America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 322, Section 320: MCU Activation

CBS: "This morning, Los Angeles mobilized the entire city to hold a dream-fulfilling event for 5-year-old Wendy Winster, a child with congenital leukemia."

"Initiated by the non-profit organization Dream Home, and co-organized by MGM Studios and Marvel Studios, with the spontaneous cooperation of tens of thousands of people, it helped little Wendy realize her superhero dream."

"This is the embodiment of the American Dream, this is the display of the beauty of humanity. Let us wish Wendy Winster a speedy recovery."

ABC: "Wendy Winston's journey to fulfill her dream, an action that touched countless people. Little Wendy is a superhero, and everyone involved is a superhero!"

CBS: "The massive event taking place in Los Angeles is sweeping across the United States and showcasing the beauty of humanity to the world."

NBC News: "Next up is an interview with Ms. Kelph, head of Dream Home."

A woman who looks to be in her forties appears on screen and tells the whole story.

"Our staff heard Wendy's story; he was about to undergo the most important surgery of his life."

"But no one can guarantee that the surgery will be 100% successful, which means that this could be the last moment of the child's life."

"We had planned to rent a space and have park staff play with him for a day, but that's not what Wendy wanted."

"Superheroes? It's a wonderful dream for kids, but it's really beyond our capabilities, so we tried to get help from comic book companies and movie companies."

"Fortunately, MGM and Marvel responded immediately and were willing to offer assistance."

"Everyone in Los Angeles, from the mayor and judges to prosecutors and the police chief, is a really good person."

With the success of this dream-fulfilling journey, the huge buzz spread throughout the United States.

Most people are optimistic, or at least have optimism in their hearts, no matter how much darkness they have experienced.

This kind of news meets the audience's expectations, conforms to mainstream values, and can also bring in viewership ratings, so there's no reason not to report it extensively.

It's just that different TV stations report from different angles. Those who don't have a good relationship with Eric only focus on the incident itself and don't mention MGM or Marvel at all.

Those with good relationships demonstrate the crucial role played by both companies.

In their interview with the Winsters, the couple openly expressed their gratitude to MGM and Marvel, and their words served as the best advertisement.

MGM and Marvel Studios immediately announced that they would cover all of Wendy's medical expenses until he recovers.

Furthermore, a children's leukemia foundation will be established specifically for children's treatment, which naturally garnered widespread praise.

This is what charity should be; donating some money at a gala is far less practical.

When the next day arrived, something unexpected happened to Eric.

Then-President George W. Bush made a special video message for Wendy. Although it was for the sake of votes and involved a lot of political factors, it was still a good thing.

Old Deng's expression was unusually serious, unlike his usual media appearances. He gave a thumbs-up and said, "Thank you, Wendy Winster!"

"Thank you for everything you've done for Los Angeles. You saved the city. You're a superhero, a superhero for all of America!"

"I see a spirit in you—a spirit of fearlessness in the face of hardship and courage to move forward. This spirit is inspiring the whole country. Thank you, thank you!"

Even the president was alarmed, so ordinary people naturally discussed it even more, and the matter became the most talked-about topic in the past few days.

"I was moved. As a man in my forties, I thought I had become numb to life, but when I felt the tears streaming down my face, I thought about a lot of things."

"It's so lucky to hear such good news during the Christmas holidays. I also love superheroes. Best wishes to Wendy Winster, and I hope he recovers soon."

"So this is what's going on behind the scenes. MGM and Marvel have been working behind the scenes. Iron Man and Captain America are coming out soon, right? We have to support them this time!"

"Am I the only one whose attention was drawn to that Iron Man suit? It looks so cool! Where can I buy one? I want one."

"I also want that Iron Man suit. Wearing it will definitely attract the attention of the whole family, and I will be the coolest kid in the crowd."

"New York Comic Con is a month away, and I've decided to make one by hand. OMG! I can already foresee how popular Iron Man will be after the movie."

"Avril Lavigne truly is my goddess. Those guys who always criticize her for corrupting teenagers, why are you all silent now?"

