Chapter 238: A good start

Just as the media said, Disney is very stubborn now and does not admit that *Zhenzhugang* failed.

Actually, to be honest, a box office of 48.25 million in the opening weekend of a film is actually a very good result, and it cannot be called a failure. But the bad thing is that before *Zhenzhugang* was released, Disney made a lot of big talk and had too high expectations for the film.

Breaking the opening weekend box office record, 100 million in 5 days, and having a big mouth fight with *Pirates of the Caribbean*, it seems that *Zhenzhugang* is an epic blockbuster. As a result, not only did it not break the record, but it was also pressed and beaten by *Pirates of the Caribbean*, which naturally caused jokes.

However, everyone also understands that it has only been three days, and Disney cannot announce the failure of *Zhenzhugang* just like that.

As for whether the bet is a bet, is that thing a fart? Can face be used as food?

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Eisner's face sank when he heard this, and then he actually laughed: "It's ridiculous! It's just a failure of *Zhenzhugang*. Do you want me to be responsible? Then for the past 18 years, I have led Disney from the verge of bankruptcy to the current market value of 20 billion. Why don't you be grateful to me? Luo Yi Disney, are all the people in your Disney family so mean? Or are you already old and confused!"

The reason why *Pirates of the Caribbean* chose DreamWorks instead of cooperating with Disney again is also because I have some views on Disney management. Disney is a bit bad now, which makes me no longer trust Disney, so cooperation is naturally out of the question.

In the next three days, *Pirates of the Caribbean* received box office of 12.78 million, 12.11 million, and 11.53 million respectively. In one week of release, the total box office reached 115 million. At the same time, it also caught up with *Jurassic Park 2* and set a box office record, that is, the film box office successfully broke 100 million on the 6th day of release.

Eisner stood up directly and shouted at Luo Yi Disney:

"Old guy, don't challenge my patience anymore! Don't think that because you are from the Disney family, I dare not move you! If you dare to provoke me again, I will kick you out of Disney!"

The surroundings were silent for a moment, and then one person said:

Wu Yuchen was still running promotions with the crew last week. Now that the overall situation is set, he has also put down the publicity matters of *Pirates of the Caribbean* and can free up his hands to respond.

And Wu Yuchen did not continue to pursue *Zhenzhugang* as he did before the film was released. Before the film was released, he was chasing the other side in order to maximize the publicity effect of *Pirates of the Caribbean*. Now *Pirates of the Caribbean* has won the victory, achieved a huge advantage, won the opening weekend championship, and the word-of-mouth is also exploding, so naturally, he, the director, does not need to charge into the battle. Now he wants to appear more graceful, and there is no need to leave an image of being arrogant and successful to the public.

In the third week, during the working days, the box office of *Pirates of the Caribbean* has dropped to below 9 million, and the box office of the three days of the weekend also achieved 33.52 million, pushing the total box office of *Pirates of the Caribbean* to 227 million US dollars.

At this time, the little old man Luo Yi Disney, whom Wu Yuchen had met once before, came to his mind. The opportunity has already been created for him. I hope he will not let himself down!

Hearing Wu Yuchen directly aim his artillery at Eisner, the helmsman of Disney, many reporters were extremely excited. Is this going to start a war again?

"Wu, can you talk about your unpleasant experience with Disney?"

"Wu, can you talk about what happened?"

I think the failure of a big project like *Zhenzhugang* will definitely have someone responsible in other studios, but I am not sure in Disney. After all, Disney is Eisner's world, and he has always appointed people by favoritism~"

And on the other side, *Zhenzhugang* is miserable. In ten days of release, the total box office is 89.91 million. Let alone breaking 100 million, it is still a little bit short of 90 million US dollars.

Luo Yi Disney certainly did not let Wu Yuchen down. In fact, in dealing with Eisner, he was far more active than Wu Yuchen imagined. A few days after *Zhenzhugang* was released, he had already applied for a board meeting as a director, and the board meeting was held this week.

Spielberg also knew about this news and smiled at Wu Yuchen: "Wu, it's really you to personally drive a Disney executive, and a confidant of Michael Eisner, off the stage! I think Eisner must be furious now!"

And on the other side, Wu Yuchen saw this number, and a smile appeared on his face. He was not happy that the box office of *Pirates of the Caribbean* was higher than *Zhenzhugang*. Isn't that a matter of course? He was happy that the decline of *Pirates of the Caribbean* was very healthy!

