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Ch - 36 Initial Cooperation With Marvel. I Want to Get Swift.
🕑 Added 2025-02-12 21:51:43 +0000 UTC"Mr. Xu, this conversation has been truly inspiring. Once the script is finalized, you’ll definitely be credited as a key contributor," Nolan said.
"You wrote the script. I only made a few suggestions," Xu Can replied modestly.
"No, the concept you introduced is the core of it. Your insights have deepened the film far beyond just another commercial blockbuster," Nolan insisted, clearly acknowledging Xu's influence.
"Well, I’m glad we’re on the same page," Xu Can said with a nod.
"It’s my honor. The exact shooting schedule still needs to be coordinated with Warner. We’ll begin with the first installment, and when the Joker is introduced, we’ll reach out to you in advance."
"Sounds good. If there’s anything regarding the script, feel free to call me anytime. I’ll see you on set then."
"See you on set."
Xu Can spent nearly the entire day discussing the project with the Nolan brothers, from morning until dusk.
His vision for The Dark Knight trilogy had completely captivated them.
According to the original timeline, Batman Begins should have already been released by now. However, in this parallel world, due to the delay in the rise of comic book movies, the Nolans had only completed the first draft of the script. Xu Can’s suggestions had made them realize they needed a revised version.
Once Warner Bros. secured the necessary funding, the Dark Knight trilogy could proceed with casting and production.
Following the approach of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Nolan planned to shoot all three films in one go and release them sequentially, year by year, based on the production schedule.
"Batman Begins" was projected for release at the end of 2007, with The Dark Knight following in 2008—conveniently aligning with the previous timeline.
Before Xu Can left, Nolan turned to him with one final question.
"By the way, Xu, do you have any suggestions for who should play Batman?"
Xu Can didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he looked at Nolan with a knowing smile.
"I believe you already have the answer, don’t you? Stick with your choice. Don’t let anyone talk you out of it."
Nolan stood at the doorway, watching Xu Can walk away, deep in thought.
After leaving Nolan’s home, Xu Can headed straight to London Heathrow Airport to catch his flight back to Los Santos.
The advice he had just given was none other than recommending Christian Bale—the actor who had originally portrayed Batman.
At the time, Warner Bros. executives and co-writer David Goyer had been considering Jake Gyllenhaal instead.
Gyllenhaal was already an accomplished actor, later known for playing Mysterio in the Spider-Man films and starring in Brokeback Mountain, Source Code, and Nightcrawler.
However, Nolan was adamant about his choice. Thanks to his persistence, Warner Bros. ultimately scrapped the idea of casting Gyllenhaal and also decided to remove the Riddler from the script.
Since Xu Can had chosen to involve himself in the Dark Knight trilogy, he was determined to contribute as much as possible to ensure the films would match or even surpass their original success.
If John Wick turned out to be a box office hit, he was also considering investing in The Dark Knight trilogy himself.
It had been a massive success in its original timeline—both financially and critically. Missing the opportunity to be part of it would be nothing short of throwing away a gold mine.
Of course, all of this depended on John Wick performing well enough.
Upon returning to Los Santos, Xu Can wasted no time. He rushed straight to the studio to oversee the post-production process, ensuring the special effects and editing met his standards.
Most of John Wick had been shot using practical effects, with minimal CGI. There were no over-the-top action sequences or fantastical elements.
The film aimed for an immersive experience—where every tactical movement could be replicated in real combat, every punch landed with raw intensity, and every kill was executed with ruthless efficiency.
This hyper-realistic combat style stood in stark contrast to the film’s stylized, almost surreal underworld setting.
As a result, the editing had to be precise, enhancing the impact of each scene without sacrificing the film’s brutal authenticity.
Xu Can had to be there in person to ensure every detail was perfected. Only then could he feel at ease.
Fortunately, the entire post-production team came from Columbia Pictures, one of the top-tier studios in Hollywood.
Director David Leitch also displayed immense potential. His sharp, calculated editing elevated the film’s tone beyond the original, giving it a unique and innovative edge.
After reviewing the final cut, Xu Can felt completely reassured.
In his eyes, the John Wick of this parallel world was just as good—if not better—than the original.
