**Chapter 68: New Line Cinema vs. Dunn Films**

New Line Cinema was acquired by Time Warner in 1993, but thanks to its strong performance, it has independent operational rights in film management. 

Of course, it can't go against the broader strategies of the parent company. 

Right now, in the president's office at New Line Cinema, the big shots from Marvel Entertainment are in a serious discussion with Bob Shaye. 

For New Line Cinema, *Blade* is just one movie in the company's long-term plans. Even if it doesn't do well at the box office, with Time Warner backing them and years of copyright operations, breaking even isn't an issue. 

But for Marvel Entertainment, *Blade* is their hope! 

Marvel Entertainment has already gone through bankruptcy and restructuring once—they can't afford another setback. They *need* to find a solution. 

And without a doubt, movies are the best option! 

Ever since the success of *Star Wars*, all of Hollywood has realized that the true value of the film industry isn't just in how much profit a movie makes—it's in the opportunities it creates for the company and other fields. 

Think TV shows, theme parks, soundtracks, video games, interactive entertainment, books, magazines… 

And Marvel? They're missing out on all these opportunities! 

Of course, thePremise is that the movie has to be attractive, creative, and influential enough. 

Marvel Entertainment is now pinning all their hopes on *Blade*. If this movie succeeds, it could boost the value of their 5,000+ superheroes, creating a domino effect that gets more and bigger film companies interested in Marvel's superheroes. 

No more selling off their superhero rights for peanuts like they did before. 

Thankfully, after Avi Arad took over, they've managed to buy back a lot of those rights, including Spider-Man, Hulk, Captain America, Captain Marvel, and others. 

But now, there's a problem. Dunn Films is releasing *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* in North America on August 20—just one day apart from *Blade*! 

And that's a movie by Dunn Walker, a film that's already grossed nearly $140 mllion overseas! 

Compared to that, an R-rated, niche superhero movie like *Blade*—which has had its share of ups and downs—does it even stand a chance against *My Big Fat Greek Wedding*? 

"What are you trying to say?" Bob Shaye, president of New Line Cinema, looks unhappy. 

He knows exactly what Avi Arad, Ike Perlmutter, Allan Fine, Stan Lee, and the others are getting at. They're worried about the impact of *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* and want to delay *Blade*'s release. 

That's ridiculous! 

Forget the fact that New Line Cinema has already announced *Blade*'s release date—the movie's genre alone makes delaying it impossible. 

To avoid clashing with big films like *Saving Private Ryan* and *Armageddon*, Bob Shaye already pushed the release to late August, the tail end of the summer season. 

Delay it further? To when? 

The next period is the box office off-season, followed by the Christmas season. You can't release an R-rated action flick during family-friendly Christmas, right? 

As for next year, forget it. Special effects are improving so fast that releasing this movie next year would make it look even worse. 

"We originally planned to invest $45 million in *Blade*, but due to various unexpected issues, it went up to $65 million. Marvel Entertainment covered $15 million of that—and it's all loans!" Avi Arad says earnestly, almost pleading. 

Stan Lee sighs, "Bob, you know Marvel's situation right now. This movie… we can't afford to lose!" 

Bob Shaye frowns, "You guys are new to the movie business, so you might not understand how things work. The movie releases in ten days—we *can't* change the date at this point." 

"But—" 

Before Stan Lee can finish, Bob Shaye's secretary bursts in urgently, "Boss, a call from Warner!" 

Bob Shaye quickly picks up the phone. It's Barry Meyer, the second-in-command at Warner Bros. Rumor has it he'll soon be promoted to chairman of the board at Warner Bros. 

For someone of that stature, even Bob Shaye, president of New Line Cinema, doesn't dare slack off. 

"Hello, Barry, this is Bob Shaye." 

"New Line Cinema has two movies coming up soon?" 

"That's right. *Blade*, a dark action flick, and *Rush Hour*, a comedy-action movie." 

"Good. Dunn Walker's movie is releasing around the same time. You can go head-to-head with him." 

Barry Meyer keeps it brief, but Bob Shaye immediately understands. The higher-ups want New Line Cinema to compete with Dunn Films! 

He's not sure what's going on, but as a direct subordinate, he has to follow orders. 

"Got it. I understand. New Line Cinema will fully cooperate." 

After hanging up, Bob Shaye looks serious, his tone leaving no room for argument: "The leadership has made their decision. The release date for the movie won't change!" 

The Marvel Entertainment executives exchange glances, each looking more defeated than the last. 

In the comics world, they're big names. But here in Hollywood? 

Here, Marvel isn't even worth a pinky finger compared to Warner! 

Avi Arad and the others sigh, their hearts heavy with despair. 

--- 

With overseas box office success nearing $140 billion, *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* is getting hotter and hotter in North America. 

Especially after Fox saw the potential in this movie, they ramped up promotion, making the buzz in North America rival that of *Saving Private Ryan*, which is already out. 

After *Saving Private Ryan* got criticism from some sensitive viewers, people are craving a warm, humorous movie to heal their hearts. 

Even Twentieth Century Fox has been pushing through media outlets: "After watching *Saving Private Ryan*, you *have* to see *My Big Fat Greek Wedding*. 

War is brutal, but love is romantic. Humanity is complex, but it can also be simple. 

*My Big Fat Greek Wedding* will cleanse your mind and soul!" 

--- 

August 20—a regular day for most, but for many movie fans, it's long-awaited. 

Dunn Walker, the director of *Titanic*, is premiering his new film *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* in North America today. 

This isn't a big-budget movie with a grand premiere, but its promotion and influence are so huge it doesn't need one. 

Natalie has returned to New York to get ready for the new semester, while Reese Witherspoon happens to swing by Dunn's side. "Boss, can I crash at your place for a few days?" 

Dunn laughs, "You sure know how to seize an opportunity." 

"Don't you like that?" Reese flips her hair playfully, biting her red lip slightly. "Fine, I'll just focus on work from now on and stick to my secretarial duties." 

"I didn't say that!" Dunn waves it off. "Nat's a smart girl—you think she doesn't know about us? Anyway, what did Warner say?" 

Reese's expression turns serious. "Alan Horn, a top exec at Warner Bros., personally reached out. He wants to meet with you to clear up misunderstandings and discuss potential cooperation." 

"Alan Horn?" Dunn's eyes light up, murmuring, "Now that's a big name." 

"He is. Rumor has it he'll take over as president next year," Reese says, not fully grasping Dunn's deeper thoughts. 

Dunn smiles, "Alright, let's meet. Set it for September 1." 

Reese smirks slyly, "Yeah, our focus right now should be *My Big Fat Greek Wedding*. When the time comes… strength is the foundation of negotiation, right?" 

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