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Ch - 31 Fight to the Death with Emma Stone. "Spider-Man" Hits Mainland China.
🕑 Added 2024-12-19 22:29:31 +0000 UTCEmma Stone had only a few scenes to film—just three or four pivotal moments.
One of the most critical was a close-quarters fight between her character, a lethal assassin, and John Wick, portrayed by Xu Can, set in a gritty hotel room.
This scene was the only one shared by Xu Can and Emma Stone. After shooting her scenes, Emma's character would meet her demise at the hands of the shadowy organization controlling the plot.
The hotel room fight sequence was one of the film’s most intense and emotionally charged moments. As adversaries, Xu Can and Emma Stone were tasked with fighting to the death, and the choreography was brutal: choking with a bed sheet, heavy punches, shoulder throws, and ground combat techniques.
Despite being a strikingly handsome man and a breathtakingly beautiful woman, their on-screen chemistry had to take a back seat to their characters’ lethal intentions.
Xu Can seamlessly executed his moves, his every action a perfect embodiment of the role. Meanwhile, Emma struggled. Director David Leitch frequently had to call for retakes.
“Let’s take a five-minute break,” the director finally said with a sigh. “Emma, don’t push yourself too hard. Take a moment to reset.”
Leitch sounded gentle, though his frustration was evident. Xu Can was not only his lead actor but also an investor in the film. Criticizing Emma too harshly would have been awkward, especially since her relationship with Xu seemed… unique.
Emma, however, looked genuinely apologetic. “I’m so sorry,” she said, bowing slightly.
Xu Can stepped in, pulling her aside with a teasing grin. “What’s going on? When we fight in private, you’re a wildcat. Why can’t you bring that energy here?”
“You’re awful.” Emma blushed, giving him a playful punch on the shoulder.
Their "private fights" were, of course, wild sex in their personal time—completely different from filming a scene under the scrutiny of a film crew.
“I’m just scared of hurting you,” Emma admitted. “These stunts are dangerous, and you’re so stubborn about not using a stunt double.”
“Come on, Emma. You know me better than that. You’re not going to hurt me.” Xu smirked, his confidence unshaken.
Emma sighed. “It’s not just that. When I look at you, I can’t summon the anger or ferocity the role demands.” Her hand brushed against his cheek as she looked into his eyes.
Xu leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “I’ve got a trick that’ll fix that. Trust me.”
After a brief private discussion, they returned to set.
“Action.”
This time, the transformation was startling. Emma’s gaze was sharp and menacing, her movements precise and lethal. She had fully become the assassin, determined to kill John Wick.
Their fight was seamless. Every punch, kick, and throw looked painfully real, and the crew watched with bated breath, half-afraid the actors would injure each other.
Finally, after a grueling series of moves, the assassin was flung to the ground, crawling out of the hotel room in defeat.
“Cut.” David Leitch clapped his hands, beaming. “Perfect. That was exactly what we needed. Brilliant work, both of you.”
Emma, sore and bruised, was helped up by her assistant. She groaned as she stretched, wincing slightly. “I feel like I’ve been run over by a truck.”
“You were incredible this time, Emma,” the director praised. “What kind of spell did Xu cast on you?”
Emma’s cheeks flushed as she recalled Xu’s earlier words.
“Just imagine I’m making out with Emma Roberts and Taylor Swift,” he had whispered, smirking mischievously.
That mental image had instantly stoked her jealousy, igniting a fiery determination that translated perfectly on screen.
“Whatever it was, it worked,” Xu teased, noticing her expression.
Emma shot him a look. “Those scenarios better stay fictional.”
“Of course,” Xu replied, though a hint of uncertainty flickered in his eyes. After all, if Taylor Swift were to truly seduce him in that situation, who could resist?
January 28 is the release date of Spider-Man Releases in Mainland China
The timing of Spider-Man’s release coincided with a quiet spell at the box office. Major films like The Return of the Leaves and Casino Royale had either come and gone or been postponed. The blockbuster The Golden Armor still dominated most theaters, but its audience was dwindling.
Yet, despite the opportunity, many theaters refused to allocate significant screen time to Spider-Man.
In 2007, Hollywood comic book adaptations were viewed with skepticism in China. Audiences favored directors like Spielberg or Cameron and trusted familiar names like Schwarzenegger or popular Chinese New Year films by Zhang Yimou.
Neither director Marc Webb nor stars Xu Can and Emma Stone had much name recognition domestically. The film was an underdog.
It's normal for it not to be favored domestically. After all, Hollywood didn't favor "Spider-Man" at first, either.
Under such a situation, "Spider-Man" officially started filming in mainland China.
Xu Yuling was quite anxious. The day when the movie premiered happened to be Friday. They had tutoring classes in their senior year of high school, which didn't end until 5:30 in the evening.
Xu Yuling, Xu Can’s cousin, was determined to rush out as soon as possible. As soon as her senior high school tutoring ended at 5:30 PM, she rushed to the theater with her family in tow.
In the classroom, her classmates noticed her urgency.
“Is Spider-Man really that good?” one asked. “Is her cousin really in it?”
“Why not check it out? At the very least, the effects should be cool,” another chimed in.
Curious, a group of students decided to join the growing crowd heading to the theater.
At the box office, the initial response to Spider-Man was lukewarm. Few tickets had been sold, and there were no queues.
However, inside the theater, Xu Yuling’s excitement was palpable. When Xu Can’s face appeared on the screen, she gasped. “That’s him. My cousin.”
Her family exchanged proud smiles. “He’s become so handsome,” one relative remarked.
“Yes, and now he’s a star in North America.”
As the movie progressed, the audience was drawn in. The action scenes were thrilling, the plot engaging, and Xu Can’s performance captivating. Many even forgot to eat their popcorn.
By the time the credits rolled, the previously skeptical classmates were abuzz with excitement.
“That was incredible.”
“The effects. The fights with the Green Goblin. I’m blown away.”
“I didn’t expect Xu Can to be so good.”
“I’m officially a Marvel fan now.”
Outside the theater, the enthusiasm was infectious. Passersby stopped to ask, “Is Spider-Man really that good?”
“It’s amazing,” Yuling replied with a proud smile.
Spider-Man was Xu Can’s moment to shine, and the film was spreading across the Chinese box office like wildfire, proving itself a global phenomenon.
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