As an investor in Iron Man 2, Matthew naturally wouldn't miss the premiere, but he kept a low profile. After walking the red carpet, he skipped the interview area and went straight into the theater.
At this point, Iron Man 2 no longer needed him to promote it.
The movie was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated films of the 2010 summer blockbuster season.
Looking back to 2008, Iron Man, an initially under-the-radar superhero film, had unexpectedly achieved global success, raking in nearly $800 million at the box office. It also helped revitalize Robert Downey Jr.'s career, turning him into a Hollywood star once again. Now, two years later, Iron Man 2 was about to hit theaters, and like all successful movie sequels, it naturally captured the audience's attention.
"This film's success might have truly been a delightful surprise. I've been reading Iron Man comics for years, but when I was cast in the film, I didn't think too much about it. It was just one of the many comics I read as a kid," Matthew overheard Robert Downey Jr. saying during an interview as he passed by.
"I actually prefer Batman over Iron Man, but it seems Christian Bale won't give me a chance to steal his role," Downey joked.
Matthew glanced at Downey. The transformation of Downey's career over the past few years could indeed be described as a remarkable comeback.
Downey had played a big role in the success of this franchise, although market forces had also played their part.
With the onslaught of hidden and masked superheroes, Tony Stark stood out as something entirely different.
There probably wasn't another superhero as carefree as Tony Stark. Characters like Batman and Spider-Man were constantly trying to hide their identities and were haunted by personal struggles, such as childhood traumas. Stark, on the other hand, was flamboyant, reckless, and more integrated into society.
He wasn't afraid to reveal his identity, even if it led to numerous complications. This rogue-like quality suited Downey perfectly.
Downey and Stark had essentially become synonymous. If Iron Man 2 succeeded, that association would be cemented forever.
Their personalities were too similar, and Downey made Tony Stark the perfect character.
Matthew entered the VIP room in the theater, where many people had already gathered.
With The Avengers now in motion, Marvel Studios' plans were no longer a secret, and more people were starting to realize just how valuable Marvel truly was.
"I've heard that Matthew Horner bought a significant number of Marvel shares from some small shareholders a few years ago. It looks like he struck it big," Matthew overheard as he mingled with the crowd.
"I have a friend who works at Marvel headquarters, and he said that just from Iron Man, Matthew Horner earned at least $70 million!"
"What? $70 million? I've been a producer for almost ten years, and I haven't made that much in profit from all my films combined."
"Matthew Horner, with his Marvel shares, also made a deal with Walt Disney. He's now a Disney shareholder!"
These envious and jealous remarks followed Matthew wherever he went.
"Even I'm jealous of you," Kevin Feige, who had also overheard the chatter, said to Matthew. "You know what people are calling you? God's favorite!"
Matthew shrugged. "What's there to be jealous about?" he said, then added, "Don't forget, you're the one leading Marvel Studios to success."
Feige chuckled and replied, "You and Disney are the bosses; I'm just an employee."
Sensing something behind Feige's words, Matthew asked, "What's going on?"
"I need support—from Disney and from you," Feige said without hesitation, lowering his voice. "Marvel Entertainment's Creative Committee is increasingly interfering with Marvel Studios. They want the films to stick more closely to the comics."
Matthew frowned. "Don't they realize that movies and comics are entirely different mediums?"
Feige let out a bitter laugh. "People who only care about short-term profits don't think about that."
"Letting comic book creators meddle in movie production," Matthew said firmly, "could turn Marvel films into niche fanfare."
While Marvel Studios' formula could get stale after a while, Matthew couldn't deny that the streamlined approach they used had been extremely profitable.
He didn't invest in Marvel to change the formula that made their films so successful. He was in it for the returns.
After all, who in their right mind would invest tens or hundreds of millions of dollars into a superhero movie just to experiment with something risky? That would be reckless.
Superhero movies may have originated from comics, but they must not be limited to them.