"Avril Lavigne did a really good job. It reminds me of the final night of The Voice. She also participated in the chorus of 'One World, One Family.' She's a really nice person."

"Avril Lavigne's singing this time was so good, God knows how many times I've replayed it, it's absolutely amazing."

"It's absolutely amazing, it has a really touching power, and it's a new song, it must have been specially made for this event, I love this girl to death!"

Many people have left messages on Alice's official website and Avril Lavigne's Facebook account, demanding that a studio version be released as soon as possible. We're all waiting for it.

Avril Lavigne responded frankly, stating directly that she would release it and that she would definitely satisfy her fans.

He also stated that the song was not his own creation, but rather written by Eric Cooper for Wendy.

I am very grateful to Eric for being able to participate in the arrangement and for having the right to sing.

This naturally sparked a lot of discussion among fans.

Damn, this guy either doesn't make a move, or when he does, it's a game-winning move.

Unfortunately, he focused all his energy on business and the film industry, and while he wasn't completely indifferent to music, he was just incredibly lazy.

As everyone can see, Eric never writes songs for no reason; his songs all have a clear purpose.

It's either used as a movie theme song or to promote one's own people.

As for those who want to ask him to write a song, the line could stretch from Los Angeles all the way to New York, but unfortunately, no one has managed to do it.

Just two months later at the Grammys, the already fierce competition was about to be reignited.

As for Alice, she didn't respond at all.

After Eric expressed his willingness to take over, he transferred the money directly to Avril's account the next day.

The meaning is clear: hurry up and dump your old employer and run into your daddy's arms.

Upon seeing the money, the punk girl, who was already very decisive, immediately went crazy. She informed her agent in a hurry and went to the company to demand to terminate her contract, leaving the other party completely dumbfounded.

What do you mean?

You collaborated with Mei Yi, it was just a song, but now you're even offering yourself to her? I deserve to be the victim.

Don't forget who discovered you. Without Alice, you might still be squatting in some corner busking!

In principle, Alice did make a contribution, but Avril also helped the company make a lot of money in the past two years, and the accounts have long been balanced.

Moreover, after she became famous, the company immediately changed the contract, increasing the penalty for breach of contract to $2500 million.

In today's world, for a singer who has only been in the industry for two years, $2500 million is an astronomical figure. Avril Lavigne herself has said that she couldn't afford it.

Companies don't usually poach employees from each other, but I never expected Meiyi, their arch-rival, to jump out.

The two sides are currently at odds, with Alice trying to persuade the other party to stay by offering emotional support and better terms.

Avril refused three times in a row. Once she made up her mind, nothing could change it. She was determined to leave. If you don't sign, I'll just unilaterally breach the contract.

To save face, if things drag on for a few more days, Alice will probably be forced to release him.

Arc Light Theatre is extremely busy this year; MGM has booked the entire theater.

They only allow themselves to hold premieres to prevent other companies from being malicious.

Luxury cars, red carpets, beautiful women, and a deafening din.

Even though it's winter and the nights are cold, it doesn't stop the enthusiastic movie fans.

Especially since the Wendy incident was still fresh in people's minds, the public's attention naturally shifted to Iron Man.

It's no exaggeration to say that the whole nation is paying attention to this now. Tickets for midnight screenings in many places are sold out, and even some small places are like celebrating the Lunar New Year.

Everyone is looking forward to the golden and red armor flying in the sky. As long as the movie is of good quality, Marvel's reputation will be fully established.

Of course, if it's a violent death, haha.

Captain America will also be in big trouble.

But is such a thing even possible?

"Come here, Avi, and Fitch too, today's a big day!"

Eric called out, and Avi Arad and Kevin Fitch happily jogged over.

After the three embraced, Avi Arad said with emotion, "I've been dreaming about this day for so many years. Marvel is like my child, and today it's finally growing up."

"Come on! Don't say such sad things. We should be happy today."

"Yes, we should be happy today, Avi."

"Okay, okay, I'm just getting old and got a little emotional. Let me go to the restroom."

