For a well-known IP, maintaining its popularity requires more than just merchandise, movies, and TV shows. If expansion is the goal, the most powerful weapon is actually fan creations.
Many casual viewers become interested in a work because they see related images or videos and are drawn to the characters, costumes, or settings.
To achieve this, an atmosphere needs to be cultivated from now on.
Take cosplay, for example. It's an excellent way for casual fans to get to know a work.
Especially with those cool cybernetic prosthetics—while current technology can't perfectly replicate them, their appearance can be recreated with about 80-90% accuracy.
When cosplayers wearing these cybernetic prosthetics walk around outside, discussions naturally arise. Some passersby, particularly those who appreciate mechanical design or hardcore cyberpunk aesthetics, will inevitably become interested in Lucy.
Even if someone isn't drawn to cybernetic prosthetics, they're bound to take a second glance at a well-endowed woman.
These visual elements easily attract casual fans.
Once the atmosphere is thick enough, an official cosplay contest can be organized to further expand its influence.
By then, the SuperCyc universe will be more widely accepted.
Never underestimate the power of passionate fans. Ethan understood this well, so he directly released the designs of the cybernetic prosthetics, prioritizing fan engagement.
He had no interest in the arrogance of traditional film studios. The real strategy was to enhance fan experiences and expand the franchise.
And as Lucy hit theaters, The Conjuring followed.
Directed by James Wan, this horror film quickly won over horror enthusiasts upon its release.
Many film critics also gave it highly positive reviews.
The Hollywood Reporter commented:
"Because it's based on real events, this film doesn't bring many surprises, or rather, it doesn't stray from the established expectations of horror films. A family moves into an old house and slowly discovers its dark secrets. As the entire family becomes haunted and unable to escape, an exorcist arrives for a thrilling exorcism ritual to save them from danger."
"In such a film, you'll find many familiar elements. It relies on the director's solid horror filmmaking skills—this is an old-school horror film that gains recognition through nostalgia."
"However, what touched me most wasn't the horror itself, but the possessed mother ultimately overcoming the evil spirit through sheer willpower, driven by her love for her children. This triumph of maternal love contrasts with the legend of the child-sacrificing witch."
Time Out New York reviewed:
"Like the beautifully crafted wooden house in the film, The Conjuring delivers an overwhelming sense of fear through its solid execution. The film minimizes CGI effects, creating a realism that makes it all the more terrifying. Vera Farmiga's powerful performance is also incredibly convincing."
Film Weekly wrote:
"This is an absolute horror masterpiece that leaves every viewer utterly terrified. Though the storyline is nothing new, the pacing is expertly controlled, consistently catching audiences off guard. It's one of the best horror films in recent years."
Outside the theaters, audiences also shared enthusiastic reactions.
"This is the scariest movie I've ever seen. It doesn't rely on cheap jump scares—it's restrained, but the atmosphere is suffocating. I have to admit, I was really scared."
"Oh my god, it was so terrifying—I almost had a heart attack."
"My wife grabbed me seven times, pinched my thigh twelve times, and bit my arm three times. Look at my bruises…"
A moviegoer displayed his injuries with a helpless expression. "Now you all understand just how terrifying this movie is."
"Are you okay? Are you sure?" Even the reporter was shocked by his wounds and kept checking on him.
But the man remained composed and dignified, while his wife, as if nothing had happened, continued eating popcorn.
With such rave reviews, The Conjuring became James Wan's highest-grossing horror film.
And it also became Norton Eye's highest-grossing horror film.
A global box office of $300 million!
This figure left many small-budget film studios stunned and puzzled.
Had audiences grown tired of gore-filled horror films? Were they shifting towards classic, old-school horror instead?
The massive box office revenue had these studios drooling, eager to rush out a sequel for James Wan and cash in on the success.
But for Norton Eye, the year was far from over.
Because Norton Eye's subsidiary, Illumination Entertainment, had a summer release—Despicable Me.
This film needed no explanation. Upon release, it instantly became a must-watch family movie.
Within just two weeks of screening, unofficial knockoff plush toys flooded the streets.
Illumination Entertainment had to send cease-and-desist letters to various companies, demanding compensation while also partnering with Hasbro to launch an official line of merchandise.
It was obvious to everyone—this film was destined to become a franchise and a key part of Norton Eye's outreach to younger audiences.
In response, Norton Eye's stock soared once again.
Ethan took this opportunity to announce that Valiant Comics would enter the graphic novel market, alongside Norton Eye's upcoming two-year film slate.
However, to the disappointment of many fans, Norton Eye did not plan to immediately produce Lucy 2.
Instead, the studio announced a new project titled Edge, along with a corresponding anime adaptation.
"What kind of movie is this? Edge?" Based on the title alone, Vincenzo couldn't guess Norton Eye's plans.
"Does it have anything to do with Lucy? Are the two stories set in the same universe?"
Despite his curiosity, Norton Eye provided no additional details. Vincenzo and others could only speculate based on the name.
Fortunately, he wasn't left completely idle. Valiant Comics had released two new issues—one continuing the story of Peel after he became a superhuman, and another introducing a new hero, the Star Perceiver.
Both issues maintained the usual high-quality artwork and expanded on the Lucy storyline.
Peel's story focused on events following Lucy's disappearance.
The Star Perceiver's tale delved deeper into the mysteries of CPH4.
After reading them, Vincenzo and other fans gained a deeper understanding of the SuperCyc universe.
Meanwhile, in the company's conference room, Ethan and Harry were discussing casting for the new 007 film.
"Daniel Craig—let's go with him for the lead role." Ethan glanced at the actor's profile and quickly made the decision.
