's" promotional efforts as the release neared, not even sparing the details of the film's rating announcement.
"Recently, with just half a month until its release, the superhero movie 'Deadpool' has officially been rated R! Since the start of filming, the rating of this movie has been a hot topic, and today the MPAA finally made a decision. The superhero known for his foul mouth and dirty jokes, Deadpool, can now officially make his lewd antics on the big screen..."
This wasn't the end. With a clear target audience in mind, 20th Century Fox also utilized the MPAA's rating description as promotional material.
"The Motion Picture Association of America has determined that 'Deadpool' contains extensive violence, language, sexual content, and nudity, officially rating it R (restricted – viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian)."
Undoubtedly, "Deadpool" primarily targets male viewers over seventeen, but the female audience segment cannot be ignored. Hollywood has conducted targeted surveys, finding that men rarely watch movies aimed at women, and even if they do, the proportion is very low. However, women often manage to enjoy films targeted at men...
20th Century Fox also produced advertisements specifically for female viewers.
The ads were similar in style to previous ones, with Deadpool cheekily greeting the audience in front of the camera, but this time he held a rose, targeting female viewers, "You might think this is a superhero movie, but let me tell you, you're in luck – this is actually a love story!"
The ad even included a special segment showing Deadpool and Vanessa's romantic moments over a year, captured by Robert Downey Jr. and Jessica Alba, ensuring the love scenes were thrilling enough.
After an intensive promotion and meticulous distribution preparation by 20th Century Fox, April steadily progressed, slowly reaching its second weekend.
Like most films premiering in the Hollywood area, "Deadpool's" North American premiere was held at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
The event was a spectacular affair, drawing attention not just from fans but from media worldwide. The unique marketing strategy, especially the focus on making "Deadpool" appear as a love story, intrigued a diverse audience, including those who might not typically be interested in superhero movies.
The premiere was more than just a screening; it was a testament to the changing landscape of superhero films, breaking the mold with an R-rated movie that dared to blend genres, humor, and action in a way that had rarely been seen before.
As the reviews started pouring in post-premiere, it was clear that "Deadpool" was set to become a cultural phenomenon. The daring approach, combined with a carefully orchestrated promotional campaign, paid off, creating immense buzz and anticipation.
The industry watched closely, with some predicting that "Deadpool's" success could pave the way for more R-rated superhero movies, challenging the norms and expectations of what a superhero film could be. The film was not just a commercial endeavor but a bold statement in the cinematic world, blurring the lines between superhero antics and the depth of a love story.
As the box office numbers began to come in, it was evident that "Deadpool" had not only met but exceeded expectations, cementing its place as a landmark film that would influence the genre for years to come.
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