Feige didn't hide his concern. "The members of Marvel Entertainment's Creative Committee are already starting to interfere with Marvel Studios. Matthew, you and Disney are the investors in Marvel's superhero films. I hope you'll back me in cutting off their influence."
This was an internal power struggle within the company, and typically, someone like Matthew, an outsider, wouldn't get involved. But Marvel Studios represented an investment that could total in the hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars over time. There was no way Matthew could stand by and do nothing.
After a decade in the industry, Matthew knew how to make the best decisions for his interests.
"Kevin, I'm on your side."
As a Hollywood professional, Matthew naturally aligned with Feige. "Don't worry about me. Your main focus should be on Disney."
Feige nodded lightly. "I understand."
Matthew added, "I'll give Robert Iger a call and discuss this with him."
"Thank you very much," Feige said gratefully.
Matthew smiled. "No need to thank me."
The conversation shifted to movies after that, but both men knew that as long as The Avengers was a massive success, all these issues would disappear. As the head of Marvel's superhero movie projects, Feige would emerge victorious in any internal power struggle.
Ultimately, it all boiled down to profitability. If you could generate revenue, you were a success. If not, even someone like Robert Iger would have to step down, let alone someone in Feige's position.
"Hey, Matthew!" a raspy voice suddenly called out. "There you are."
Matthew turned to see Scarlett Johansson walking toward him.
Feige, recognizing the moment, said, "We'll continue this conversation later. I'll leave you two alone."
With that, he excused himself.
Scarlett Johansson spread her arms for a hug. After embracing, she asked curiously, "What were you and Kevin talking about?"
Matthew, half-jokingly, replied, "About a standalone movie for Natasha Romanoff."
"Really?" Scarlett was skeptical.
"Of course," Matthew said with a smile. "Your character is very popular."
In truth, he and Feige had briefly touched on the topic of female superhero films. Although Black Widow was indeed popular, Marvel Studios had no immediate plans for a standalone Black Widow movie.
Marvel was hesitant about female superhero films, in part because of the failure of Catwoman years earlier under Warner Bros.
Scarlett shrugged and leaned in closer. "Got time tonight?"
"Definitely," Matthew understood what she meant. "For the beautiful and charming Ms. Johansson, I'll always have time."
He thought for a moment and added, "After the premiere, I'll meet you at the back entrance of the theater."
Scarlett winked at him. "Don't be late."
After agreeing to meet up with Scarlett later, Matthew was about to head into the screening when he spotted Helen Herman approaching, accompanied by someone he hadn't seen in a while—Clint Eastwood.
"Hello, Clint," Matthew stepped forward to shake hands with Eastwood. The older director smiled and replied, "Long time no see, Matthew."
After exchanging pleasantries, Matthew glanced around. Most people had already gone into the screening, leaving them relatively alone. Without wasting time, Matthew said, "I've just acquired the film rights to a novel and would like to invite you to direct."
Eastwood asked, "Are you playing the lead?"
Matthew nodded. "Yes. It's a semi-autobiographical film about a soldier and a sniper."
Eastwood thought for a moment before asking, "What's the timeline?"
"We're aiming to start pre-production either next year or the year after," Matthew replied frankly. "I'm fully booked this year."
He gave Helen Herman a subtle signal, and she pulled a copy of American Sniper from her briefcase, handing it to Eastwood.
"This is the source material," Matthew added as Eastwood took the book.
Eastwood flipped through the pages briefly before saying, "Let me finish reading the book first, and then we'll talk."
"Of course," Matthew said with a smile.
There was no rush. If Eastwood declined, there were always other directors he could approach.
Before coming to the premiere, Matthew had known that Disney had invited Eastwood, which was why he had asked Helen Herman to join them.
After this initial conversation about American Sniper, Matthew and Helen headed into the screening room together.
Marvel's superhero movies were steadily building toward the climax of Phase One, and Iron Man 2 teased both Thor and Captain America with post-credits scenes.
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