Chapter 404: 404 The Whole World Goes Mad with Him

“Yang, can you reveal the specific plans for ‘The Dark Knight’ now? Who are you planning to select as its director?”

In the bright and spacious office of the CEO of Flame Film Company in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Alan F. Horn, the president of Warner Bros., had a beaming smile on his face, now he could sleep soundly; Jeff Robinov, the head of production at WB, also wore a smile that accepted the reality, he had never truly doubted the miraculous Yang’s ability to revive Gotham City. Today, WB and FF had officially signed the contract, and Wang Yang had returned to Los Angeles for this occasion to cooperate with the work, the thunderous applause and laughter still echoed in the meeting room.

However, Wang Yang knew that under the current circumstances, people might find his production plan somewhat hard to accept, but regardless, it was a course of action that had to be taken. Fortunately, he had the absolute deciding power over ‘The Dark Knight’, unless Warner Bros. chose not to execute the contract.

“Alan, Jeff, everyone…” Looking at the several WB executives gathered before him, Wang Yang’s face showed a smile before becoming very serious. Mark Strong, who already knew the answer, had a hint of helplessness flash in his eyes. Wang Yang spoke earnestly, “You might find it a little surprising and think it’s really bad, but trust me, this is a very, very correct decision. I’m not joking about this.”

A little surprising? Bad! Hearing these words, Horn’s smile began to freeze, and a sense of alarm surged in his heart, his voice becoming dull, “You mean… you mean…” Could it be someone other than Justin Lin? Jeff Robinov and the others were equally puzzled and tense. It couldn’t be the two poisons, Ang Lee and John Woo, and obviously, James Wan was even more unsuitable. So, it seemed it was no longer an old friend from Flame Film. How could it not be popcorn Lin! Who could it be then?

Under the tense gaze of everyone, Wang Yang leaned back in his chair and continued in a serious tone, “I plan to invite Christopher Nolan to direct ‘The Dark Knight’.”

“What!?” “Pfft—” “Chris… Christopher!? Nolan!?” “…”

WB executives were stunned for an instant and then as if turned to stone, as if they had suddenly entered the Ice Age, a chilling cold rushed from the soles of their feet to the tops of their heads, so cold! The office fell into dead silence for a few seconds. Wang Yang spread his left palm slightly, and Mark Strong mediated, “He’s serious.” Horn, coming back to his senses, felt dizzy and almost collapsed onto the desk, still unable to believe and laughing stupidly, “You’re joking, right? Yang, you’re joking, right?”

What’s the difference between Christopher Nolan and Darren Aronofsky!!! Wouldn’t this be passing Gotham City from one villain to another? Batman’s revival was hopeless! The WB executives were too shocked to speak, even Jeff Robinov was almost out of breath.

“As I said earlier, I never joke about these types of things.” Wang Yang’s expression was full of helplessness, as if their reactions were even greater than he had anticipated. Aronofsky’s ability to create psychological trauma was indeed extraordinary. He then explained the plan in detail, “Nolan can do the job well, and I will also invite Jonathan Nolan to join the writing team. Of course, I will also provide some input…” Horn, however, was not reassured in the slightest; instead, he became more surprised and scared, “Oh! Magical Yang, oh my, what exactly are you thinking?…”

Wang Yang looked at Jeff Robinov, whose face had turned ashen, and unexpectedly praised, “Actually, the direction you took with ‘The Moment of Warfare’ was correct.” He shared his thoughts, “Right now, there are two kinds of good superhero movies. One is exhilarating and smooth, both visually and in terms of the plot; the other is to shield its superhero label, to not make it look like a comic book movie. The collision between the surreal and reality can produce a lot of interesting things. ‘Batman’ is an excellent vehicle for this—its heroic fantasy is based on real technology, which brings a greater sense of reality. Plus, Wayne’s background and experiences give him psychological trauma; we can explore his wandering and lonely side…”

“Yang, why do we have to explore anything?” Horn, impetuous with anxiety, couldn’t help interjecting. He knew ‘Batman’ better than anyone! His wrinkled old face was devoid of smiles, and his voice rose, “Haven’t we learned our lesson from ‘The Incredible Hulk’ and ‘The Moment of Warfare’? You need to consider the market for us.”

