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"As for Shazam, the movie needs to balance fun with grand spectacle. If these two elements aren't well integrated, it'll turn into a bad film..."

Anton continued, "Additionally, casting will be a bit tricky. Finding the right actors will take some effort, so you'll need to prepare carefully."

"Don't worry!"

Jim nodded enthusiastically. "I always treat your words like an federal order."

"I like that attitude."

Anton thought for a moment before adding, "Also, my suggestion is to cast a quirky, likable kid for Billy Batson. As for Shazam, I recommend hiring a comedian—someone who can truly bring the role to life."

In Anton's mind, the failure of Shazam in his previous life wasn't solely due to the lackluster plot. If the weak script was responsible for 60% of its failure, then the lack of audience connection with the lead actor accounted for another 20%. 

The remaining 20% was split among various other factors.

In other words, if they could find a child actor with the charm of Home Alone's lead, and cast someone like Jim Carrey or the equivalent of Guardians of the Galaxy's Star-Lord as Shazam, even a weak script could be salvaged with standout performances.

"Understood."

Jim took note of Anton's instructions and nodded.

After some thought, he added, "By the way, Batman v Superman is about half a month away from completion. With Quentin's holographic projection technology, our special effects have reached the highest level in the industry. No VFX studio in the world can compete with what we've achieved with live-action integration!"

"You don't need to worry about the final product," Jim assured him, pounding his chest. "In one month, you'll see the most impressive results."

This time, Batman was the undeniable star of the film.

Right now, countless people were eagerly awaiting his return to the big screen. Even if this Batman wasn't the 'real' one, audiences were still fascinated.

In fact, thanks to the love of Batman fans, the actor playing him had become the hottest star in Hollywood. No one else even came close.

Of course, the actor himself knew better than to get arrogant—especially in front of DC executives. He remained extremely dedicated to the role, fully aware that his fame was entirely dependent on Batman. Without the character's backing, he'd be nothing.

"Good."

Anton was reassured by Jim's confidence and nodded. "My work in Los Angeles is done. I'll head back to New York first. I expect to see those 'most impressive results' in a month, just as you promised."

According to Jim, Batman v Superman would be finished in a month, ready for release. That meant he'd be able to redeem Superman within two months at the latest.

Good news.

Feeling satisfied, Anton patted Jim on the shoulder.

"If the final product is as good as you claim," he added, "then regarding your previous proposal—Justice League vs. Avengers—I'll make sure DC goes all in. Whatever resources you need, consider them yours."

"A deal's a deal!"

Jim was ecstatic.

Shortly after…

Anton boarded his return flight.

Ding-dong!

As soon as he settled into his seat, he received a message from Harry.

He glanced at the screen, narrowing his eyes slightly.

[Tony Stark wants to rebuild the Avengers under the new name 'The Illuminati' and has invited me to join.]

Over the past few days in Los Angeles, Constantine had wrapped things up perfectly, the Dark Justice League had been established, and the next phase of Anton's plan was already in motion. Superman's emergence was just around the corner.

Just like how the Marvel Cinematic Universe had entered its second phase after the Battle of New York…

Anton's life in this world had now entered its next stage as well.

A Justice League led by Batman now included Marvel heroes like Spider-Man alongside original DC members like Wonder Woman…

As its influence continued to grow, the Jameson family, through Wayne Enterprises, had become a powerhouse.

Relying on Anton's multiple identities, the organization operated under the World Security Council, handling extraterrestrial affairs.

Beyond that, he controlled two major companies, held sway over public opinion, and enjoyed the public's trust. The DC company, which provided services for special system plug-ins and facilitated cultural influence across different worlds, was also under his control.

Additionally, he had alliances with both the U.S. military and underground powerhouses.

After calculating his current standing, Anton once again realized that he had grown into a towering force.

Setting aside raw power, there were now only a handful of individuals or factions on Earth that could truly threaten him.

However, there was still one problem.

Anton suddenly thought of the text message Harry had sent as soon as he boarded the plane.

Illuminati?!

Of course, he was familiar with this infamous organization from the original Marvel comics.

With the Avengers disbanded, it wasn't surprising that Tony wanted to establish the Illuminati.

On one hand, Tony's deep-seated pride made it impossible for him to accept defeat.

On the other, it was likely tied to his growing anxiety.

In the original storyline, Tony had been kidnapped, survived multiple global crises, and walked the line between life and death more times than he could count. These experiences left him fearful and restless.

Various external pressures only made things worse, leading to the belief that the only way to feel safe was to hide behind his armor.

In this world, while many crises had been resolved by Batman, Tony's role as Iron Man had been repeatedly overshadowed.

From the Battle of Washington—where Hydra's schemes led to disastrous Avengers decisions—to the Battle of New York, where Loki used the Mind Stone to manipulate the team, Tony had been publicly scrutinized at every turn.

Following these events, almost every Avenger—except Captain America—had faced worldwide criticism.

But none bore the brunt of it more than Tony, once the most admired and celebrated hero.

For someone as proud as Stark, this level of public condemnation must have been crushing.

Anxiety?

Anton wasn't convinced Tony was suffering from clinical anxiety in this world. But one thing was certain: since becoming Iron Man, peace had been a rare luxury for him.

Whatever his reasons for forming the Illuminati, one undeniable goal was seeking security.

Or perhaps… he wanted to catch up to—or even surpass—Batman to reclaim public approval.

Anton fell into deep thought.

Time passed quickly.

The plane touched down at New York Airport.

However—

The welcoming party wasn't from DC as Anton had expected.

Instead, a man in a black suit and dark sunglasses was waiting for him.

It was his deputy—Z.

Once a military agent, now the second-in-command of the Men in Black.

Anton looked at Z in surprise.

He hadn't received any updates about Z's movements.

And judging by his solemn expression, this was definitely serious.

"What's going on?"

Anton asked, his eyes narrowing.

Z took a deep breath before answering.

"We've located Nick Fury."

Then, after a pause, he added gravely—

"He's at Stark Industries."

…

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