Entertainment: Starting as a Succubus, Taking Hollywood by Storm

"Ah, Warner wants me to take on a superhero movie?"

Martin set down his cigar, looking at Drew on the sofa. "They've been treating DC superheroes as their exclusive property lately, not letting others touch them. What did you tell them? If they want me to direct, Meyers Films has to invest?"

"I told them—they said they'd consider it." At this, Drew giggled. "Probably the flop of Green Lantern scared them silly—maybe it reminded them of the tragic shelving of Batman back then!"

Martin took a sip from his glass, smiling. "Green Lantern was a mess. Ever since Marvel launched their 'Cinematic Universe' in 2008, Warner and DC seem rushed—hurriedly greenlighting Green Lantern to build their own 'cinematic universe' for DC. Too bad it failed. 200 million investment, 219 million box office—straight-up shelved Green Lantern, one of the Justice League's big five. Guess the Justice League is down to four now."

At this, Martin shook his head and continued: "But Zack Snyder's Man of Steel wasn't bad—the guy's got top-tier cinematography skills. The visuals have this oil painting-like emotional tilt—talented."

"But Man of Steel's box office wasn't high—240 million investment, global gross only 668 million. Barely broke even," Drew said.

"Can't blame the director—script issues. Plus, I feel DC's overdoing the dark style. Dark films give audiences an oppressive feel—one or two's fine, but too many breed resistance," Martin said.

Drew laughed: "Can't blame you—it's your scripted Batman Trilogy and directed Joker's explosive success that led Warner and DC astray."

"Hahaha~!"

Martin chuckled—thinking about it, yeah, that's true.

"So how should I reply?"

"Let me choose—then I'll pick Suicide Squad or Aquaman."

"Suicide Squad? Aquaman? Such niche ones?"

"Niche? Haha, that's how I'll show my skills."

...

Zack Snyder and his manager rushed to the Warner conference room.

Zack Snyder carried a large briefcase.

Inside were all materials for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

This was Zack Snyder's life's work.

Zack Snyder:

Born 1966 in Wisconsin, USA.

1990, started photography and directing, shooting ads and MTVs.

2004, remade 1970s horror Dawn of the Dead, entering Hollywood.

2006, wrote/directed action film 300 with Gerard Butler, Rodrigo Santoro—famous for oil-painting violence aesthetics.

2009, produced horror short Watchmen: Tales of the Black Freighter. Directed action horror Watchmen with Patrick Wilson, Carla Gugino.

2010, produced sci-fi horror Sucker Punch. Directed 3D kids' fantasy animation Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole, nominated for 37th Saturn Award Best Animated Film.

2011, directed action adventure Sucker Punch with Emily Browning, Jamie Chung, Gina Malone. (This film's actually good—check it out, don't miss it over the bad name.)

2013, directed sci-fi action Man of Steel with Henry Cavill, Amy Adams—nominated for 15th Teen Choice Awards Best Summer Action/Adventure.

This is almost a perfect resume.

Zack Snyder's films overflow with slow-mo, dark tones, exaggerated violence—personal style. This leads to polarized reviews.

Take Man of Steel: blood deep red, Superman's bright blue suit dark blue, blue skies stormy...

Zack infuses every detail with his style.

Though Man of Steel underperformed, it gained him loyal fans—benefit of strong personal style.

Of course, downside: strong style breeds staunch haters.

His visuals aren't vibrant, narrative serious—evoking tragedy, solemnity—vastly different from other heroes' light humor, losing some viewers.

As many lovers as haters—that's directors with intense styles, like Quentin Tarantino.

Being picked by Warner for DC universe was Zack's luck.

But unluckily, he wasn't as dazzling as Nolan.

Honestly, if Nolan hadn't quit superheroes after Batman trilogy, Zack might not have gotten a shot.

Now, he faces stronger competition.

Martin Meyers.

This "success story" from child star to Hollywood big director might replace him as Warner's DC pilot.

Zack Snyder was deeply worried.

If Zack's resume is near-perfect, Martin Meyers' is beyond perfect.

Not even his other achievements—just entertainment: countless Hollywood directors/actors can't match.

His films dominate history's top ten box office.

The Avengers, history's third.

Joker, fourth.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, fifth.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, sixth.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, seventh.

Inception, eighth.

Pirates of the Caribbean 3, ninth.

Batman: The Dark Knight, tenth.

In current all-time box office, top ten except James Cameron's Avatar and Titanic are all Martin-involved.

How terrifying!!!

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