Hollywood Road

"Although 'Spider-Man 3' hasn't stooped to the idiocy of 'Batman & Robin,' it's evident that the proliferation of characters has led to a scattered plot and some weak storylines. There are numerous gaps, and the design feels quite contrived, lacking the necessary cushioning."

During the first weekend of the summer block, 'Spider-Man 3' fizzled in professional, media, and audience reviews, managing only a 6.4 rating on IMDB after three days.

However, the summer season differs from the Thanksgiving and Christmas periods, having its own set of rules. In this time, a film's reputation doesn't necessarily dictate its box office results. Over the past decade in North America's summer box office, poor reviews paired with high revenue often occur in the same film, proving that during this season, reviews influence a movie's success the least.

Moreover, with the first two installments as a foundation, 'Spider-Man 3' had amassed a significant fan base. Sony Columbia's announcement that this would conclude the trilogy naturally drew large audiences to theaters.

Amidst negative reviews, the movie's box office did not shrink; it grossed over $151 million in North America alone during its opening weekend, setting a new record.

Undoubtedly, 'Spider-Man 3' achieved tremendous market success, a victory for both Sony Columbia Pictures and Marvel Comics.

"The success of 'Spider-Man 3' proves one thing," Kevin Feige said in a Marvel Studios office, addressing Avi Arad and Stan Lee. "Marvel's superheroes are more popular among moviegoers."

"Absolutely," Stan Lee, though aged, responded energetically, "My children will dominate the big screen."

Avi Arad nodded gently, "With this film's success, we can have higher hopes for 'Iron Man.' If it does well, it could kickstart the entire Avengers initiative."

Stan Lee laughed heartily, his eyes nearly disappearing with joy, "Superhero movies will be our domain!"

Feige and Arad agreed, though Feige remained pragmatic. "Don't forget, DC Comics has started their own plans, and they are ahead of us."

"DC?" Stan Lee scoffed dismissively, "Their superheroes are outdated; Warner Bros has forgotten how to make superhero movies."

Since 2000, Warner Bros had invested in superhero movies, but none reached the disastrous level of 'Batman & Robin.'

Unlike Stan Lee and Avi Arad, who were entrenched in the comic world, Kevin Feige was more in tune with the film industry.

"Don't underestimate Murphy Stanton," he warned seriously. "Murphy has been in Hollywood for years and has never failed."

Stan Lee dismissed the concern, "Kevin, you're overestimating him. Remember, this is known as the hardest superhero movie to film. The series has already plummeted. How can Murphy, a director who's never proved himself in big-budget productions, revive a Superman movie?"

He shook his head, "Superman movies are dead, and Murphy will likely go down with them."

Now was the era of Marvel superheroes; DC's cinematic glory days ended in the 1990s.

Stan Lee's view was understandable; the massive success of the 'Spider-Man' series had thoroughly proven Marvel superheroes' popularity on screen.

Despite declining reviews and a bombardment of critical promotions, 'Spider-Man 3' achieved huge box office success. In just ten days, it crossed the $240 million mark in North America alone, proving to be a super money-making machine.

Similarly, the newly released 'Shrek 3' that weekend set the worst reputation and lowest ratings of the series but saw its box office soar, earning an unprecedented $120 million in North America over three days, setting a new record for animated films' opening weekends.

The disconnect between critical acclaim and box office success was vividly demonstrated in both 'Spider-Man 3' and 'Shrek 3'.

As the new week began, the countdown to 'Man of Steel's release could be done on one hand.

All the logistics of copy transport, premiere location, publicity hype, guest invitations, and scheduling were handled by Warner Bros, freeing Murphy and his crew to focus on other aspects.

Despite Warner Bros' lack of blockbuster hits in recent years apart from the 'Harry Potter' series, they still managed these affairs effortlessly.

In the final lead-up to the release, Murphy was more focused on 'Man of Steel's box office presales.

During the competitive summer blockbuster season, securing a strong opening weekend was crucial; most successful summer films' opening weekend receipts often accounted for one-third to half of their total North American box office.

A successful opening weekend was essential to compete against new releases; unless a movie was exceptionally good or competing films were exceptionally bad, achieving a blockbuster box office figure was challenging.

Producers and distributors did everything possible to attract the majority of viewers to theaters during the first weekend.

With the internet becoming increasingly

 prevalent, North America saw a surge in online movie ticket presales sites. Traditional movie websites like IMDB and Box.Office.Mojo also began offering similar services.

Fans could pre-book tickets for the opening weekend of films they were interested in, directly reflecting a film's potential box office performance.

"Of course, 'Man of Steel's presale figures can't match those of sequels like 'Spider-Man 3' and 'Shrek 3'," Murphy remarked to Gal Gadot in a Bentley driving through the rain to the Lincoln Arts Center. "But $16 million in first-week presales still places it in the top five in North America."

Gal Gadot, smiling, squeezed his arm, "Dear, your influence is always strong."

"In a specific fan base," Murphy knew his chosen style could alienate a portion of the fan base, "We should never doubt Superman's draw. As long as the audience response isn't poor, achieving expected results won't be difficult."

Warner Bros had invested heavily in 'Man of Steel,' aiming for an impressive box office return. They expected around $100 million in North American opening weekend box office, with final figures not less than $250 million in North America and a global total of $600 million.

Considering the final box office figures for 'Superman Returns,' this seemed a challenging goal.

However, Murphy was clear from the outset about taking on this project: Superman was indeed a challenging superhero movie to film, but the sheer number of Superman fans could easily surpass other superheroes. As long as the film was of good quality, meeting Warner Bros' expectations would not be overly difficult.

Moreover, he had confidence in himself.

The Bentley neared the Lincoln Arts Center, where 'Man of Steel's North American premiere was to be held at the New York State Theater.

Located in the Upper West Side, Lincoln Center is the world's largest arts venue. Before it was built, this area was a slum in New York; now, it's a coveted residential area and a major stage for performing arts.

The Lincoln Arts Center is not just the highest level of art venue in the U.S.; its standards and artistic influence hold a high place in the global pantheon of the arts, with many world-class artists proud to perform here.

That afternoon, numerous reporters and fans gathered, eager for 'Man of Steel's debut.

However, the weather was not cooperative, with heavy rain beginning in the morning and intensifying by noon. As Murphy's car approached the red carpet, the downpour became torrential.

Despite the rain, the premiere proceeded as scheduled under a canopy. On the narrow, crowded red carpet, celebrities hurried along.

Chris Evans, the "new Superman," caused a stir as he appeared, his classic gray suit showcasing his robust "Man of Steel" physique, his handsome face radiating stern integrity. Megan Fox, accompanying him, was much more subdued in a conservative yet stunning black dress, her brown hair and red lips adding to her allure.

Murphy and Gal Gadot were among the last to walk the red carpet, but their appearance caused a sensation. Media cameras frantically clicked around them, and the cheers from fans on both sides of the red carpet rivaled those for any Hollywood superstar.

Of course, some reporters whispered to each other, eagerly anticipating 'Man of Steel's potential flop and Murphy and Gadot's embarrassment, even preparing drafts in advance.

But in the eyes of ordinary fans, Murphy was a guarantee of film quality, and they looked forward to an excellent movie.

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