Chapter 704: Choose One
Over the weekend, the box office of "The Wandering Earth" unexpectedly fell again, but unfortunately the single-day box office did not exceed 100 million, and it took 98.45 million and 85.11 million respectively in the two days.
As of February 26, "The Wandering Earth" had been released for 21 days, with a total box office of 4.836 billion yuan, officially surpassing "Nezha: The Devil Child Comes into the World" to become the second place in the domestic movie box office rankings, second only to "Wolf Warrior 2".
This result also exceeded the original film's final box office of 4.6 billion, and the gap is still widening little by little.
#TheWanderingEarth# has surpassed 4.8 billion at the box office! The engine isn't just powering the Earth, it's also powering Chinese science fiction!
The official Weibo account of the movie posted a message to celebrate, with a poster of the starry sky, and two eye-catching red numbers 48 next to the four big words "The Wandering Earth".
At the same time, the official Weibo account of "Nezha: The Devil Child Comes into the World" also posted a congratulatory message.
#电影Nezha: The Devil Child Comes into the World# Congratulations to @【The Wandering Earth】for breaking the box office record and becoming the second highest-grossing film in China. I wish domestic films will get better and better!
The official Weibo account of The Wandering Earth immediately responded with thanks.
The friendly interaction between the new second place and the current third place attracted the attention of many netizens. In addition, many celebrities including Gu Wei and Wu Jing posted messages to congratulate them. The box office of "The Wandering Earth", which had been somewhat weak in the fourth week, increased slightly again.
At the same time, Guo Fan, who had finished his roadshow in the United States, brought back good news that Netflix will buy the global streaming rights of "The Wandering Earth" except China for US$40 million, and promised to translate "The Wandering Earth" into 28 languages and broadcast it to audiences in 190 countries and regions around the world.
February 28, in the banquet hall of Beijing Hilton Hotel.
The crew of "The Wandering Earth" held a celebration banquet here.
Gu Wei who flew back from Wuhan, Wu Jing who returned from Qinghai, Guo Fan who returned from New York, and all the main creative staff of the film gathered together.
No media or reporters were invited to the banquet; everyone simply had a meal together to celebrate the huge success of the movie.
Of course, everyone will receive a big red envelope with a lot of money.
"Director Guo, thank you for your hard work on this trip to North America and for bringing us such great news!" Gu Wei raised his glass and said to Guo Fan at the main table.
“I just ran errands, I didn’t really do anything.
"The Wandering Earth" has such a good box office in China, and although it was released on a small scale in the United States, the attendance rate was very high, and Netflix is very willing to purchase the streaming rights."
Guo Fan said with a smile.
“When I was filming, I also thought about the day when I could go to Hollywood like my senior brother and become an international superstar.
I never thought that now, without going to North America, movies shot in China could eventually be seen by audiences around the world!" After taking a few sips of wine, Wu Jing said with emotion.
The senior brother he mentioned was undoubtedly the Kung Fu Emperor Li Lianjie.
"Film is a form of cultural dissemination, and whether a culture can be accepted by other countries is directly related to the strength of a country.
Admiration for the strong is a nature that exists in human bones.
In the past, our strength was relatively weak. If we wanted to break through the restrictions of our country and become a so-called international superstar, we had to go to North America and join Hollywood and follow the rules there.
Even so, it is difficult to truly become a member of the mainstream.
The saying 'Those who are not of my race must have different hearts' is not just a saying. Foreigners care more about it and practice it all the time.
Now, we are getting stronger and stronger.
Even without going to Hollywood, as long as you produce good works, they will naturally become popular around the world." Gu Wei said with a smile.
“That’s right!
The reason why Hollywood is so awesome is because the American aircraft carrier fleet travels around the world.
When they're no longer capable, even if Hollywood makes a fantastic movie, no one will buy it!" As expected of the man who made Wolf Warrior, Wu Jing completely agreed with Gu Wei's point of view.
"That's true, but the Hollywood film industry is indeed something that China cannot compare with for the time being. We still have to learn from them in this regard." Guo Fandao did not object to the views of Gu Wei and the others. He looked at the problem more from a technical perspective.
"What are Director Guo's plans for the second part of The Wandering Earth?" Gu Wei asked after everyone chatted for a few more sentences.
Guo Fan and screenwriter Gong Geer exchanged a glance, thought for a moment, and then said, "I've discussed this with Gong. We now have two alternative plans for the second part of the film.
The first one is to shoot the prequel of "The Wandering Earth".
With Liu Peiqiang as the protagonist, the film tells the story of the impending "solar crisis," which plunges the world into panic. Humanity will face the dual challenges of doomsday disaster and the survival of life. How can we overcome all difficulties to build 10,000 planetary engines and thus begin the Wandering Earth Project?
Gu Wei listened and nodded unconsciously. This was basically the story of the original "The Wandering Earth 2".
"If we shoot it this way, we have to ask Brother Jing to be the male lead." Guo Fan said to Wu Jing.
"I?
I thought my character would have no more roles after he was offline!" Wu Jing said in surprise.
