With a production budget of 140 million US dollars, the "Spider-Man" movie is a top-tier A-list commercial production even by Hollywood standards. Naturally, the choice of director must be made with the utmost care.
"Boss, I think James Cameron would be perfect. As everyone knows, he's a huge fan of Spider-Man," Mr. Bill suggested.
As early as 1990, Cameron had publicly announced his intention to personally direct a live-action "Spider-Man" movie.
For this, he even personally undertook the scriptwriting, spending a full five months preparing.
However, due to various copyright disputes between several production companies, Cameron lost the opportunity to direct "Spider-Man."
Kevin Feige disagreed, saying, "I don't agree. I don't deny Cameron's directing ability; 'Titanic's' success is world-renowned. But Bill, do you think our 140 million dollar production budget is enough for him to spend?"
"..."
Mr. Bill raised an eyebrow and gritted his teeth, "You yourself said he's excellent. I firmly believe Cameron is the most suitable candidate. There aren't many people in Hollywood who are better than Cameron when it comes to sci-fi films."
Don't forget, the sci-fi film series "The Terminator" is one of Cameron's proudest works.
But!
Kyle immediately shook his head.
James Cameron is indeed a master-level figure in directing, but his ability to spend money like water also makes people shudder.
The main thing is that his film production cycle is too protracted!
"Titanic," from its inception to its preparation, filming, post-production, and until its release, lasted a full four years.
"Avatar" had a production cycle of six years.
"Where do I have that much time to give Cameron?"
"Even if I were willing to give him such a long time, investors like Mountain Capital and the Carlos Foundation would absolutely not be willing to wait that long."
Kyle pondered for a moment and said in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, let's not even discuss whether Cameron is the best candidate. What price would we have to pay to get him to agree to direct?"
"Uh...?"
Mr. Bill and the others were all stunned.
"That's right!"
Kevin Feige said loudly, "Cameron's price is too high, we can't afford it. You know, just 20% of the North American box office revenue would be enough to reduce our profits to a minimum."
For "Titanic," Cameron took 15% of the box office revenue, earning him 115 million US dollars!
"No Cameron, he's too expensive!" Kyle decisively rejected Mr. Bill's suggestion.
He's too expensive!
Someone like Kyle, who is extremely frugal, would absolutely not be willing to pay such a huge sum, even if Cameron is very talented!
Moreover, Page Pictures' financial situation at this stage is not as good as imagined.
Mr. Bill then asked, "Kevin, who do you recommend then?"
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone's eyes focused on Kevin Feige.
Although Kevin Feige was young, his outstanding abilities since joining Page Pictures had earned him unanimous recognition; young and accomplished was his label. Furthermore, he was currently the second-in-command at Page Pictures, wielding immense power.
"I have two candidates to recommend."
"And both are excellent directors."
"Firstly, our old friend Zack Snyder. The currently in post-production '300' is exceptionally good, and we can completely trust his abilities."
"Secondly, Stephen Sommers. Some people here may not have heard his name, but he is an excellent director I have been following for a long time, and he is perfectly capable of directing the 'Spider-Man' movie."
Stephen Sommers?
As Kevin Feige's words fell, many people present truly had not heard that name.
Stephen Sommers, who was he?
"Oh, it's him!"
Others might not have heard the name Stephen Sommers, but Kyle really knew him!
The famous "The Mummy" series was Stephen Sommers's proud work. In 2009, he also directed the blockbuster movie "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra."
"Director Zack is indeed very excellent; I agree with Mr. Feige's recommendation."
"I've watched many unedited clips of '300,' and Director Zack's command of color is outstanding."
"Seconded!"
Without a doubt, the executives present were willing to collaborate again with Zack Snyder, who had worked with Page Pictures multiple times.
"I disagree!"
The old man, Bill McNick, retorted, "Gentlemen, don't forget that 'Spider-Man' is a sci-fi superhero movie. Director Zack has no experience in this area, and with a production budget of 140 million US dollars, we cannot take risks."
"This..."
For a moment, many people present also hesitated.
A 140 million dollar big production cannot afford the slightest mistake!
Haven't many film companies gone bankrupt because they blindly pursued high-budget films and chose the wrong directors, leading to disastrous box office failures?
John Woo's "Windtalkers" was a box office disaster.
It brought the already ailing MGM to the brink of bankruptcy.
Ang Lee's "Hulk" injected too many humanistic elements and philosophical ponderings into what should have been a good superhero movie, leading to its box office failure, and he himself completely lost favor with first-tier commercial blockbusters.
As a person who has lived two lives, Kyle understood these two very well.
Therefore, Kyle was very cautious about the choice of director for "Spider-Man."
Mr. Bill, Kevin Feige, and the executives all had their own opinions and recommendations, and no one could convince the other. Ultimately, Kyle made the final decision.
If Kyle didn't make the final decision, the selection of the director would inevitably be delayed for a long time.
—Sam Raimi!
"I recommend Sam Raimi to direct the 'Spider-Man' movie!" Kyle said solemnly.
Immediately, everyone was greatly surprised.
Mr. Bill: "If I remember correctly, he's the director of the horror film series 'The Evil Dead.'"
Kevin Feige: "Boss, can he do it?"
It's no wonder everyone was skeptical.
Can a director who frequently makes horror/thriller films be capable of directing "Spider-Man"?
Anyone would first question it; it's only natural.
However... they didn't know that in the original timeline, Sam Raimi was indeed the director of "Spider-Man."
He did a pretty good job!
In fact, Kyle had initially considered Zack Snyder to direct "Spider-Man."
But when he thought of films like "Man of Steel" and "Watchmen," Kyle felt he wasn't suitable.
Zack Snyder is a director with a very strong directorial style, and it carries a "dark" tendency.
How could the quirky Spider-Man, Peter Parker, become a "dark" neighborhood hero?
Therefore, Kyle had no choice but to reluctantly set aside his favorite director!
Furthermore, having Sam Raimi, the "original" director, helm "Spider-Man" would also maximize the chances of success.
Most importantly, he's cheap!