In fact, big special effects productions like *Pirates of the Caribbean* essentially don't have very deep connotations; they are just popcorn commercial films. For such popcorn films, it is normal for the box office on working days to be cut in half compared to Sunday. And the current *Pirates of the Caribbean* decline is actually kept within 40%, which is a very good data!

*Zhenzhugang* has invested so much, it is impossible to admit defeat because of the failure of the opening weekend box office. No matter what, it has to struggle. There will be no big films released in the next month or so, maybe there will be some improvement?

This is his heartfelt words. This *Pirates of the Caribbean* can be called the most profitable project since the establishment of DreamWorks. Even *Saving Private Ryan* and *Gladiator*, which achieved great success in the past two years, cannot compare. Not only is the box office higher than those two, but the peripheral products of the film are also very popular!

Just Captain Jack's outfit can all be used to sell money, as well as the model ship of the *Black Pearl*, etc. The peripheral products placed in the cinema are all selling well now!

Eisner also expected this: "What do I want to say? *Zhenzhugang* has only been released for 10 days. It is too early to conclude whether it is a success or a failure."

*Zhenzhugang*: 5.03 million.

"Wu, do you mean that Disney has big problems now?"

However, Wu Yuchen did not say a word anymore, but left. Regarding the fact that he was pitted by Disney at the Oscars, it certainly cannot be brought to the table.

For this result, Spielberg was simply blooming with a smile!

He even personally stood up and expressed: "*Pirates of the Caribbean* is a classic masterpiece across the century, not inferior to *Jurassic Park* at all!"

However, he pointed the spearhead directly at Eisner this time. Even if he wouldn't drive him off the stage, he would have to push someone out to be responsible for this matter. Being able to cut off his wings and further strike his prestige in Disney is a success.

*Pirates of the Caribbean*: 13.52 million.

"Want guns and roses, Disney ended up with nothing!"

Luo Yi Disney didn't know if he was shocked by Eisner's momentum, and was stunned for a moment.

"Only one day? I thought you would be happy for at least a week!"

Jimmy smiled at Wu Yuchen: "In many aspects, such as the film's word-of-mouth is very good, it is hailed as a classic work that reshapes the pirate theme, which aroused many people's interest, and Cinemascore also gave the film an A rating, which is a very high rating for a popcorn film!

As long as *Zhenzhugang* can recover its costs, his position should be kept. Because he is one of Eisner's confidants, the project can recover its costs, then the shareholders will not have very big opinions. If he kneels and licks Eisner well, Eisner should pull him, and he will not be dismissed.

The box office failure since the release of *Zhenzhugang* has caused Disney's stock to fall by 13% so far. Peter Schneider, an executive who bet against Director Wu Yuchen, announced that he would be responsible for this matter and resigned in disgrace!

And regarding the Waterloo of *Zhenzhugang*, President Michael Eisner said: 'There is nothing absolute in the film circle. No one can succeed 100%, and no one can always master the film trend.'"

Originally, the number of screenings for the two companies was higher for *Zhenzhugang*, but because the film length of *Zhenzhugang* is 183 minutes, which is a full 40 minutes longer than *Pirates of the Caribbean*, the number of screenings throughout the day is actually about the same. But now that the opening weekend box office is out, the cinema line doesn't care about Disney's pressure anymore. They want to make money!

Wu Yuchen nodded when he heard this, which was all within his expectations.

"*Zhenzhugang* has no hope of recovering its costs, will the bet be fulfilled?"

Reporters also found Wu Yuchen: "Hey, Wu, do you still remember the bet you made with Disney? Now *Pirates of the Caribbean* has won a complete victory, and *Zhenzhugang* has lost all its money. Do you think the other side will fulfill the bet?"

"Wu, do you mean that Eisner should be responsible for the failure of *Zhenzhugang*?"

Undoubtedly, a large viewing group of *Pirates of the Caribbean* is these teenagers and children who are very eager to learn and full of longing for adventure stories. With the arrival of summer, primary schools, middle schools, and universities will have holidays one after another, which is enough to ensure the long-term box office trend of *Pirates of the Caribbean*.

Just stop when it's enough. Those who should understand in the circle understand. As for how these media are willing to write, let them be.

This means that *Pirates of the Caribbean* has already fully recovered its costs just by relying on the current North American box office share, and every penny generated later will be the pure profit of the producer!

And judging from the current trend of *Pirates of the Caribbean*, 350 million is not a problem at all, and 400 million US dollars is very possible!

"Wu, do you mean that Disney will play rogue?"

【Garbled text】

Wu Yuchen shook his head slightly: "Just a subordinate of Eisner. If he himself stepped down, I would be happy for a month!"

