"As you can see," said Chris Henderson, the CEO of Stardust, "Green Lanterns has grossed $1.87 billion through week eight, generating $545 million in profit. This represents a 28 percent profit margin and exceeds internal forecasts by… well, a lot more information is in your packets."
I sat in the quarterly board meeting of Stardust.
These were always boring, but this year, since Justice League was coming out and given how big it was going to be, I had some, let's just say, more involvement.
The board was very happy. Green Lanterns had done well. So well. More than expected. To all of them, Dave and I were money-making machines, and they were more than happy to leave DC Studios to our business, not bothering us.
Of course, we had to continue making money the way we were now.
What I feared was how they might get used to this immense amount of money and get upset if we dropped below $1 billion or something.
"Our stock has risen by 20 percent this year alone, especially after the great success of Green Lanterns," Chris continued.
There was some polite applause.
Chris went on. "Justice League will, of course, release at the end of this year, and we expect big returns. The marketing and production budgets combined will total over $500 million, the most we have ever spent on a movie."
One board member leaned forward. "That's a significant investment. Can Justice League deliver?"
I looked at the man, offended by his words.
Chris stepped in smoothly. "Justice League is tracking toward a record opening by our calculations. All in all, by our best estimates, it will make around $2.3 billion."
He paused for effect. "Our conservative total gross projection is $2.1 billion. We have no scenario where this movie goes under $2 billion."
The board was very impressed. Murmurs of approval rippled through the room.
Chris continued, going over the marketing for Justice League and how much would be spent on it.
Some of it, I knew, would involve me, since there were plans for a crossover with the NBA as part of the marketing. They were already drawing up ideas, something involving Steph Curry and the Flash.
The movie would be DC Studios' biggest marketing push since Superman. It was going to be everywhere.
I kind of zoned out, thinking about the movies Midas had coming out this year.
Lady Bird would be released this year, our Oscar movie for 2018, you could say.
Extraction would be released on Netflix next month. There was already a big buzz around it due to it being from Midas, and therefore from me.
I knew the movie would get more eyes as soon as people noticed its connection to John Wick.
I brought my attention back as Chris talked about merchandising sales and then moved on to the current Netflix deals and how they planned to expand the relationship further in the coming years.
He ended by saying that this year Stardust was likely going to be its most profitable yet and that stocks could be up another 25 percent, maybe even higher.
All the buzzwords hit the investors at the table, and they looked very happy.
The meeting ended, and I met with some of the important investors, even Lester, whose granddaughter was Cassie, my old stalker.
"How is she?" I asked.
Lester sighed. "She's doing well, all things considered. She's now doing a second stint in a facility in Switzerland. She had a relapse."
Oh fuck, I thought in horror.
"I hope she'll get better," I said, a shiver ran down my spine thinking of Cassie returning with a vengeance or something.
"Yeah. I hope so too, Daniel," Lester said quietly.
I left the old man and walked off with Dave.
Man of Tomorrow was in principal photography at the moment, with Brad Bird doing post-production for Justice League and also shooting it, though not at the same time. Brad's attention was 90 percent on Man of Tomorrow until its principal photography ended in June. Until then, I, along with others, was heading post-production. So far, it had been going great. Brad was still in charge and oversaw everything, and he could easily take over fully in June.
Brainiac was being played by Chukwudi Iwuji, whose performance on set was said to be phenomenal. Henry and Brad had nothing but praise for it.
Man of Tomorrow had a lot of pressure on it, just like Justice League. In Man of Tomorrow's case, it needed to be a good sequel to the second-highest-grossing movie ever, Superman.
Wonder Woman 2 would also begin principal photography next month, so Alexandra and Henry were both very busy people.
"So how much do you think Avengers 2.5 will make?" I heard Dave ask.
I looked at him. "You mean Civil War? Well, not as much as Green Lanterns."
Dave shrugged. "I don't know. It is basically an Avengers movie."
"You mean the Avengers movie which made nearly as much as Aquaman last year?" I said.
"Hey, just saying. The concept is heroes fighting against each other. Of course people would come to see it." He paused. "Some investors think we should have our own heroes fighting against each other."
"Good thing the investors aren't making the creative decisions," I said.
Dave grinned. "And hence the reason we're successful."
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The next day came, and it was the day of the premiere.
I walked the red carpet, cameras flashing from every direction. Photographers shouted my name.
"Daniel! Over here!"
"Daniel! To the left!"
I posed for photos, smiling, turning, giving them what they needed.
Then I spotted RDJ talking to a reporter off to the side. I walked up behind him and gave him a tap on the shoulder, intending to just walk off.
But RDJ pulled me in immediately, grinning. "Speak of the devil, and he shall appear."
Robert turned to the reporter. "Here is the man who is our great rival, our great enemy."
The reporter laughed. I recognized her as the one from Variety.
I played along. "We are leading this year, so you guys are already losing badly."
Robert pointed at me. "For now. For now, Adler."
The reporter leaned in. "Robert mentioned earlier that he's doing a movie with you. Can you confirm that?"
I looked at Robert. "Robert was not supposed to say that."
