It was Anson—indeed, it was Anson. In his debut as a producer, he chose such a unique project, showcasing a distinct cinematic taste.
Furthermore, he broke the mold, straying from the conventional path and maintaining this throughout, transforming the entire premiere into something refreshing, unlike typical Hollywood norms.
Everything felt just right.
Nicholas couldn't contain his excitement and elation, even surprising himself. After years of navigating Hollywood, he still managed to keep a sense of novelty and curiosity alive.
How many more surprises did Anson have in store?
With these thoughts swirling, Nicholas stood up, weaving through the crowd and approaching Anson amid the lively chatter.
Clearly, Anson was the absolute center of attention, surrounded by a buzzing crowd, yet he navigated the situation with ease, chatting and laughing with everyone around him—
This wasn't an interview or a networking event, but simply friends talking.
Reporters, audience members, actors, even staff from the premiere—everyone stood together, chatting naturally. Although conversations often gravitated back toward Anson, the warm, communal atmosphere was unlike any premiere Nicholas had experienced.
Nicholas liked this vibe, even more than film festivals. It felt more relaxed, just a group of friends gathering on a weekday night to watch a movie and chat afterward, shaking off the day's fatigue and stress, enjoying a pleasant evening.
Nicholas stood quietly at the side, waiting patiently until his moment came. He seized the opportunity and casually posed a question.
"Anson, aren't you worried that this kind of ending won't meet market expectations?"
Not just Anson, but the eyes of those around them also turned his way.
A smile flickered in Anson's eyes. "Nick, you're in full journalist mode."
The light jab made Nicholas laugh. "Sorry, old habits die hard. So, what do you think?"
Nicholas knew Anson's skill; if he wasn't careful, the question could slip away unanswered. He kept his focus, smoothly guiding the conversation back on track.
This time, Anson didn't dodge. "Worried? Of course, I'm worried."
Laughter erupted around them.
Clearly, no one believed him.
"I'm serious," Anson added. "I know audiences don't like seeing tragedies in theaters. If they wanted tragedy, real life has plenty of it—why come to the movies?"
"Especially now, during the Thanksgiving holidays. Just because I enjoy watching family feuds doesn't mean I'd want to see a full-blown tragedy in a movie theater."
"That would definitely impact ticket sales."
The crowd burst into laughter again.
Nicholas joined in, then followed up, "So why did you go with this ending? I thought—"
Anson turned to Nicholas. "You thought that as a first-time producer, I'd want to make a statement, showcase my unique tastes, and believe that only a tragic ending could elevate it beyond commercial fare?"
Nicholas spread his hands. "You said it all."
Anson chuckled too. "No, I know that being a first-time producer, the bottom line is to make money. Otherwise, there's no next time."
Then why?
Anson answered before anyone could ask.
"This is the director's cut, exclusive for the premiere. The actual theatrical release won't be the same."
Nicholas: ...
Everyone: ...
Stunned silence.
Such an approach was unheard of.
Nicholas stammered, "Isn't the director's cut usually released after the movie's initial run?"
Anson's smile deepened. "Or when the DVD releases, to make a bit more."
"No, we're not doing that. We're trying something different, paired with the movie's theme."
"The movie is called 'The Butterfly Effect,' meaning every action can lead to a vastly different outcome. Every ending we face is the result of accumulated choices."
"The movie is the same."
"In fact, we edited five different endings. These versions—including today's premiere director's cut—will be randomly distributed to different theaters."
"In other words, the version you see depends on fate."
A hum swept through the room. The atmosphere thickened with shock and awe.
In its previous life, "The Butterfly Effect" performed decently at the box office, making $57 million in North America and $96 million globally, a solid return on its $13 million budget. This success led New Line Cinema to produce sequels—not just a second film, but a third one as well.
However, strictly speaking, after accounting for distribution fees and marketing costs, "The Butterfly Effect" only made around $10 million in pure profit. What truly delighted New Line was the later sales and rentals of the DVD—that was the main moneymaker.
In other words, the movie's impact during its theatrical run was limited. It gained traction and achieved classic status through word-of-mouth and post-release acclaim in the home video market.
This time, Anson was pondering how to make an exceptional film stand out right from its promotional stage.
Of course, he knew his idea was bold, risky even—
99.99% of films have only one ending when released. Director's cuts and alternative versions come later because distributors don't want audiences confused by multiple versions during a theatrical run, potentially sparking controversy.
Subsequent releases cater to dedicated fans.
Directors like Zack Snyder often release director's cuts to defend or reinterpret their theatrical versions.
Consistency, standardization, and unity are crucial during a film's initial release.
But Anson felt that "The Butterfly Effect," with its inherent nature, warranted this kind of risk, breaking the fourth wall and bringing its concept into real life—
Each person could see a different ending.
This was a hook that could draw true enthusiasts in droves.
It came with high risks, which Anson accepted. He believed that, based on its original trajectory, "The Butterfly Effect" was always a niche sci-fi film for enthusiasts who loved analyzing its theories and narrative structure.
So why not abandon the idea of appealing to a broad, all-ages audience and instead take a gamble targeting that specific group?
If it failed, Anson would accept it. But what if it succeeded?
And so, this moment unfolded.
Seeing the shocked faces around him, Anson knew he had already succeeded in creating buzz.
Nicholas gaped at Anson. "Are you saying even the theaters won't know?"
Anson shrugged lightly. "At least during the first round of showings. In the second round, they'll know the contents of each copy and can choose accordingly. But for the first round, it's entirely secret, random distribution. Even we won't know which copy goes where."
(End of Chapter)