“I’ve been thinking about this all along,” Wang Yang nodded, but his next words nearly drove the WB executives mad, “I must say that ‘The Incredible Hulk’ and ‘The Moment of Warfare’ are good movies. They just lack a good pace, which is why their box office was disastrous.” He shrugged with a smile, “But you can be confident in Christopher Nolan’s storytelling ability, he’s very good at making a dull story extremely appealing, and a brilliant story simply mesmerizing.”

Everyone still looked emotionless, and Wang Yang started to feel a headache coming on, frowning as he said, “I think you really don’t need to worry, I’ll take good care of it! Besides, Tim Burton already proved in 1989 that it was a viable approach.”

The 1989 Batman had many pioneering qualities, one of which was the introduction of a dark style to the righteous superhero, making it stand out in superhero adaptations, and deeply influencing later films in the genre. By the time ‘Batman Returns’ was released in 1992, riding on the first movie’s $411 million global box office, Tim Burton exercised even more freedom with his distinctive style, challenging viewers’ limits with an even darker tone and crazed characters which ultimately made them frown; he lost the director’s slot for the third installment. Then came ‘Batman Forever’ in 1995 and ‘Batman & Robin’ in 1997, both of which returned to the mainstream, yet their performance fell short of the Tim Burton era.

This year’s ‘The Moment of Warfare’ aimed to return to the dark world of the ’89 version, hence the final choice of director Darren Aronofsky. Wang Yang knew that Nolan’s versions of ‘The Moment of Warfare’ and ‘The Dark Knight’ were influenced by the ’89 film, yet they presented a wonderful and contemporary unique face.

“That was 1989, this is 2005,” Alan F. Horn took a deep breath, the painful truth before him making it hard to believe that dark style could still succeed. He did not want to make the same mistake again! Horn’s expression was firm, “Yang, change your mind!” Jeff Robinov also made his stance clear, “Yang, though I helped make ‘The Moment of Warfare’ happen, I think now superhero films shouldn’t follow a dark route. It’s better to give the audience an inspiring hero of justice.”

Heaven knows if the audience would get excited hoping the Joker truly finishes off Wayne during those moments when he nearly kills Batman… Wang Yang still didn’t utter these provocative words; he knew that any explanation now was utterly useless, leaving only a firm stance, “Alan, I will not change my mind! This is my plan, and I can assure you—it works! You will know in time.”

“Yang…” Horn was so angry he could barely keep his heart beating, his face and neck turning progressively red. Was this young man being unreasonable on purpose?! Present a garbage plan to force Warner Brothers to give up the contract? Horn tried to suppress his rage, his voice shaking nonetheless, “Yang, that’s not how business is done.”

“How do I need to say it for you to believe that this is a great plan! OK?!” Wang Yang sat up straight, his face stern, unwilling to engage in meaningless wrangling with them. Scanning the WB executives, he was even more unyielding, “I know what business is, and I know what movies are! That’s why I didn’t fob you off with some popcorn flick, I want a classic ‘The Dark Knight’ to be born! But it’s also correct that you don’t understand. Think about it!” He raised his left hand, asking loudly, “If you understood, would you still need to hire me to take over Batman? Anyone would do, right?!”

The vast office was dead silent save for the lingering echo. The perpetual motion device on the table wobbled, and a group of middle-aged men were petrified by the young man sitting opposite them. Horn, Robinov, and others appeared stunned as they heard that poised yet roaring voice.

“Don’t try to understand me, because I know more than you do!” Wang Yang murmured something under his breath, then suddenly slammed his left hand down on the desk, the loud thump causing everyone pain in their ears, and then he shouted angrily, “If you’re not satisfied, Flame Film can take a 60% investment, and you 40%, we don’t care! We’re even willing to fund the whole thing, and you handle the distribution! Why? Because we know, this is a feasible plan! Understand? Don’t think I’m f***ing around, damn it!” He pounded on the desk again with a fierce fist.

The thudding sounds left Horn and the others both angry and nearly in tears, filled with regret without a doubt.