Steven, I gave you a chance. It's too late to regret now!" Wu Yuchen smiled at Spielberg, while putting down the newspaper in his hand.

When the staff sent the freshly baked Zhou Yi box office data, Peter Schneider looked at it for the first time:

That's right, now *Pirates of the Caribbean* doesn't even bother to take *Zhenzhugang* as an opponent anymore. The other side's utilization value is gone. Now it is to set up a more powerful historical opponent to attract the audience!

If someone else shouted this, they might still have concerns, because *Jurassic Park* is a representative work of the great director Spielberg, and has countless fans. But this time *Pirates of the Caribbean* is produced by DreamWorks. Being able to earn so many green US dollars, Spielberg wouldn't care about *Pirates of the Caribbean* stepping on *Jurassic Park*!

For example, *Titanic*, its release period covered the Christmas season, Valentine's Day, and then swept the Oscars. With the blessing of the Oscars, it harvested a wave of long-term box office. From later analysis, its schedule was really chosen just right.

And Cinemascore also gave a box office forecast for *Pirates of the Caribbean* again: 350 million US dollars in North America.

"Eisner, we all know that you led Disney to where it is today. But this failure of *Zhenzhugang* is not a small matter. It loses not only money, but also represents the failure of Disney's live-action film sector in the past two years, which is a blow to Disney's prestige and shareholders' confidence. Market investors will also have negative views on us because of this, and someone must be responsible."

And the box office of the next weekend, *Pirates of the Caribbean* was 47.38 million in three days, almost catching up with the opening weekend box office of *Zhenzhugang*. So far, in ten days of release, the box office of *Pirates of the Caribbean* has easily broken the 150 million mark, reaching 162 million US dollars!

Although everyone had already seen the ferocity of *Pirates of the Caribbean* in the opening weekend, when they saw that it really did so strongly, they couldn't help but exclaim again!

This reminded many people of when *Jurassic Park* came out, it was also so unstoppable. *Pirates of the Caribbean* might not be as persistent as *Jurassic Park* in the later stage, but its current performance is not inferior at all!

DreamWorks naturally took this opportunity to promote vigorously: "*Pirates of the Caribbean* bombs the summer file, performance better than *Jurassic Park*!"

He smiled at the reporter: "Of course I remember. I don't know if Peter Schneider will fulfill the bet, but even if Disney breaks the contract, I won't be too surprised. I don't have high expectations for Disney's credibility."

Only 5.03 million?!

"…… Disney President Michael Eisner admitted that *Zhenzhugang*, which he claimed could be comparable to *Titanic*, has been unable to return to heaven. There are many reasons for its failure, including: ideal cast, insufficient plot tension, too long screening time, etc., and so on."

Eisner's hand couldn't help but clench, but what several people said were facts, and he couldn't refute them. If it were in the past, what would it matter if a *Zhenzhugang* was lost? With his ruling power in Disney, not many people would stand up and sing against him.

Although the Oscars allow public relations as everyone knows, have you seen any director directly say that his work won by vigorous public relations? Or complain that his work failed to get the little golden man because of public relations failure? He would be stupid to say such things that are not conducive to his own image.

"Eisner, you don't have to always bring out this set of rhetoric! Disney's journey from the trough to the present is not because of you alone! There are the contributions of Frank Wells, Katzenberg, and many others! But look at what you are doing now. Many talents like Katzenberg have been forced away by you!

Disney's animation, which it relies on for survival, is sunsetting, and it actually has to rely on Pixar Studio to support it. And Katzenberg has been producing successful animated films in the past two years, and *Shrek* has achieved great success!

And Wu Yuchen, don't think we don't know what you did to him! The project *Pirates of the Caribbean* was originally the most suitable family-friendly film for our Disney. It is children's favorite!

And because of your willfulness, these talents, these films are constantly flowing out. You are now a dictator lying on the credit book, a stupid tyrant!"

Peter Schneider's pupils shrank, and then he felt dizzy and his legs softened, falling into the seat. He only felt that the future was bleak. This time he might really have to write a resignation letter…… No, he still has to fight for it. He is Mr. Eisner's confidant, he must be able to protect himself!

A circle of people looked at Eisner saying this, looked at each other, and then nodded and didn't say anything. Schneider was a confidant personally promoted by Eisner, and he was also in a high position within Disney. This time Eisner was willing to push him out, which could be considered as giving everyone an account.