Robert just grinned.
Yes, I had sent Robert the script for The Usual Suspects a few weeks ago, and a week later he called me and said he was interested. We were in early talks, but he had not legally accepted it yet, you could say.
"Daniel, I will be doing this movie," he said, looking at me and then at the reporter. "Probably one of the best scripts I've read."
The reporter's eyes went wide. "Wow…"
"I think it's time for us to go see the movie," I said, pulling Robert away.
Robert laughed as his assistant came over and led him off to other things he had to do.
I walked in, hoping to see Scarlett before the movie started, but I couldn't find her. Instead, I talked with Tom Holland for some time, along with Elizabeth Olsen, and later Kevin Feige.
Soon the movie began, and I was led to my seat.
I sat with Kevin, who had loved Green Lanterns' VFX so much that he wanted to compare notes with our people for Infinity War and other Marvel movies. I remembered how VFX had only gotten worse for Marvel as time went on, something I did not plan to repeat for the DCU.
The lights dimmed.
The movie began.
Civil War was, well, the same as last time. But this time, Quicksilver was a casualty.
Like, why didn't they just kill him off in Age of Ultron?
I don't know ...Like before, the death was just… ah, it was stupid.
But I will give them something. This time, it did feel a bit sad, unlike how I had laughed out loud when I saw Age of Ultron in my old life.
As the movie ended, I congratulated Kevin. A flash clicked near us as someone took our photo, and soon I found myself at a party with the cast and others.
"I don't get why you killed off Quicksilver in this movie when you could have done it in the last one," I asked the Russo brothers.
"Well, other than that, it was a great movie," I said. "So Infinity War Part 1 and Part 2, you guys have a busy few years."
Joe nodded. "It never ends."
"Well, you guys are now on par with Brad with how much you work."
Anthony shook his head. "I still can't believe he's doing Justice League and Superman 2. I mean…"
"He is a machine."
It was then that Robert Downey interrupted us. "Don't try to steal them from us, Adler."
I grinned. "Darn, you spoiled my plans."
The Russos smiled and then left to mingle.
Robert turned serious. "I was very serious, by the way, about the offer. I want in, Adler."
"Then you have it," I said. "But I'm worried about scheduling, you know. You have Infinity War coming up."
Robert waved it off. "I think we can make it work." He paused. "I'll be done after the Avengers movie in 2020, and I really need a movie like this to show that I'm not just Tony Stark."
I nodded.
The role I had in mind for Robert was Dean Keaton in The Usual Suspects.
Robert said, "I did not expect my character to be Keyser Soze, but hey, it's cool."
I nodded with a slight grin.
I had planned on telling all the main cast in the movie that their character was Keyser Soze, making them believe it.
Some fun on my part.
Other than Robert, two other roles were cast: Paul Dano as Verbal, and Edie Finneran played by Scarlett.
Alfred Molina, Tom Hardy, Mads Mikkelsen, and many more were on the list.
The movie, if I made it correctly, would be the best movie of that year. It would probably get me another screenplay Oscar.
I just needed to find another project for Margot so she could fulfill her fantasy of winning Oscars together.
"Hey! Finally!" I heard Scarlett's voice from behind me. "Been looking for you everywhere."
I turned and saw Scarlett walking toward us.
Huh. Why haven't I done something with Scarlett and Margot together?
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Captain America: Civil War Soars to $1.5 Billion Worldwide, But Still Trails Green Lanterns
Marvel Studios' Captain America: Civil War has officially crossed the $1.5 billion mark worldwide, making it the second highest-grossing films of 2017 and cementing its place as a major success for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as its highest grosser.
The film earned $623 million domestically and $877 million internationally over its impressive theatrical run, driven by the star power of its ensemble cast.
However, the film still falls short of DC's Green Lanterns, which was released just two months prior and earned a staggering $1.9 billion worldwide. The comparison has reignited discussions about the ongoing box office battle between the two superhero universes.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The DCU has been dominating the box office in recent years. Of the eight films released in the DC Cinematic Universe so far, only two have finished below $1 billion.
By contrast, the MCU has released thirteen films to date, with only three crossing the $1 billion threshold.
"The DCU has been remarkably consistent," said box office analyst Shawn Robbins. "Marvel has had great successes, but the DCU's hit rate at that level is unmatched."
Looking Ahead
With Justice League set to release in December, expectations are sky-high. Industry projections place the film's potential gross between $2.1 billion and $2.5 billion, which would make it the highest-grossing superhero film of all time.
Marvel, meanwhile, has Doctor Strange and Black Widow on the horizon, both of which are tracking well but are not expected to reach the same stratospheric heights.
"The competition is healthy for both studios," Dergarabedian noted. "But right now, DC is winning the box office war."
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Facebook Post
Just finished episode 2 of Game of Thrones on Netflix. Already hooked! This show is incredible. Can't wait to see what happens next.
Comments:
Margaret T.
This show is HORRIBLE. Sex on TV, incest, violence, it's all against God's plan. We are living in the end times when shows like this are celebrated. Our children are being corrupted by Hollywood's filth. Where are our VALUES? Where is DECENCY? This is what happens when we turn away from the Lord. I will be praying for everyone who watches this demonic garbage.