However, the contract was already signed, and even if WB opted not to produce ‘The Dark Knight’, they couldn’t take back the rights to ‘I Am Legend’. But who cared about that ‘ten-year project’ that only sold for a mere seven figures? WB cared about ‘The Dark Knight’! Although if the investment exceeded $150 million US Dollars, FF would take on a 40% share of the investment; If the global box office didn’t surpass $600 million, Wang Yang would have to personally direct two joint venture blockbusters…

“But…” Horn and the others still harbored a slew of doubts and worries when Wang Yang suddenly swept the items off the left side of the desk. The perpetual motion device crashed to the floor with a “bang-ding” sound, along with a flurry of documents flying about. His face set with determination, he said, “There’s no ‘but.’ If I say it works, it works.”

Discrepancies within a company’s senior management, between companies’ executives, and between producers and company executives often stem from this. Film production is sometimes a very subjective matter, and such conflicts are officially termed “irreconcilable creative differences.” If one’s attitude is too weak, one cannot secure the opportunity to implement one’s plan. However, as long as the final result is ideal, who would mind the producer’s temper? Mark Slant couldn’t help but reflect internally; the amazing Wang Yang was just as young at 18 and 25, yet that green youth has become a thing of the past. He seemed to laugh it off, “Yang, everyone just wants ‘The Dark Knight’ to be better. There’s no need to get so worked up.”

“I’m very sorry.” Wang Yang shrugged, pointed to his head at Horn and the others, and said indifferently, “Ever since I was injured here, my temper has been rather explosive. You know what kind of after-effects I’m talking about, and I’ve been trying to control it.”

They’ve been controlling it, yet they flip tables and smash things; if they didn’t keep it in check, would they have used a golf club to kill them all? Horn, Robinov, and the others exchanged glances, at a loss for words. They should have been well aware that Wang Yang was a Howard Hughes, a Tony Stark—he’s a madman…

“So Justin Lin…” Reminded of Tony Stark, Horn’s heart suddenly ached with pain. Damn it! This sly Chinese kid, he intended to transfer Justin Lin to shoot ‘Iron Man,’ owned by FF, and give 40% investment with no rights in ‘Batman’ to Christopher Nolan! In private phone conversations, Justin Lin had said smoothly, “I’m not clear about his thoughts, but if I direct ‘The Dark Knight,’ of course I’m interested and confident.” Horn now strongly suspected that Wang Yang had instructed Lin to do so, even adding fuel to the rumors, in order to confuse WB! With tears in his eyes but unable to cry, he asked, “What’s the deal with Lin?”

“Justin? I’ve never said that I’d invite him to direct ‘The Dark Knight.'” Wang Yang pressed his forehead in resignation. Lin Yibin really had given them great expectations, he continued, “We enjoy a wonderful collaboration with Lin, plus a 1+1 contract, so he’ll definitely direct another movie for Firefly. But we have other plans, and I know you might think he’s preparing to take over ‘Iron Man.’ That’s not the case; he’s going to direct ‘Oldboy’; we bought the remake rights just a few days ago.”

Watching everyone’s stunned faces, Wang Yang chuckled, “Gentlemen, trust me, I’m not joking… If you really can’t understand, then stop thinking about it and just follow the instructions! Then reap the results.”

“Oh…” The WB executives were in such pain they almost moaned. Could it be that this guy was deliberately sabotaging Warner Brothers, and then cleanly shooting two movies? Impossible! Wang Yang couldn’t be that bored, could he?

“And ‘Iron Man’? Joss Whedon?” Horn felt an urge to flip tables and smash things. What on earth was Wang Yang up to? Was his brain really damaged? Otherwise, why would he arrange for Justin Lin to take over ‘Oldboy,’ of all things? A more knowledgeable Robinov felt an urge to faint. Lin directing ‘Oldboy’? Why not invite Aronofsky to direct ‘The Hangover Part III’? God, that’s awful! He couldn’t understand, how could he? How could he!? It was simply a madman’s idea!

In 2001, Joss Whedon indeed almost finalized a contract with New Line, but four years passed, and he lost his passion and feeling for ‘Iron Man.’ Now, he was completely absorbed with working on ‘Firefly 2’, ‘Firefly’ TV series, and other projects. As for the directorial choice for ‘Iron Man’, Wang Yang thought that Jon Favreau, who directed the original 2008 version of ‘Iron Man,’ did a good job. Although he already had someone in mind, he smiled and said, “Alan, these are internal affairs of Firefly, but I can still tell you the answer: it’s not him.”

