Chapter 372: Sweeping the Global Film Market

In August, Legend of the Little Soldier continued its blockbuster run.

In the Mainland, its box‑office surged, already breaking the 1.5 billion‑RMB mark.

The news, once reported, shocked countless Chinese.

Fifteen hundred million! For many studio heads, directors and top stars, that's unimaginable! Even more unthinkable is that it isn't the final figure—Legend of the Little Soldier's box‑office is still climbing, which is downright staggering!

Right now, the Chinese‑language entertainment world and Mainland audiences feel about Legend of the Little Soldier's box‑office boom much like they once felt about Wolf Warrior 2: shocked, with a dash of pride.

Many people act as spiritual shareholders, checking the latest box‑office numbers of Legend of the Little Soldier online every day.

Others recommend it to relatives and friends, hoping more people will watch the film.

The difference is that Wolf Warrior 2 was only a Mainland hit, whereas Legend of the Little Soldier is sweeping the global film market.

After all, the core thrills differ; Chinese viewers find Wolf Warrior 2 especially exhilarating, but the "Indian big brother" or ordinary Southeast Asian folks generally don't share that excitement.

Western audiences are basically indifferent to Wolf Warrior 2, so the film has earned little box‑office worldwide.

Legend of the Little Soldier is different; its selling point is Star Wars‑style space battles, and the protagonist's autonomous battleship cockpit is staffed by assistants of every skin tone.

Though its screen time isn't huge, it gives various audiences a solid sense of identification.

Moreover, the visual effects are breathtaking, truly earning the title of the world's highest‑budget VFX blockbuster.

Some Hollywood media even claim that Director Jiang's film cost far beyond five hundred million, and the real budget was hidden for fear a box‑office flop would tarnish its "invincible" brand.

Yet from the current global performance, Legend of the Little Soldier is truly set to break records.

In North America, Legend of the Little Soldier grossed $739 million, just a hair below Avatar.

If we probe why Legend of the Little Soldier didn't overtake in North America, there's only one reason: the male lead isn't a Western face.

Some Hollywood outlets lament Legend of the Little Soldier, saying that although Director Jiang's works always sell worldwide, he never films with the perspective of an international auteur.

The clearest evidence is that the protagonists in his films are all Chinese faces.

Clearly, swapping the lead for a Western could add hundreds of millions, but Director Jiang refuses to do so.

One can easily imagine how explosive the box‑office would be if Legend of the Little Soldier's male lead were played by a top Hollywood star.

North America, Europe and Australia would surely be even hotter, and the worldwide total could well surpass $3 billion.

Should that record be reached, Jiang Heng would be the undisputed world's top director!

The report sparked instant heated discussion.

Several major Hollywood studios voiced that Jiang Heng shouldn't confine himself to the Mainland, shouldn't see himself only as a Chinese‑language director; he belongs to the world.

Any good projects or films are ripe for win‑win cooperation! Many top Hollywood stars posted on their personal media that they're eager to work with Director Jiang, even willing to discount their fees.

This wave of public opinion, riding Legend of the Little Soldier's record‑breaking run worldwide, has sparked debate and feedback in many countries.

For example, the tourism boards of Spain, the Netherlands and Thailand have spoken to the media, warmly inviting Director Jiang to film there and promising full support and protection.

Princes from several Middle‑Eastern nations said that if Jiang is willing to film, they can provide supercars, yachts or even military hardware with no strings attached—just to make a friend. Those reports reverberated back home, causing a tsunami‑like uproar on the Chinese internet.

Countless fans discuss online tirelessly, all agreeing that Jiang Heng is currently the most globally influential figure in the Chinese‑language entertainment world.

"Director Jiang is truly unstoppable right now!"

"He should be even more impressive than Brother Cheng Long!"

"Cheng Long once said, wherever you point on the globe, I can find someone to help you; Director Jiang must be close to that level now!"

"Definitely—several small European countries have spoken up, inviting Director Jiang to shoot there!"

"I think Director Jiang should avoid being duped; those tiny nations have no real industry, only tourism, so filming there is just advertising for them!"

"Exactly—the world bustles for profit, the world hustles for profit. Otherwise why would those Southeast Asian countries keep flattering Director Jiang!"

"I think that's not the point; the key is Hollywood—if they want to work with Director Jiang, even top stars are offering half‑price fees!"

"Half‑price? Maybe consider it after it breaks a bone!"

"Seriously, if Captain America played Tang Long, the worldwide box‑office would surely exceed $3 billion!"

"Evans is already thirty; him playing a high‑schooler—are we sure that's not nonsense?"

"Even a middle‑aged lady can play a teen; a thirty‑year‑old as a high‑schooler isn't a big issue!"

"By the way, Director Jiang isn't actually going to Hollywood, is he?"

"Hard to say!"

……

Originally it was just a bunch of netizens rambling, but once more than three men are involved, random idea‑kings pop up and rumors sprout as usual.

Yet Jiang Heng's massive hype, combined with half‑baked rumors, quickly produced a story that he will head to Hollywood and the next film's male lead will be a Hollywood star.

Once the rumor emerged, it spread rapidly; on Weibo it even trended, with views, clicks and replies all breaking records.

Officials took it seriously, and many called Jiang Heng for confirmation.

In the entertainment circle, many also phoned, asking whether Jiang truly intends to go to Hollywood.

Inside Outstanding Rising Film Company, Jiang Heng gave a wry smile as he stared at the call log; several executives had already called, and he had no time to answer industry friends—he needed to calm things down quickly.

Jiang Heng thought for a moment, then posted a Weibo update thanking leaders, friends and audiences for their concern and support, stating that he still sees himself as a Chinese‑language director and would rather stay in China than film in Hollywood, contributing to Chinese cinema…

After sending the message, he called Weibo again, ordering them to suppress the rumor's heat and pin his new post to the top.

The Weibo head scoffed: "Director Jiang, your hype needs no extra work from us; you'll be number one soon enough!"

(End of Chapter)