Because Liu Peiqiang, played by him, died gloriously at the end of "The Wandering Earth", Wu Jing felt that he would not have any role in the sequel. Unexpectedly, Guo Fan actually wanted to make a prequel.
"Another option is to continue the timeline of The Wandering Earth, with Liu Qi as the protagonist, and tell the story of the crisis that the Earth encounters again during its wandering in the universe after the Jupiter Crisis.
This will involve the rebels mentioned in the first film."
"What a pity. No matter which version you shoot, it will be impossible for Gu Wei and I to work together," Wu Jing said with some regret.
Gu Wei laughed and said, "This is normal. You died in the first film, and I played your son.
We are making a science fiction movie, not a mythological movie, so we can’t bring you back to life.”
"For now, we have two general story frameworks, but we haven't decided which one to work on first," Guo Fan continued.
"Let's shoot the prequel first!" Gu Wei said after thinking for a while.
"Why?" Wu Jing asked in confusion, and Guo Fan also looked over.
"If we are going to shoot the second part, how long do you think it will take, Director Guo?" Gu Wei asked instead of answering.
"From writing the script to setting up the location and making various props, shooting, and post-production, it will take at least three years," Guo Fan thought for a moment and replied.
"That's right. Brother Jing is already 45 this year. If he shoots the sequel first and then the prequel, he might be almost 50 by the time he's filming. I'm afraid he won't be able to fight for an old man over 50."
Gu Wei spread his hands and said, everyone at the main table laughed when he heard him say that.
"What do you mean by 'old man over fifty'? I'm still young and can fight for another 20 years!" Wu Jing shouted with dissatisfaction, staring.
"Okay, okay, you can fight. You are Wolf Warrior and you are the best," Gu Wei said with a smile.
Guo Fan thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Gu has a point. The fighting scenes are only one aspect. The prequel is about Liu Peiqiang's youth. The earlier Brother Jing plays the role, the better."
"When will the second part start filming?" Wu Jing asked. He had never thought that he would be able to make a sequel, but he was still very happy now that he had the opportunity.
“It’s still early, I need to write the script with Lao Gong first.
Since we are going to film a prequel, we need to further refine the worldview of The Wandering Earth, and we need to prepare the locations and props. The earliest we can start filming is next year or later."
The first Guo Fan was prepared for more than two years before the crew started filming. Now that he said that the early preparations would take one to two years, no one was surprised.
The producers of the first part of "The Wandering Earth" are only China Film Group and Weiming Tianxia, and the copyright of this series is also in the hands of the two companies. So no matter what the second part is about, even if Gu Wei does not star in it, he will still be one of the producers and will not make less money.
However, since the first film was so successful, a portion of the investment share had to be reserved for Guo Fan during the filming of the second film, and Wu Jing, who was the leading actor this time, also had to get a share.
The atmosphere of the celebration party was quite good. "The Wandering Earth" has become so popular, and every member of the creative team has benefited from it.
We received another big red envelope at today’s celebration party, and everyone was in a very good mood.
"Maimai, why do you seem to be in a bad mood today?" Gu Wei, who had been drinking with Wu Jing and others for a while, turned his attention to Zhao Jinmai beside him.
"No," Zhao Jinmai forced a smile.
"She was upset because of the recent comments online~" Meng Ziyi spoke very quickly, leaning forward slightly and said.
"Sister Meng! You didn't keep a secret for me. I won't tell you anything in the future." Zhao Jinmai was a little angry.
"I was wrong. I thought there was nothing to hide. Next time you tell me something, I will keep it a secret." Meng Ziyi quickly apologized.
Gu Wei suddenly realized.
Although "The Wandering Earth" has now sold nearly 5 billion yuan at the box office, this movie is not perfect.
There are also many flaws from beginning to end.
There were two points in the original version that the audience were dissatisfied with. One was Liu Qi's attitude towards his grandfather. He called him "old thing" even after the man was dead, which showed that his character was not good. The other was Han Duoduo's final broadcast. Netizens felt that Zhao Jinmai's lines were very awkward, which lowered the quality of the movie.
Gu Wei's version modified some of Liu Qi's scenes to make the protagonist's character more likable, but he could do nothing about the scenes involving Han Duoduo's broadcast.
No matter how the lines are written, the general meaning will not change. The effect of the speech depends entirely on Zhao Jinmai's skills.
Facts have proved that Zhao Jinmai is still young after all, and her line delivery skills cannot be compared with those of the veteran actors, so her performance is relatively average.
This has also become a point of complaint among netizens.
“You were only 15 when we filmed the movie, so it was quite impressive to have the performance you did in the movie.
Besides, the last scene was designed by the director and screenwriter, so if it’s embarrassing to say it, it’s their fault, don’t take it too seriously.”
Gu Wei comforted.
"I know that too. Just seeing these comments scolding me online always makes me feel bad," Zhao Jinmai pouted.
"Haha~ This is just the beginning. You are young now and have played fewer roles, so the audience's tolerance is higher.
When you start acting in film and television dramas after you become an adult, you are bound to be scolded.
No matter how good or bad a TV show is, there will always be people who don't like it.
To be a qualified star, you need to have a big heart.