“Yang, are you sure you want to do this? Do you really understand what you’re doing?” Horn still wasn’t convinced, but Wang Yang looked him in the eye and nodded, “Of course.” The WB executives realized they had nothing more to say; either they’d give up on the contract, or they’d go mad along with this lunatic…

Madness! Christopher Nolan directing ‘The Dark Knight’? The failed and dark style of Batman continuing? Justin Lin directing ‘Oldboy’? The new generation’s popcorn smash exploring the darkest aspects of humanity?

“Got it mixed up?” Upon hearing this insane and explosive news, insiders from the industry all gasped in shock. No mix-up! Wang Yang truly is unpredictable. But then again, if you had guessed it, would it still be the crazy Wang Yang?!

Executives from major and minor companies such as Paramount, 20th Century Fox, Sony/Columbia, and Lionsgate had different reactions besides their common astonishment. Brad Grey, who had just taken up the position of Chairman and CEO of Paramount this year, laughed heartily. Now Alan Horn must be sobbing! Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer racked his brains over the mix-up. Does Yang have that much confidence? The Weinstein brothers asked themselves if they could make such a decision—what on earth was the reason for this black hole? Even the most foolish and myopic producers in Hollywood understood that these were basically two paths to death. Upon learning of Nolan directing “The Dark Knight,” Michael Lynne, the over-sixty CEO of New Line Cinema, felt an unusual thrill of excitement. Justin Lin belonged to “Iron Man!” However, the news that followed made him feel as though he had fallen from heaven to hell. That boy was wasting talent to an excessive degree!! Then what about Joss Whedon?…

“Pfft—cough cough cough, what!?” The stars who were keen on featuring in both films due to interest or fame were dumbstruck, many spitting out their drinks in disbelief. Magnificent Yang, what kind of show are you putting on! One movie is headed for box office poison, and the other is sprinting toward the Golden Raspberry Awards, how could they still join… But still, one after another, the stars didn’t need much consideration to tell their agents, “Keep seeking a role! With Magnificent Yang, let’s be crazy, let’s go all in!” Among them were the silhouettes of A-list superstars.

The second weekend of September arrived in a hurry, and the news of the Katrina disaster zone was still the focus of the media and the public. However, as the rescue and search phase entered a stable period, people also had more mind space to check other latest news updates.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“‘The Dark Knight,’ ‘Oldboy’ Set Their Director Choices” — Yahoo Entertainment. Scores of movie fans clicked on this news, blinked, then blinked again. April Fool’s was five months ago, and Halloween was still two months away. Was Magnificent Yang trying to joke or to scare? A normal person, using normal reasoning to arrange things, would never come up with this result! It seems a more reasonable explanation would be that he wishes Nolan to make a popcorn ‘Batman’ and Lin to make a popcorn ‘Oldboy’… still incomprehensible!

“This is Magnificent Yang!” “I believe MY will bring us surprises.” Despite being baffled, many Yang fans still expressed their support and anticipation on comment boards, their personal blogs, etc. Clair said, “How many people understood when Magnificent Yang decided to shoot ‘High School Musical’ and ‘Juno’?”

“Good news, Wang’s brain has finally broken!” “Play on, play on! He won’t be lucky every time.” “I’m really curious why people are still talking about Magnificent Yang. Didn’t he die in a plane crash over a month ago? Now only a fool called Yang remains.”…

This was destined to be a joyous festival for the Yang bashers. Marvelous! This time was different from previous occasions since he wasn’t directing both films personally; otherwise, there wouldn’t be anything to say. Looking at Wang Yang’s producing career, highly questioned films like ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and ‘Assassin’s Creed’ were actually the right mix. The question is whether the doubters could still perform well, as before; whereas now, these are incorrect, unsuitable mixes! This was Wang Yang’s first foray into superhero movies, and this time he’d knock himself out.

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PS: Asking for some monthly tickets, since we’re about to fall out of the top 50. Thank you, everyone. (