Not far away, Robert Downey Jr. and Amy Adams walked over.

Downey plays the male lead, and Amy Adams naturally plays the female lead, Pepper Potts.

As for Gwyneth Paltrow, that dud, let whoever wants to use her use her. Eric will never use her, even though she is Spielberg's goddaughter.

Moreover, this woman is notoriously awful; she's incredibly snobbish, pretentious, and stupid.

Even in the United States, a large number of people dislike her.

Amy Adams is much better; not only does she have a good reputation, but her acting skills are also excellent.

At 30 years old, she looks great standing next to Downey, and her reddish-gold hair color is quite similar to Pepper Potts in the comics.

In short, Eric decided on her at first sight, and then he was done with the water!

"I don't know how long it's been since I walked the red carpet, phew!"

"Haha. If I weren't here with you, would your legs be so weak you couldn't walk?"

"Maybe so. After all, when I faced so many flashing lights in the past, it usually meant I was going to jail again."

Eric patted him on the shoulder: "Donnie, let's not talk about that. You've done a good job for the past year or so, no more negative news, have you?"

Downey nodded: "Boss, I promise I've really changed. Alcohol, drugs, and marijuana—I'm working on my treatment while filming, and I even drink juice at parties."

"That's right, I can vouch for what he said. Men who have found love are indeed full of energy."

"What?"

Donnie quickly stopped Amy Adams: "Don't talk nonsense, it was just a bet. I'm not qualified to talk about love yet."

Eric looked at Amy Adams.

"During filming, a woman would often visit the set; she was Susan Levine, a producer."

"Then we learned about this love story: Donnie had to completely change his bad habits and not repeat them for two years before he could marry Susan."

"Boss, it seems that opportunities and pay can't truly awaken a man; only love can."

Eric laughed heartily, never expecting that Donnie and Susan Levine would end up together. Perhaps it was destiny.

But can love really do that?

Think about the women around you; aren't they all outstanding? Maybe it's just not the right time yet.

Inside the movie theater, as the lights dimmed, the MGM lion roared a few times.

Instead of jumping to the beginning of the movie, the opening sequence of Marvel Comics appeared, its bright red color instantly invigorating the viewer.

The scene then shifts to a Mercedes-Benz military vehicle.

Amidst the pulsating rock music, Tony Stark, dressed in a suit and holding champagne, stands out starkly against the backdrop of the fully armed soldiers beside him.

"Mr. Stark, I heard that all the Playboy cover girls have slept with you, is that true?"

"Good question. Strictly speaking, no, because I had other plans in March and couldn't do it. But luckily, the September cover features twins, so theoretically I still managed to do 12."

Hahahaha

In just two or three minutes of screen time, Tony Stark's cynical attitude has already been revealed.

Especially for comic book fans, it immediately felt like the right vibe; Iron Man should look like this jerk.

But then the attack came, and Tony was kidnapped. As for the person who kidnapped him, Eric changed the identity.

The Ten Rings will be removed, and characters like Fu Manchu and the Mandarin will not appear in future Marvel Cinematic Universes.

They are simply terrorists. Anyway, the US hasn't withdrawn its troops from Afghanistan yet, and it just invaded Iraq last year.

The scene then shifts to an awards ceremony before the attack, briefly introducing Tony Stark's life and background to viewers who don't read comics.

Important characters also appear one after another, including Aubardstein, Colonel Rhodes, and Pepper Pepper, and the relationships between them are revealed.

The story concludes when the scene returns to Tony Stark being attacked and kidnapped, completing the plot loop and revealing the characters' relationships, personalities, and the biggest conflicts.

Tony Stark, as an arms dealer, strongly advocates that arms defend peace and weapons create peace.

But then he was attacked by the very weapons he had sold, making him a boomerang.

Film critics became interested, as it seemed to be more than just a commercial film; it also incorporated deeper meaning and reflection.

In particular, how to handle the relationship between weapons and peace will be the core content of the film.

This Iron Man movie seems to be getting interesting.

(End of this chapter)