I am a historical film director in the entertainment industry.

"Brother Hua, I don't want to lie to you, I can't take this movie."

Cheng Sheng returned the script to Liu Dehua, refusing to speak.

Liu Dehua's expression darkened. In fact, he had guessed that Cheng Sheng would refuse long ago, since he didn't think much of the movie either. But he wouldn't refuse Wang Pangzi, who had been kind to him.

"Understood." Liu Dehua nodded, then asked with a hint of expectation, "Director Cheng, is this movie really that bad?"

“Brother Hua, this movie is not only bad, it will definitely lose money. If you take on this movie, please think carefully, or you will ruin your reputation.” Cheng Sheng said.

Liu Dehua gave a bitter smile upon hearing this. He knew this when he saw the script, but he couldn't be ungrateful.

"Director Cheng, since you understand, is it possible to change things?" Liu Dehua asked.

Cheng Sheng was taken aback. A change?

"You mean you want me to help adapt the script? This must mean Director Wang wants you to show me the script!"

Cheng Sheng quickly realized that Fatty Wang's plan was actually quite good.

“Yes, Director Wang is actually not satisfied with the script either, but he doesn’t have the ability to adapt it. He heard that you and I have a good relationship, and that you, Director Cheng, are among the best screenwriters in the world, so he hopes you can help him out,” Liu Dehua said with a wry smile.

Cheng Sheng frowned, his first thought being to refuse.

After all, he didn't know Fatty Wang at all, so why should he waste his energy rewriting the script for him?

But then he suddenly remembered Hollywood's 30-year reign over the Chinese film industry, which made him hesitate.

In 1994, "The Fugitive" became the first American film imported to China, shocking Chinese audiences and the struggling Chinese film industry, and ushering in a golden age for Hollywood in the Chinese market.

For many years afterward, numerous Hollywood films, including "True Lies," "Titanic," and "Transformers," occupied half of the annual box office charts in China.

With a single film generating hundreds of millions or even billions of RMB in box office revenue, China has become Hollywood's largest overseas market.

In 2019, Avengers: Endgame set a new record for the highest-grossing Hollywood film in China with over 42 billion yuan.

However, what reaches its peak will eventually decline.

After 2023, Hollywood's decline in the Chinese film market was faster than anyone imagined.

There were no Hollywood films in the top ten of the 2023 Chinese box office charts.

According to US media reports, Hollywood films accounted for about 12% of the box office in China in 2023.

Since 2024, only one film, "Godzilla vs. Kong: Rise of an Empire," has been among the top ten highest-grossing films in China, currently ranking eighth.

Having entered the Chinese market for 30 years, it has gone from being extremely popular to losing its former glory.

American media and experts believe that a significant reason is Hollywood's lack of innovation and ambition in recent years, which has made its films boring for audiences.

For years, Hollywood films have been indulging in formulaic and repetitive IP development, resulting in a severe lack of original films with innovation and imagination.

Another important reason for the decline in the appeal of Hollywood movies is the competition they face from the rapid development of the Chinese domestic film industry.

If the "catfish effect" sparked by "The Fugitive" in 1994 forced Chinese cinema to strive for self-improvement and embark on a path of rapid industrialization, then after 30 years of accumulation, the Chinese film industry has finally unleashed its full potential. It has not only caught up in terms of film content and production quality but has also made significant progress across different film genres. In the future, a comprehensive explosion of films across various genres, including animation, action, suspense, and science fiction, led to the box office success of domestic films such as "Ne Zha," "The Wandering Earth," "Operation Red Sea," and "Hot Hot."

Although Hollywood movies will decline in China in the future, the 30-year reign still makes Cheng Sheng feel very uncomfortable.

"Adaptation is out of the question..."

Seeing Cheng Sheng shake his head in refusal, Liu Dehua was somewhat disappointed, but he could understand. After all, Cheng Sheng and Fatty Wang had no connection, so it was impossible for Cheng Sheng to help adapt the script.

But deep down he hoped Cheng Sheng could help, because if the script was adapted well, he would also benefit, since he was the lead actor in the film.

“After reading this script, I actually had another idea. Brother Hua, I can tell Director Wang about this idea and let him complete the script on his own, and the filming will also be entirely handled by him.”

At that moment, Cheng Sheng changed his tone and said...

"Really!" Liu Dehua looked at Cheng Sheng with surprise.

"Ah."

Cheng Sheng nodded, then told Liu Dehua his idea and asked him to relay it to Fatty Wang so that Fatty Wang could improve the script based on it.

"The story of Li Ke, a wealthy and brilliant scientist, who, after experiencing a kidnapping, understands his responsibility and, relying on his wisdom and courage, invents and creates high-tech armor, ultimately transforming into a righteous armored warrior to protect humanity..."

As Liu Dehua listened to Cheng Sheng's narration, his eyes grew brighter and brighter. Although the plot was rough, he could feel the charm of Li Ke, the genius scientist.

If he plays this role, it will definitely boost his fame to a new level.

Cheng Sheng slowly recounted the general plot of "Iron Man 1".

That's right, Cheng Sheng's idea is the same as "Iron Man 1" from 2008.

If the goal is to stop Hollywood's invasion, then copying Hollywood's future films is the best way.

Iron Man 1 was the victim, since the popularity of Marvel heroes in the future all started with Iron Man.

Iron Man 1 also received very high praise, with a Douban score of 8.1.

The film achieves a perfect blend of commercial appeal and artistic merit. As a commercial film, its visual effects and scenes reach the high standards of Hollywood blockbusters.

From the continuous explosions to the display of high-tech armor, the show delivered a stunning visual feast to the audience.

At the same time, the film also excels in its artistic aspects, portraying Tony Stark as a very well-rounded character, allowing the audience to see a superhero with flesh and blood.

He possesses both genius-level intelligence and the luxurious life of a billionaire, as well as the emotions and weaknesses of an ordinary person.

The success of a film lies not only in its compelling plot and outstanding visual effects, but also in the values ​​it conveys.

After experiencing life-or-death trials, Tony realized the dangers of the weapons he created, leading him to change his mindset and use his power to protect the world. This character's growth and transformation resonated strongly with the audience.

In conclusion, Iron Man 1, as the opening film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, laid a solid foundation for the development of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with its exciting plot, high reputation, and profound values.

Iron Man holds a pivotal position in the Marvel Cinematic Universe; his courage, wisdom, and sense of responsibility have influenced generations of viewers. (End of Chapter)