If everything proceeded smoothly, the film would be submitted for review by the end of February. Given its intense action and graphic violence, an R-rating was expected.
If all went according to plan, John Wick would hit theaters by May or June.
While overseeing post-production, Xu Can was also occupied with two other major ventures.
One of them was his collaboration with Marvel.
He had already reached a preliminary agreement with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and Marvel Entertainment President Ike Perlmutter.
Under this deal, Xu Can would serve as Marvel’s Chief Operating Officer and actively participate in shaping the MCU’s development.
In terms of status, he would be on equal footing with Kevin Feige but would operate independently of Perlmutter. Essentially, he would be a high-level consultant, working closely with Feige to strategize the future of Marvel’s cinematic universe.
At this point, Marvel was drowning in debt, having borrowed $500 million from banks to fund their upcoming films. Their entire future depended on the success of their next major project.
Given Xu Can’s track record as the only filmmaker to successfully execute a comic book movie, his involvement brought much-needed stability to Marvel’s ambitions.
As for Xu Can himself, his primary goal was to gain as much control as possible over the studio’s future.
In his previous life, Marvel’s market value had exceeded $2 billion by 2004. In this parallel world, thanks to the success of Spider-Man, its valuation had already begun to rise and was currently estimated at around $1 billion.
Right now, a full acquisition was beyond his reach—only massive conglomerates had that kind of financial muscle.
However, he could start small by investing some of John Wick’s future box office earnings into purchasing Marvel stock.
Marvel’s stock price had been stagnant for years and currently sat at $9 per share. At the beginning of the year, it had seen a modest 15% increase.
By the time he had the funds to invest, the price would likely stabilize just above $10.
Once Iron Man hit theaters, the stock was bound to skyrocket, bringing in huge profits.
Of course, without a cheat-like system to generate billions out of thin air, he had to play the long game—step by step.
As for investing in other stocks…
In this timeline, Steve Jobs had never returned to Apple. Without his visionary leadership, betting on Apple stock was a lost cause.
The future was full of uncertainties, and Xu Can had no intention of gambling his hard-earned box office revenue on the stock market.
Instead, he would rather invest in films—projects that were guaranteed to turn a profit rather than rolling the dice on Wall Street.
Setting aside Marvel for the moment, Xu Can had another ambitious plan in motion.
His trusted assistant, Happy, had successfully registered his new record label—Galaxy Music.
This new label would operate alongside Galaxy Pictures, both under the umbrella of Galaxy Entertainment.
With this move, Xu Can officially became the Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment, while Happy was promoted to CEO of Galaxy Pictures.
For the music division, Xu Can personally recruited a legendary industry executive—Doug Morris.
Morris, a 68-year-old industry veteran, had previously held executive positions at Atlantic Records and Universal Music Group.
He was the driving force behind the success of music icons like Adele and Beyoncé, with an extensive network and an unparalleled wealth of experience.
Originally, Sony Music had been on the verge of poaching him for a top position.
However, at Sony’s last annual meeting, Xu Can had a long conversation with the industry titan.
Their discussion had been incredibly engaging, and Morris was intrigued by the challenge Xu Can presented.
Compared to corporate giants like Sony, Galaxy Music was a fresh new opportunity—one that promised excitement and innovation rather than just another executive position.
Ultimately, Doug Morris joined Galaxy Music in a low-key manner, without any grand announcements.
His first task? Recruiting talent to produce an album for the label’s first signed artist.
That’s right.
Xu Can wasn’t just making movies—he was stepping into the music industry to launch a record label.
And the first artist he wanted to sign?
Taylor Swift.
Even if he couldn’t win her heart just yet, he was determined to secure her from a business standpoint.
When he called her to share the news, her reaction was one of complete shock.
"Wait… are you serious? You actually started a record label just for me?" Swift’s voice trembled with disbelief.
"Of course," Xu Can said casually. "Not only that, I hired a top-tier producer to craft your next album. So… have you managed to ditch that stingy boss of yours yet? When are you coming to Los Santos?"
"Right now!!!"
Even through the phone, Xu Can could hear the excitement in her voice.
Taylor Swift was ecstatic—finally, she could break free from the vampiric grip of her current label.
Now, she had a better future waiting for her.
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