[Chapter 296: Iron Man Rough Cut]
Daniel's office threshold was almost worn down.
The Big Six studios, which had once taken a wait-and-see stance toward him, were now like sharks scenting blood.
Warner's vice president had come in person just to gauge his interest in a collaboration.
Universal Pictures sent a fax offering to open their entire film library for Daniel to choose any IP for a remake.
Even the usually haughty Disney had extended an invitation for Advanced membership.
Daniel had officially transformed from a "somewhat wealthy Exorcist" into a Hollywood-recognized "gold-medal producer."
The Midas Touch.
...
Meanwhile, the media's siege on Will Smith had only just begun.
Los Angeles Entertainment published a lengthy, scathing piece headlined:
[From Rejecting Hancock to Box Office Failure: Where Has Will Smith's Judgment Gone?]
The article detailed all the opportunities Will had missed and the times he mocked Daniel.
Every word landed like a harsh slap across Will's face.
At the entrance of a charity gala, as soon as Will Smith stepped out of his car, reporters swarmed him.
"Will! Hancock is about to break three hundred million at the box office. Do you regret your earlier comments?"
"We heard you're reading new scripts. Are you trying to turn things around?"
"Will you be joining Mr. Cross's new project?"
Flashbulbs burst relentlessly in front of Will's dark, stormy face.
He kept his mouth shut tight, saying nothing.
With his bodyguards escorting him, he pushed through the crowd forcefully.
When another reporter shouted, "Daniel Cross says you're just lucky. What do you think?"
Will's steps faltered for a moment, and his facial muscles twitched violently.
But he held back, entering the venue with a grim expression, his retreat looking profoundly pitiful.
...
Inside the villa, Daniel watched the news footage on TV and switched off the remote.
"Master."
Chris floated in, holding a new report.
"At Marvel, Avi Arad said the rough cut of Iron Man is out. Jon Favreau is asking when you'll have time to look at it."
Daniel stood and stretched.
"Tomorrow."
He walked to the window and gazed out at the Los Angeles nightscape.
"Yes, Master."
Chris noted it down, her eyes shining. "Then tonight..."
"Tonight, I'm going to Rachel's."
Daniel headed out the door. "Didn't she say she wanted to show me the Oscar best actress winner's new skill?"
...
The next morning, Daniel drove to Marvel's temporary studio in Burbank.
Before he even entered, Avi Arad and Isaac Perlmutter were waiting by the door.
These two businessmen, who usually argued tooth and nail over budgets of a few million, were wearing exceptionally bright smiles today.
The massive success of Hancock was like adrenaline flooding Marvel's main artery.
Daniel's reputation was ringing louder than ever as The Midas Touch."
It seemed that any project he backed would never lose money.
"Daniel, you're finally here."
Avi Arad quickly stepped forward, opening the car door with an enthusiasm ten times greater than their last meeting.
Isaac Perlmutter tucked away his usual miserly expression, smiling kindly like the neighborly old man.
"The coffee's already brewed."
Daniel nodded as he climbed out. "Let's go see the film."
Inside the screening room, Jon Favreau stood in front of the screen, rubbing his hands nervously.
Though he had some name recognition, directors in Hollywood were still completely at the mercy of their producers.
Especially before a "gold-medal producer" like Daniel, who continuously churned out hits, a director's status was barely above that of a cinematographer.
"Mr. Cross." Jon Favreau approached with respectful tone. "The rough cut is ready. It runs 135 minutes. The visual effects are about 60% complete; some parts still have green screens. Please bear with us."
Daniel walked to the most comfortable sofa in the center and sat down. "Let's begin."
...
The lights dimmed.
The giant screen lit up.
AC/DC's heavy-metal anthem "Back in Black" blasted from the speakers.
Onscreen, Tony Stark held a glass of wine, chatting and laughing with soldiers in a Humvee.
Daniel leaned back quietly, watching.
Robert Downey Jr.'s performance was flawless.
He embodied Tony Stark's genius arrogance, the despair of captivity, and the madness hammering out the first Mark I suit.
Especially the depth in his eyes -- only possible from facing great life upheavals.
The screening room was silent.
Though Avi Arad and Isaac Perlmutter had seen snippets, they now held their breath, occasionally stealing glances at Daniel's profile, searching for his verdict.
More than two hours later, Tony Stark said the classic line, "I am Iron Man."
The screen faded to black.
The lights brightened.
...
Jon Favreau immediately stood up, sweat glistening on his forehead, eyes uneasy. "Mr. Cross, what do you think?"
Daniel didn't answer immediately.
He took a sip from a glass of water, then spoke slowly: "The overall pacing is good."
All three exhaled in relief at once.
"But," Daniel continued, "there are still a few issues."
Jon Favreau pulled out a notebook instantly. "Please, go on."
"First, the sound effects during the Mark I breakout battle in the cave are too light. I want heavy, metallic thuds against flesh. Not the tapping of sheet metal."
Daniel raised a second finger.
"Second, the build-up for the villain Obadiah isn't strong enough. Make his earlier glances a bit more sinister. The audience needs to feel his threat sooner. Third, in the final climactic fight, extend the shot of Tony taking a hit to protect civilians by three seconds. A hero is a hero because of sacrifice."
Jon Favreau took rapid notes, nodding repeatedly.
These suggestions were sharp, hitting all the satisfying beats and pain points of a commercial film.
"No problem, Mr. Cross." Jon closed his notebook. "I'll arrange a re-edit and additional sound recording immediately."
Daniel stood. "Don't skimp on the visual effects. If you need more budget, come to me. I want a visual spectacle on par with Industrial Light & Magic."
"Understood!" Jon replied confidently.
...
As Daniel left the screening room and entered the lounge, Avi Arad couldn't hold back any longer.
"Daniel, from your professional perspective..." Avi rubbed his hands nervously, eyes full of hope. "Can this movie succeed?"
Isaac Perlmutter perked up as well.
Though they had faith in Marvel heroes, Hulk a few years ago had scared them with its losses.
Daniel looked at both of them, a sly smile tugging at his lips.
"Why do you think I spent so much just to sign Downey Jr.? And why did I invest this hundred million?"
Avi was momentarily stunned.
Daniel clapped him on the shoulder, voice sure and steady: "Set your minds at ease. This movie won't just succeed -- it will start an era. Get ready to count the money."
Hearing the phrase "start an era," Avi Arad and Isaac exchanged looks.
A wild joy instantly ignited in their eyes.
*****
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