บท 25: Chapter 24
It's true that Xu Can loves acting—it's both his hobby and his dream. However, he doesn't want to wait passively for directors to find him, as many actors do. Xu Can prefers to actively pursue the roles he's passionate about.
If he can't achieve the freedom and ease he desires in his new life, then it would be a waste of time. During the filming of Spider-Man, he thoroughly enjoyed the action scenes and wasn't inclined to immediately dive into literary films aiming for Oscars. He wanted to have fun with his work.
So, after completing Spider-Man and before its release, Xu Can wasn't idle. Alongside spending time with Emma Stone and writing scripts, he dedicated significant effort to establishing his own company.
Yes, Xu Can plans to open his own film and television production company. Initially, the company will focus solely on production, relying on Columbia Cinemas for distribution.
Since the release of Spider-Man, Xu Can has become deeply associated with the role. In this parallel world, he's as iconic to Sony as Tobey Maguire was in real life. Chairman Stringer of Sony North America is eager to capitalize on Xu Can's success, making favorable terms for distribution and theaters likely. However, the key to success lies in high-quality film production.
Assuming Spider-Man surpasses $800 million at the box office, Xu Can will earn around $15 million in salary and dividends. Coupled with a loan, this will cover almost $20 million in production costs. Xu Can has already identified a project that fits this investment level: John Wick—also known as Give Me Back My Dog's Life.
Released in 2013, the film stars Keanu Reeves and follows a retired hitman seeking revenge after his dog is killed. Despite low initial expectations, the film grossed over $88 million and became a success, spawning a unique John Wick universe. As a startup competing against Hollywood giants, creating a successful IP like John Wick could help Xu Can establish a foothold in Hollywood. With his exceptional acting skills, Xu Can believes he can improve production efficiency and potentially reduce costs.
"Sorry, Summit Entertainment. This project is mine."
Xu Can refined and completed the script during this period.
"Happy, what's up?"
"The office is decorated, and we've hired staff. It's up and running. Do you want to come by and take a look?"
Agent Happy Hogan, now Xu Can's general manager, handles operational affairs with authority. Happy's dependable and solid presence is reassuring to Xu Can.
"In two days, but today is Christmas, and I have to attend Sony's celebration cocktail party. I'm dreading it," Xu Can said with a headache.
Happy, on the other hand, was exasperated. "Are you kidding me? Other celebrities would jump at this opportunity, and you want to avoid it?"
"It's boring—a bunch of people just chatting."
"Xu, remember you're a quasi-A-list actor now. If Spider-Man 2 maintains its reputation, you'll be an A-list star!"
Xu Can doesn't view himself as a star. To him, actors are just actors. He's more interested in making money than in vanity. In his past life, he admired stars like Lana Del Rey and Keanu Reeves, who maintained low profiles despite their fame.
Even after achieving sudden fame, Xu Can didn't fully grasp his popularity. His mindset remained unchanged from his days in small roles. As he prepared to head out to buy daily necessities, he was stopped by passersby.
"Oh, buy it! Buy it!"
Confused, Xu Can looked at the four enthusiastic young women surrounding him.
"You're Spider-Man! Peter Parker!"
"Can we take a photo with you? Please?"
The girls, wearing thin clothes despite the winter sun, seemed overly excited. One blonde girl, no older than 20, hugged Xu Can's arm, her voice sweet.
"I want a photo too! I'm a fan!"
"Okay, okay, one at a time."
Xu Can was bemused by the attention. He signed a book and a T-shirt for one girl and, when another asked him to sign a more private area, he complied, albeit nervously. The girls were thrilled, with Xu Can's autograph becoming a cherished souvenir.
Just as he was about to leave, a new crowd of movie fans surrounded him. The commotion drew attention from everyone in the bustling downtown area of Los Santos.
"Damn it, I need to buy a mansion in Beverly Hills next time! And a car," Xu Can thought. Constantly being pursued by fans while riding was becoming problematic.
The LAPD was called in to manage the crowd, allowing Xu Can to escape with the help of officers. He took photos with them and signed their police car, adding to his already overwhelming fan interactions.
"Spider-Man is awesome! Can't wait for the sequel!"
"I'm taking pictures! I'm taking pictures!"
"NBC reporters will bring you live coverage!"
"Everyone knows Spider-Man is the most popular movie in North America right now. It's hard to believe there are still people who haven't seen it—except for those who can't get tickets."
"With Spider-Man breaking the first weekend box office record and potentially crossing the $500 million mark in North America, it's set to dominate the annual box office championship. Sony Entertainment is hosting a celebration cocktail party at the Beverly Hills Hotel today, with Hollywood celebrities attending to congratulate them."
"From a minor actor to a major star overnight, Xu Can is the center of attention tonight. Reports indicate that Xu Can was surrounded by movie fans earlier today, causing traffic disruptions in some neighborhoods."
"Everyone, follow my finger. That's Xu Can's car over there."
As the reporter spoke, the flashbulbs went off, creating a frenzy even greater than on the premiere night. Xu Can, dressed in a sharp black suit, walked down the red carpet with Emma Stone, heading toward the event.
"Spider-Man! Spider-Man! Gwen—"
The fans were ecstatic, and Xu Can, though overwhelmed, could only reflect on how fame brought its own set of troubles.
Emma, glancing at him with a smile, said, "Where are you now? You're bound to become even more popular."
"You've become a star, and your sweet talk is just too much. Let's save the kissing scene for later."
"In front of all these people?" Emma's face turned slightly red.
"I'll come over tonight and we can rehearse that kissing scene then," Xu Can teased.
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