Chapter 680: Sold Out

Leaving 20th Century Fox, Murphy went to the nearby Stanton Studio. He asked Gal Gadot's assistant to gather detailed information on "Fast & Furious 6" and "The Great Gatsby," and with the limited memories he had, he reviewed them seriously.

The "Fast & Furious" series had experienced a resurgence after Universal Pictures brought back Vin Diesel. Despite Diesel being notoriously difficult to work with, he had the talent to reinvigorate the franchise, with each sequel seeing increasing box office success.

Starting from "Fast & Furious 4," each installment of the series had been released on the last weekend of April, which is the weekend before the traditional start of the summer box office season in North America. This had become a tradition in the hearts of "Fast & Furious" fans. "Fast & Furious 6" being scheduled for this weekend was entirely expected.

However, Murphy didn't think this series would pose too much of a threat to "Dark City." The "Fast & Furious" films, especially the later ones, were typical popcorn flicks. Their distribution strategy aimed to drive as many fans as possible into theaters on the opening weekend, often seeing opening weekend grosses account for a third or more of their total North American box office. Their heat rose quickly and dropped just as fast.

Otherwise, Universal wouldn't choose to release it before the summer season's official start. Almost all films released in the opening weekend of the summer box office season are among the year's biggest commercial hits.

"Fast & Furious 6" might affect "Dark City" if it garnered exceptional word of mouth and a strong second-weekend performance. 

But would a film increasingly characterized by sci-fi and fantasy elements receive such rave reviews? Murphy would wait and see.

As for "The Great Gatsby," even with Leonardo DiCaprio producing and starring, few believed that a remake could become a blockbuster.

The only thing that slightly caught Murphy's attention was that the film's female lead was Carey Mulligan.

However, their past was long behind them. In the relatively liberal region of Southern California, or even his former home across the Pacific, breakups and reunions between boyfriends and girlfriends were commonplace.

The films before and after "Dark City" had some strength but were not particularly formidable. Murphy remembered clearly that this summer season opener was originally reserved for "Iron Man 3" because of Robert Downey Jr. However, with Murphy's involvement, "Iron Man 3" was reportedly still wrapping up post-production and likely wouldn't release this summer.

According to Robert Downey Jr., there were internal disagreements at Marvel Studios about "Iron Man 3," with the prevailing opinion being to release it during the Christmas season.

"We've established the concept that every summer season opener belongs to a Marvel superhero movie with multiple films!"

At Marvel Studios headquarters, Stan Lee stood in the conference room, giving an impassioned speech. "Last year's 'The Avengers' grossed over $500 million in North America. Countless Marvel fans are eagerly awaiting the release of 'Iron Man 3.' Just because of Murphy Stanton, we're pushing it to the Christmas season?"

The room was silent except for Stan Lee. Everyone remembered the last time a Marvel superhero film clashed with a Murphy Stanton movie, and the result was clear. Unless it was "The Avengers," no single Marvel film could compete directly with Murphy Stanton's commercial blockbusters.

"Have you considered this?" Stan Lee continued, "This is the third film in the highly popular 'Iron Man' series! The first Marvel superhero film after 'The Avengers'!"

Kevin Feige glanced at Stan Lee, thinking that he must be losing his faculties at over eighty years old.

"Enough, Stan," Avi Arad interrupted, "There's no need to say more. The company's board and Disney, our distributor, have decided to step aside this summer."

"You all..." Stan Lee looked exasperated. "You're overestimating Murphy Stanton."

He spoke loudly, but the nearly twenty people in the room did not agree.

Kevin Feige ignored Stan Lee and said, "It's settled. 'Iron Man 3' will release this Christmas season. All promotional and distribution efforts will center on this."

With the continuous success of Marvel superhero films, Kevin Feige's influence within the company was growing. With the support of Disney's board, he was even surpassing Marvel Comics' CEO Avi Arad.

Despite holding significant power, Feige had his share of troubles, such as the ongoing contract negotiations with major actors. For instance, Robert Downey Jr., who played Iron Man, demanded $40 million for "The Avengers 2," a figure that seemed outrageous.

Yet Marvel Studios couldn't outright reject him. Iron Man was the most popular Avenger, and fans saw Robert Downey Jr. as synonymous with Tony Stark. Surveys showed that 99% of fans couldn't accept anyone else as Iron Man.

These factors put Marvel Studios in a difficult position.

Thinking about the stalled negotiations with Robert Downey Jr., Feige felt like cursing. The Stanton supporters were all troublemakers.

Regardless of other companies or films, "Dark City" continued its planned promotional and distribution efforts.

Especially after the Oscars in April, "Dark City" information was everywhere, from the internet to traditional newspapers to television.

"Hollywood insiders predict Murphy Stanton's new film, 'Dark City,' will break box office records."

Such headlines were abundant, making it seem like "Dark City" had already dominated all film-related news a month before its release.

The Los Angeles Times featured prominently: "ShoWest exhibition highly anticipates 'Dark City.'"

"Organized by the National Association of Theater Owners, the three-day ShoWest exhibition concluded recently. When Murphy Stanton's new film 'Dark City' was screened to a small audience, dozens of theater representatives were stunned, with some praising 'Dark City' as a potential groundbreaking classic."

Through viral marketing and other promotional efforts, "Dark City" generated a strong social response. Particularly in the limited exposure of clips, James Franco's manic portrayal of the Magician received widespread acclaim. In early April, 20th Century Fox released Magician figurines, which sold out despite not having a death-related boost.

This gave 20th Century Fox more material to create buzz.

"'Dark City' fever rises before its release, Magician figurines sold out!"

"Murphy Stanton's new film, 'Dark City,' stirs excitement before its release. The toy figure of James Franco's villain, the Magician, sold out immediately. Currently, it's hard to find even online."

"Reports indicate that 'Dark City,' the sequel to 'Chaos City,' has an incredibly high trailer view count. The biggest hit is the Magician figurine, which sparked a buying frenzy. Initially priced at $9.99, it quickly sold out. One figure reached $30 online before selling out again, even online."

As the release date approached, 20th Century Fox's promotion efforts became even more intense.

"'Dark City' reveals latest poster, Welcome to the World of Chaos!"

Murphy, representing the entire crew and project, released the final official poster through Twitter and Facebook, leading to widespread media coverage.

"Murphy Stanton just released the latest official poster for 'Dark City,' sparking immense fan enthusiasm online. Descriptions like 'perfect,' 'miracle,' 'supreme,' 'my God,' 'breathtaking,' and 'cool' flooded in, with some black film enthusiasts calling it the best poster in the world."

Simultaneously, Empire magazine released a dual-cover issue featuring Chris Danner and the Magician.

James Franco, pushed by CAA, appeared on the cover of GQ and discussed his struggles with insomnia during filming due to the character.

He said, "Reflecting on being gradually recognized over the years, even the way people look at me, they don't truly understand me. Everyone has an unknown side, and sometimes even I can't fully understand myself."

Discussing the upcoming "Dark City," Franco added, "I'm an ordinary person. Who doesn't like their work being appreciated? But whether the audience will accept it is beyond my control. It's better to have a drink with friends than to worry about such pointless things."

These efforts continuously heightened the anticipation for "Dark City." However, Murphy and Kara Faith knew that after the viral marketing, regular promotional methods alone were insufficient. The crew needed a heavyweight topic to stir even more excitement.

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