"Yeah, he was excellent in Quantum of Solace." Harry nodded in agreement.
According to the agreement, now that the 007 franchise was handed over to Ethan for filming, all decisions would be his to make.
If he wanted to change the lead actor, it would only take a single word from him.
So, seeing that Ethan had no intention of replacing the previous lead, who had performed excellently, Parent breathed a sigh of relief.
"For the villain, let's cast Javier Bardem." Ethan had several options for the antagonist, but he ultimately chose an old acquaintance—the same Javier Bardem who had played the hitman in No Country for Old Men.
Every director had actors they worked well with, and for Ethan, Javier Bardem was one of them.
"As for Sévérine, let's go with Cindy Shay."
"No problem." Harry knew very well that Cindy was an actress under Norton Eye's banner, and rumor had it that she had an ambiguous relationship with Ethan.
Fortunately, Cindy had proven her acting skills in the past two years, so giving her this role wasn't an issue.
After finalizing the casting, the two then discussed the filming locations.
Because this movie featured numerous settings, the crew provided several options, and they ultimately decided on filming in Turkey, the UK, Shanghai, Macau, and Nagasaki.
With the increase in locations, the film's budget also skyrocketed.
$200 million—the same as Lucy.
MGM was making a big bet, aiming for a billion-dollar box office return.
After all, ten $50 million movies couldn't compare to one billion-dollar blockbuster.
And the legacy of the 007 series gave them the confidence to take this gamble.
Once the 007 film discussions wrapped up, Ethan finally freed himself from the heavy company affairs.
Recently, Taylor Swift and Avril Lavigne were both out of New York, busy with their concert tours.
Anne Hathaway was immersed in filming. Ever since she lost her child, she had seemingly become a workaholic, as if filling her schedule could somehow mend the void in her heart.
On the other hand, Jessica Alba now preferred staying home with Elena rather than making public appearances.
Even when Ethan asked her to act in a film, she would first consult her daughter's opinion.
Thinking of Elena, Ethan couldn't help but smile with the warmth of a proud father.
However, just as Ethan's car pulled up to the parking garage's barrier for card scanning, a dark figure suddenly emerged from the shadows, yanking open his car door.
"Don't move, Ethan!"
A hoarse voice, accompanied by the dull click of a gun being cocked, filled the air as a pitch-black muzzle was aimed at Ethan's side.
Ethan slowly lowered the card in his hand and raised both hands. "Buddy, if you need help with something, you can just say so."
"Oh yeah? What if what I need is your life?"
The man's accent sounded somewhat familiar, but Ethan couldn't immediately recall where he had heard it before.
"Sorry, my life's not up for grabs, because…"
Before he could finish, Ethan suddenly dropped his posture, dodging the gun's aim. In the blink of an eye, he grabbed the man's wrist—the one holding the gun—and squeezed hard.
Clang! The handgun fell to the ground.
Before the man could react, Ethan's other hand had already pulled out a silver Desert Eagle, pressing it firmly against the man's forehead.
The Desert Eagle wasn't the most practical gun, but it was undeniably stylish.
"Don't move, buddy. You know, I really hate people pointing guns at me."
Ethan smirked. After training with Tom for so long in both firearms and combat, it was finally paying off.
"I didn't expect you to have gotten this good."
The man pulled down his hood, revealing a face that left Ethan surprised.
It was Davis.
Raymond's younger brother.
Ethan hadn't crossed paths with them for years, yet here they were, meeting again.
But judging by Davis's appearance, he clearly hadn't been doing well.
His hair was completely shaved off, leaving him bald. A deep red scar stretched across the corner of his eye, and his lips were chapped and peeling, giving him a malnourished look.
"So, what are you here for?"
Ethan released his grip on Davis's wrist, but he kept his gun at his waist, staying on guard.
Davis shrugged, picked up his gun, wiped it clean, and tucked it back into his waistband. "Your place is really hard to find. It took me two days to sneak in and three more to wait for you. If you hadn't come today, I'd probably have starved to death."
"Then you should be grateful I didn't bring any bodyguards."
If Tom had been here, Davis would already be a corpse.
"Maybe. But dying wouldn't be the worst thing."
After saying that, Davis rummaged through Ethan's glove compartment and pulled out a pack of biscuits and a bottle of mineral water.
"Never seen this brand before."
Glancing at the label, Davis smirked and downed the water in one go.
Ethan drove toward another one of his villas. There was no way he was taking Davis to Jessica's place—he wouldn't risk anything happening to Elena.
As Davis finished the biscuits, Ethan finally asked, "How's Budman doing these days?"
"Him? No idea." Davis looked indifferent. "But I heard a couple of years ago that he sold his music company and retired to South Africa."
"Retirement? Not bad."
Ethan thought of Budman's cigar-smoking habits and couldn't help but smile.
"But no matter how good it is, it can't compare to your life, Ethan."
Davis grinned, revealing a set of uneven teeth, with a few gaps here and there.
"You're a world-famous director now."
"You could've had a good life too."
Ethan's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "Your brother's fortune was more than enough for you to live comfortably."
"Raymond… Yeah."
Davis sighed and fell silent.
Ethan could tell that something had changed in Davis. His personality was no longer the same, and whatever had caused this transformation was undoubtedly tied to the messed-up life he had been living.
"I could've had everything."
After a long pause, Davis finally muttered, "But I screwed it all up."
"Go on."
Ethan parked the car by the beach and reached under the driver's seat for a hidden compartment. Pulling out two cigars, he tossed one to Davis.
Davis took the cigar, placed it in his mouth, took a deep breath, and began recounting the miserable experiences of the past few years.
.....
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