Patricia G. replying to Margaret T.
Margaret, it's just a TV show. Relax.
Margaret T. replying to Patricia G.
"Just a TV show" is how Satan gets his foothold, Patricia. Wake up!!!
Brian K.
It seems today, that all you see, is violence in movies and sex on TV...
Peter S. replying to Brian K.
But where are those good old-fashioned values...
Stewie Q. replying to Peter S.
On which we used to rely?!
Lois M. replying to Stewie Q.
Lucky there's a Family Guy!
Margaret T. replying to Brian K.
This is NOT a joke! This is SERIOUS!!!
Glenn B. replying to Margaret T.
Giggity.
Karen L.
Been enjoying it very much! My daughter is a fan of the books it's based on. She's been telling me all about the characters. It's nice to have something we can talk about together.
David M.
Never thought I would like a show with less action like this, but it seems like it's building up to something big. The politics and intrigue are really well done.
Tom H.
I have many reasons to watch this show. MANY.
Linda S.
My husband and I started watching last night. Why isn't Netflix releasing it all at once like they usually do?
Robert P.
I read the books. The show is doing a great job so far. Can't wait to see how they handle the later stuff.
Michael J.
Is it really that good? I keep seeing people talk about it. Might have to check it out.
Sarah K. replying to Michael J.
YES. Watch it now.
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Facebook Post
Daniel Adler is now promoting DEGENERACY like INCEST through his new series Game of Thrones on Netflix!!! This man has been CORRUPTING our children for YEARS with his so-called "books," and now he's gone TOO FAR. This show is FILLED with violence, sexual immorality, and INCEST being portrayed as NORMAL!!!
This is the SAME MAN who wrote those OCCULT and pagan books Percy Jackson and the Olympians that our kids read, turning them pagan and against our values, and now he's pushing THIS FILTH into our living rooms!!! The Devil works through Hollywood, and Daniel Adler is one of his FAVORITE TOOLS!!!
Our society is CRUMBLING because we allow people like him to spread this POISON!!! Where are the MORALS? Where is GOD in any of this???
BOYCOTT Game of Thrones! BOYCOTT Netflix! BOYCOTT Daniel Adler and EVERYTHING he touches!!! Protect your families from this SATANIC GARBAGE!!!
🙏✝️ SHARE if you stand with GOD and AGAINST Hollywood's corruption!!! ✝️🙏
Comments:
Linda M.
AMEN! I cancelled my Netflix subscription as soon as I saw what this show was about. We will NOT have this filth in our home!
Robert S.
You people are insane. It's a TV show based on a book series. If you don't like it, don't watch it.
Linda M. replying to Robert S.
Robert, I will pray for your soul. You clearly don't understand what's at stake here.
Karen W.
My book club has been reading the books for the last few years. They're actually very well written. The show is doing a great job adapting them.
Jennifer L.
Oh, for crying out loud. It's a medieval fantasy show. Calm down.
Michael P.
I love how people who've never watched a single episode are suddenly experts on what it's about.
Susan R.
I tried watching it. Not my cup of tea, but I don't think it's "Satanic." Just not for me.
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Game of Thrones Dominates Netflix for Second Consecutive Week as Subscriber Numbers Surge
Netflix has announced that Game of Thrones has held the number one spot on the streaming platform for two consecutive weeks since its premiere, with the fantasy epic driving a significant surge in new subscriptions.
The streaming giant released impressive numbers showing that Game of Thrones has been streamed for over 210 million hours in its first two weeks, making it one of the most-watched series launches in Netflix history. The service has also seen a 12 percent increase in new subscribers since the show's debut, with international markets showing particularly strong growth.
"We couldn't be happier with the response to Game of Thrones," said Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos. "This is exactly the kind of premium, event television that our subscribers want, and the numbers speak for themselves."
The series is based on the best-selling A Song of Ice and Fire novels by Academy Award-winning author Daniel Adler, who also serves on Netflix's board of directors.
The show is run by newcomer showrunners Cal Reinhart and Elias Rourke, who were relatively unknown before landing the job. According to Adler, they were chosen from over 50 pitches.
"Cal and Elias gave me the best pitch I've ever heard," Adler said in a recent interview. "They understood the material on a fundamental level. They didn't want to change it or 'fix' it. They wanted to bring it to life exactly as it was written. That's what you want in an adaptation."
The entire first season reportedly cost over $200 million to produce, making it one of the most expensive television productions ever made. The investment is clearly visible on screen, with critics and audiences alike hailing it as one of the best-looking shows in television history.
Readers of the book series have been particularly enthusiastic, with many saying the show feels like the books have come to life.
"It's like they pulled the images directly from my head while I was reading," said one fan on social media. "The casting, the sets, the costumes, everything is perfect."
With eight episodes remaining in the first season and Netflix having already announced second and third season renewals before the premiere even aired, Game of Thrones looks poised to become a cultural phenomenon and a cornerstone of Netflix's original programming strategy.
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Game of Thrones reactions next.