However, Nolan, who had several projects taken by Gilbert, would see his directing trajectory change considerably, even though he didn't realize that projects had been taken from him.
Although he lost the chance to direct the Batman series, Nolan still had a certain interest in superhero projects.
Before The Prestige was released, Gilbert had already talked with Nolan. Nolan mentioned that he was interested in DC's Superman and Watchmen.
Gilbert then asked him to write a project proposal. If it was well-done, Gilbert would recommend it to Warner, allowing Nolan to work on Superman or Watchmen.
In addition, Nolan himself wanted to make biographical films about the Father of the Atomic Bomb and about Napoleon.
A British director making a Napoleon film? Gilbert was not very optimistic.
"Isn't there a French baron pushing this project recently?" Nolan asked.
"Yes," Gilbert said, "but unfortunately, Sky Studios took the project. Their conditions were better than ours."
Nolan felt a little disappointed, but Gilbert quickly added, "Don't spread this around. I suspect this project is like a Ponzi scheme."
Nolan was startled. "Ah? Really?"
"Really," Gilbert explained. "Ivanka investigated it. There's a lot of insider information and many complications."
Nolan took a deep breath. "So many people in Hollywood believe in this project. Should we?"
"No need. I've already warned those who needed warning," Gilbert interrupted. "Besides, the main victim of this project is David Ellison. Others won't lose much."
Nolan stared at Gilbert's face for a long time, making Gilbert very uncomfortable.
"What's wrong?" Gilbert asked.
Nolan said, "I absolutely can't offend you, or else one day you might scheme against me, and I wouldn't even know."
Hearing this, Gilbert laughed heartily. "Don't worry. You're an important director at our Melon Studio."
Speaking of directors at Melon Studio, another must-mention is James Gunn.
James Gunn took over the final two films of the Matrix series and achieved considerable success, becoming a highly regarded director.
However, since he directed sequels created by Gilbert, perhaps James Gunn wanted to prove his own abilities.
After his contract with Melon Studio expired, he was poached by Peak Entertainment and is currently making Mr. & Mrs. Smith for them.
This film, starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, is scheduled for a June 10th summer release.
Gilbert felt it was a pity. James Gunn could have taken on more important projects, but now he was gone.
However, people come and go; this is normal.
Recently, the studio signed a director who had transitioned from advertising to Hollywood: Zack Snyder.
His remake of Dawn of the Dead last year achieved impressive results, earning Gilbert's attention, which brought him under Melon Studio.
Zack Snyder is currently planning to adapt Frank Miller's comic 300 to the big screen, experimenting with a kind of ink-like color palette for the film.
He asked Gilbert for opinions on the adaptation, and Gilbert said, "Audiences need to see big muscles in theaters."
Zack Snyder immediately understood and began searching for suitable actors to start muscle training.
After briefly checking The Prestige and confirming it wouldn't lose money, Gilbert refocused on The Batman: Begins.
In March, the film officially received a PG-13 rating, which is crucial for most summer releases to achieve big box office success.
Although the main story tone is heavy, there are no large-scale nudity or violent scenes, making the rating easy to obtain.
DC comics and films usually carry themes of deep suffering and revenge; this tone must continue in the movies.
If audiences saw a slick-talking, flirtatious Batman in theaters, they would be shocked, and the film would likely fail.
Speaking of slick-talking, flirtatious heroes, Gilbert couldn't help but think of Marvel's Iron Man.
In March, Gilbert also took time to visit Marvel Studios in Burbank. This production company, established several years ago, had finally completed the long-term planning for the Marvel Universe and intended to start production on the first film this year.
"Are you really not considering directing Iron Man?" Kevin Feige asked.
As the opening film, Iron Man was undoubtedly a cornerstone for the Marvel cinematic universe. If it failed, it would undermine the entire Marvel plan.
So Marvel executives hoped Gilbert would personally take charge and direct the first Marvel Universe film.
Gilbert said, "I have other things to handle, but I will serve as producer, overseeing the film completely. The third installments of the Fast & Furious series and The Adventure of Jackie Chan 3 are coming this year.
Harry Potter did very well last year, and the fourth installment is starting now. These are all films I'm producing, and the results aren't bad."
"Although you're right, I still think it would be safer if you directed it. But since the schedule can't be adjusted, we must find a good director," Kevin Feige said.
Gilbert thought for a moment and said, "How about Jon Favreau?"
"Isn't he an actor?"
"He also has directing talent. His personal style fits Iron Man very well. If he weren't so comical-looking, he'd basically be the cheeky Iron Man himself," Gilbert said.
Kevin Feige trusted Gilbert's judgment unconditionally. If Gilbert said Jon Favreau could do it, then he should be suitable.
Kevin Feige's main concern was the choice of actor for Tony Stark. "What about Tom Cruise? Would he be willing to star in this film?"
As the opening cornerstone film, Iron Man required extensive visual effects, which meant high costs.
To this end, Marvel Studios invested $140 million. If Tom Cruise agreed to join, the budget would have to increase further.
However, Gilbert rejected this. "No, Tom is too expensive. We'll hold auditions and pick the right candidate. Also, I suggest adding Robert Downey Jr. to the audition list."
"Robert Downey Jr.?" Kevin Feige hesitated. "Is that really suitable?"
Although Hollywood was saying that Robert Downey Jr. had turned his life around, casting such an actor would undoubtedly involve many uncertainties.
Kevin Feige knew Hollywood well enough to understand that many glamorous stars had less-than-reputable private lives—not exactly the sort of people you'd want to rely on.
But even among them, probably none were as problematic as Robert Downey Jr.
To be blunt, if it weren't for the Downey family's deep connections in Hollywood, combined with Robert Downey Jr. wife being a producer, he likely would have quit Hollywood long ago.
Gilbert's reason for adding him to the audition list was simple: besides the impressive Iron Man image from the previous world, he was affordable.
....
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