Look at Sister Meng, she has been criticized by many netizens since her debut, but she never takes it seriously." Gu Wei smiled and took Meng Ziyi as an example.
"I was scolded because the roles I played in the beginning were not good, okay?
When I first started acting, I was cast in villain roles, so it was normal for me to be criticized."
Mencius intended to argue.
On March 1st, the film market saw the release of highly anticipated films such as "Guan Yung", "How to Train Your Dragon 3", and "Green Book". Coupled with the second week of release of "Akali: Battle Angel", the screening and box office of "The Wandering Earth" were further compressed.
On the 3rd, "The Wandering Earth" was released for 4 weeks and 27 days, and the total box office officially exceeded 5 billion.
As the movie was about to be taken off the screen, the official Weibo account announced that "The Wandering Earth" had obtained the demo key and its release time would be extended by 2 months.
"To Xiaowen"
At the gate of heaven, Huang Mengying handed a bag of things to Gu Wei.
After taking Xiaowen away, she sneaked out and returned to heaven to find Mo Sanmei.
She knew her daughter couldn't leave here, so for the sake of the child, she gave up the idea of taking her away.
As she turned to leave, Gu Wei called out to her from behind: "Hey, can you do what we do?"
When Huang Mengying heard his words, her face, facing away from Gu Wei, showed a look of half surprise and half excitement.
"Crack! It's over!
I declare that [Life Events] has officially wrapped up! "The director's voice came from the loudspeaker, and the crew cheered.
Since entering the industry till now, Gu Wei has finished filming many dramas, but he doesn't feel bored at all.
Every time he starts filming a new drama and finishes it, he feels like he has experienced a new life. He feels happy and expectant when it starts, and satisfied and nostalgic when it finishes. This may be the joy of being an actor.
In the evening, the crew held a wrap party as usual to celebrate the successful completion of the film.
After working so hard for so long, we finally finished the filming. Everyone was very happy and the atmosphere at the table was very good with everyone toasting each other.
"Brother Wei, I have to apologize to you." Xin Zhilei, who had drunk two glasses of wine, said to Gu Wei with a slightly red face.
"What are you apologizing for?"
"We had no contact before filming [Life Events], so through the news and some film and television works, I had a bad impression of you.
It wasn’t until we worked together on this film that I realized you’re not like that at all.”
"Oh? I'm curious about what your impression of me was before?" Gu Wei asked with a smile.
Xin Zhilei scratched his head.
"It's what the media always reports, that you must be very arrogant to have achieved such great success at such a young age, and that you look down on us young artists and act like a big shot.
Um. And he’s a playboy.”
"What now?"
"Of course I don't think so now. You are so approachable and don't have any superstar airs. You are completely different from what I imagined." Xin Zhilei didn't mention the Playboy incident. When Jingtian came to visit her on set last month, she could tell at a glance that the two had a special relationship.
However, given Gu Wei's conditions, it is normal for him to spend a little, and there shouldn't be too many female celebrities willing to take the initiative.
"So what you hear is not as good as what you see, right?" Gu Wei said with a smile.
He actually had a very good impression of Xin Zhilei.
Although Zhang Tianai snatched away the high-profile role of "Ding Baiying", he still made a name for himself in the entertainment industry.
In last year's "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace", she performed very well as the Concubine Shu.
After working with her on the filming of "Life Events", Gu Wei also discovered that Xin Zhilei is a real acting talent.
Although she is not a professional actor, she is very talented and has a bit of Zhou Xun's style. Her acting is very layered.
When it comes to acting skills, none of the female artists in her own company are better than her.
This also includes all the female artists of Jiaxing Media.
"Who is your current agency contracted with?" Gu Wei asked as he thought of something.
"I have my own studio, and my film and television contracts are signed with Tencent."
"Are there any work plans after [Life Event]?"
"Two TV dramas have asked me to play the second female lead. Could it be that Brother Wei has a role for me?" Xin Zhilei's eyes lit up and he sobered up a little.
Gu Wei's ability to promote people in his plays is widely recognized in the industry.
She has been in the industry for more than ten years, but is still stuck in third- and fourth-tier cities. She wants to move up but doesn't have many good opportunities.
"I guess so. I'm going to start filming a TV series in the second half of the year, and I have a very important female supporting role."
“I’ll take it!”
Before he could finish his words, Xin Zhilei rushed to answer.
"Don't you need to read the script?" Gu Wei said with a smile.
"No need, Brother Wei, your drama is bound to be a big hit, and the script won't be bad either.
Just like the [Life Events] we are filming now, I love this story so much! ”
"Okay, that's settled then. I'll have someone send you the script later."
Gu Wei naturally asked Xin Zhilei to play the role of "Haitang Duoduo", the saint of Northern Qi in "Joy of Life". Although some viewers think that her performance of Haitang Duoduo is too rustic, Gu Wei thought Xin Zhilei's performance was good when he watched "Joy of Life" before.
It's entirely the stylist's fault to say she looks tacky. Xin Zhilei's image and acting skills are impeccable.
Especially in the second part, the character of the Northern Qi saint she played became more and more likable.
(End of this chapter)
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