Chapter 9

"Mark, what are you laughing at?"

The assistant director muttered quietly.

"They're too easy to ship... shut up, we're still filming!"

Seeing the director with a look of shipping sugar,

the assistant director shook his head helplessly.

Can a director who makes romance films really pull off such a special-effects action blockbuster?

Since the 21st century, no successful comic-book adaptation film has emerged.

This inevitably cast a veil over his heart.

The opening dramatic scenes were basically filmed smoothly,

and the crew set off in full force for New York City, where the remainder of the film would be completed in this largest metropolis in North America.

Sony Pictures has ready-made special-effects sound stages in New York,

and some outdoor scenes need to be shot on the streets of New York.

This is the part that worries Mark Webb,

because if Xu Can's action sequences go poorly, the film's investment budget will multiply.

Keep in mind, this is the darkest period for comic-book adaptation films,

and Sony Pictures had already struggled to convince executives to shoot Spider-Man, so the budget itself was very tight.

If the project progresses poorly,

Sony executives are very likely to abandon the Spider-Man project outright and give up on it completely.

The film would either be shoddily made, released hastily with a reputation in ruins;

or it would be cut short entirely.

Mark Webb had prepared for so long and truly did not want to see such an outcome.

So everything hinges on Xu Can,

who previously played Peter Parker quite brilliantly; now it is his turn to play the real Spider-Man!

"Are you ready? Don't be nervous; if you don't get it right the first time, that's fine, we can shoot it several times."

This scene is Peter Parker's first awakening after being bitten by the super spider,

suddenly waking up in the New York subway,

and after being provoked by a homeless man, he deals with multiple opponents with acrobatic moves.

Mark Webb is very particular about the fluidity and visual impact of action sequences,

and in his view, to shoot this set of shots cool enough,

the demands on the actor are extremely high!

Even though Xu Can has studied Chinese martial arts, he remains a complete novice in action sequences.

Additionally, to pursue on-location realism, the crew specifically chose to shoot on an actual New York subway train.

Besides the cost of film stock, the venue rental fee per second is also a considerable sum.

Mark Webb had even prepared to use a stunt double.

"Don't worry, Director, I've got this."

Xu Can was full of confidence.

"Alright, all units attention!"

"... Take 1, ready, Action!"

Following the director's command, the extra playing the subway homeless man approached Xu Can.

But the homeless man placed a beer bottle on top of Peter Parker's head,

and the instant cold water droplets slid down,

Peter flicked the bottle away at a speed incomprehensible to ordinary people, his body as light as a swallow, instantly springing onto the roof of the train car!

"Cut!"

"Great!"

Mark Webb couldn't help but shout in approval!

Xu Can mastered the action essentials in just one take!

The moves he executed himself were even more perfect than those designed by the action director!

The instant Xu Can lay on the roof of the train car,

Mark Webb thought he saw Spider-Man himself!

Xu Can's cool and fluid moves left everyone present breathless with admiration, and they all clapped and cheered.

"So cool!"

"Holy Shit! Awesome!"

Mark Webb's heart, which had been hanging by a thread, rose to his throat,

and it seemed the following shots could be filmed smoothly!

Indeed, in the next set of fight scenes, Xu Can was as if possessed by Spider-Man!

He used the space of the subway car to perform a series of unbelievable moves that dazzled the eyes!

Mark Webb had originally envisioned

that using a series of frame drops and rapid editing could compensate for the actor's shortcomings in executing the moves,

and try to conceal flaws through technical means.

Who could have imagined,

Xu Can's practical shooting scenes were nothing short of delightful surprises!

Every punch and kick sequence was performed for real,

all those dazzling acrobatic maneuvers were more impressive than any circus performer!

The original schedule had planned a full day of shooting,

but Xu Can finished everything in less than two hours!

The shooting progress moved so smoothly that Wei Bu could hardly believe it!

"Cut! Outstanding!"

"We're done for today!"

The crew happily packed up, ready to clock out,

just as producer Avi Arad called.

"How's it going? If today's shooting didn't go well, I could try applying for an extension from New York City…"

"No need—it's already finished!"

"Huh?" The producer doubted his ears.

"Seriously, how did I never realize Xu Can… I'm certain this Spider-Man will shake the world!"