Luo Yi's face was a bit flushed at this time, and then he also said angrily: "Disney is not Eisner's Disney, but Disney's Disney!"

In fact, many people know the purpose of this board meeting. If it were in the past, they might not agree to participate. After all, Eisner has great prestige in the company, and everyone will give him face. But this time, everyone came to participate in this board meeting by coincidence.

I saw the headline news in the newspaper: "Disney admits *Zhenzhugang* is hard to recover its costs, executives resign in disgrace to extinguish shareholders' anger!"

Spielberg sighed: "Wu, I really regret it now. Why did I hesitate for a moment and only invested 80 million US dollars!"

Wu Yuchen asked the person in charge of publicity: "Hey, Jimmy, this decline is very good. Have you analyzed what the reason is?"

But Luo Yi Disney still bit and didn't let go: "Hey, Eisner! Don't think that pushing things to Schneider is enough? Don't you want to say anything about yourself? Are you not willing to show any attitude toward your own mistakes?"

"Also, starting from the end of May, American primary schools have started their summer vacation! Therefore, even if it is midweek now, many parents will find time to bring their children to watch our *Pirates of the Caribbean*!"

After speaking, Eisner snorted coldly and left first. With Eisner's departure, these representatives also began to leave one after another, and those who had a good relationship with Luo Yi Disney also came to persuade him:

"Luo Yi, you should stop for a while. Eisner now is like an angry lion. If you continue, maybe he will really try his best to get you out."

In fact, I have cooperated with Disney once in the previous *The Sixth Sense*, and I also helped them earn a lot of profit, but this cooperation was not so pleasant.

But with the decline of Disney's stock price in the past two years, these people with different shareholders behind them began to make different voices, which made Eisner angry and at the same time felt a crisis. His position was shaking!

He took a deep breath, held back the fire, and then said in a deep voice: "I will let Schneider give an account of this matter."

Wu Yuchen smiled and said: "That will make me feel good for a whole day!"

Sure enough, not long after the meeting started, Luo Yi Disney fired at Eisner: "Eisner, don't you want to say something about the failure of *Zhenzhugang* this time?"

Bang, Eisner slammed the table, interrupting Luo Yi Disney's words. He had a cold face, then looked at a circle of people attending the meeting, and said slowly: "Do you all think so too?"

Hearing this, Wu Yuchen's eyes lit up. This is how it matches. It turns out it was the assist of the children! Children, they are really the cutest!

Wu Yuchen couldn't help but sigh that it is really important to choose the right schedule for films in America.

When the reporters heard this, they immediately showed excited expressions. It seems that this Director Wu is going to start firing again!

"Wu, what do you mean by this? Can you explain in detail?"

On Zhou Yi night, Peter Schneider had long been unable to sit still and waited for the first-hand data in the company himself. He no longer hopes that *Zhenzhugang* can overtake *Pirates of the Caribbean*, he just hopes that the box office data of *Zhenzhugang* can be better.

Hearing the question, Wu Yuchen looked directly at a reporter, his expression became serious and he said: "Of course, I think Disney indeed has big problems now.

Then he scanned the circle of people sitting around the table: "The company has peaks and will inevitably have periodic troughs. The general environment is like this, and no one can avoid it. And I, Michael Eisner, am the only one who can lead Disney to the peak again!"

Luo Yi Disney pointed at the other side and forced him:

"Eisner, you don't have to take the set of rhetoric to the media here. No one here doesn't understand film! It hasn't reached 90 million in ten days of release. This *Zhenzhugang* is destined to lose all its money!

This is a project you personally promoted two years ago. For this, you used a lot of Disney's resources. On the day of the premiere, you once confidently sent an email to Disney's 117,000 employees around the world, asking everyone to come together to create momentum for it and welcome the harvest together in the future. And now in this situation, do you still want to shirk responsibility?"

"100 million in 5 days? Not even 90 million in 10 days! *Zhenzhugang*'s big rout!"

And the cinema line also increased the number of screenings for *Pirates of the Caribbean* starting today."

After this person spoke, someone immediately followed: "Eisner, Schneider was personally promoted by you, letting him serve as the chairman of Disney's production company, but in the 18 months he was in office, the box office 'stink eggs' were not just one *Zhenzhugang*. Last year's *102 Dalmatians* and *The Emperor's New Groove* were actually loss-making projects."

Some media also made mockery again:

"Oh, Wu, your requirements are too high! It's not so easy to topple Eisner~" Spielberg persuaded.

"Hehe, things are done by people. Isn't there already a good start now?" ===== CHAPTER 239 =====