Because of this matter, Gilbert also contacted Disney and Warner.
He specifically spoke to Robert Iger: "I'm setting a trap for that Ellison kid. Don't fall for it yourselves, just cooperate with Ivanka."
Robert Iger nodded in understanding and laughed: "David Ellison doesn't know whether he's lucky or unlucky, getting personally set up by you."
"Ah," Gilbert feigned helplessness. "I don't want to either, but he pushes people too far, so I have to give him a lesson."
"Alright, I'll make sure Disney cooperates. But will these projects really lose money?" Robert Iger asked, still doubtful.
"Of course," Gilbert replied. "I'm a Disney board member—do you think I'd lie to you?"
"Then I can relax," Iger said. The moment he heard "losing money," he lost interest.
Gilbert's conversation with Doug at Warner was similar, though their focus shifted more to Batman: Begins.
Doug made it clear that Warner wanted a conservative release strategy, beginning with at least three test screenings.
If it were a Gilbert project, it would be Disney's godchild, requiring cooperation between the two companies, both holding shares in Melon Studio.
Melon Studio operated independently; neither Warner nor Disney interfered.
But the Batman series was Warner's own child. The executives wouldn't let this cherished franchise die easily—they'd insist on saving it.
"The theaters also want time to adapt; we need test screenings to build word of mouth," Doug said.
"Gilbert, time is tight. Will the film be completed on schedule?" This was Doug's primary concern.
"Don't worry, Doug," Gilbert assured. "Post-production is going smoothly. We'll definitely finish on time."
Hearing Gilbert's assurance, Doug Woltz relaxed.
The Batman project was special. It was a household-name superhero series, but previous failures had left audiences with a poor impression.
Even with Gilbert directing, those negative impressions couldn't be fully erased; many viewers remained skeptical.
This was evident from Gilbert's social media promotions.
Below the posts, aside from his loyal fans, many expressed doubts, questioning whether even Gilbert could save a floundering Batman.
This was normal. Even Gilbert's devoted fans had their own preferences.
Some liked one film, others another, while some preferred entirely different movies.
It was like the comments under Jay Chou's songs: some said Chapter Seven of the Night was best, while others argued Common Jasmine Orange was the perfect choice.
Fans debated and ranked songs against each other.
Even though the songs were by the same artist, different fans judged them differently, criticizing one for liking the other.
The same happened among Gilbert's fans. Some favored The Matrix, some Return of the King, others Saving Private Ryan.
Arguments erupted, and outsiders found it strange—weren't all these Gilbert films?
Warner, cooperating with The Batman Crew, began early promotional activities.
Before the Super Bowl, Gilbert attended the unveiling at Chicago Police Headquarters Plaza. The Batmobile, battered from the Chicago heist, stood at the center for public viewing.
The police chief and Gilbert had a friendly exchange, took photos together, and gave media interviews.
The chief said, "I've been a Batman fan since childhood. Reading the comics inspired me to join the force and fight crime."
Gilbert replied, "Fighting evil and building a better society is a consensus we all share. The Chicago Police have made great efforts toward this.
Just like Batman in the films, if everyone dares to confront evil, the world will be a better place."
It was a win-win. Chicago Police needed Batman to help improve their image, and Batman needed to return to the public's consciousness—both sides aligned perfectly.
In addition, Gilbert continuously released promotional materials via social media, including posters and stills to capture audience attention.
The most liked images showed Christian Bale in the Batman suit on a rooftop overlooking Gotham, and a still of the Batmobile.
Another popular still featured Jennifer Connelly as Rachel, proving that beauty always drew attention.
Alongside the crew, the actors also participated in promotions. Christian Bale and Gilbert, along with Jennifer Connelly, appeared at the Hawbry Stadium to watch an Arsenal match.
Since becoming Arsenal's chairman, Gilbert had, as he said, only involved himself in personnel and finances, leaving the rest alone.
During the transfer window, Professor Wenger received substantial funds and stirred up the market, creating chaos and making clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United feel threatened alongside Chelsea.
Most interestingly, Professor Wenger loved competing with Sir Ferguson; whatever Manchester United attempted to acquire, Arsenal had to be involved.
In the end, Manchester United often had to pay more than planned to secure their desired players. Meanwhile, Professor Wenger acted as a disruptor while also acquiring the players he wanted.
The club was financially secure, the new stadium funds were sufficient, the transfer window yielded significant results, and player salaries were competitive with other top clubs.
Professor Wenger also retained the team's core lineup, strengthened the squad, and prepared for a three-front battle in the new season to compete for championships.
Since the season began, continuing last season's form, Arsenal had gone fifty-three matches unbeaten in the Premier League—until the clash with Manchester United, where Sir Ferguson outwitted them, resulting in a 0-1 loss.
Even so, the strong Arsenal squad continued to alarm both the Premier League and European football circles, and this "wolf" appeared very formidable.
Gilbert became the most unusual Premier League owner. After purchasing the team, he seemed indifferent, rarely watching matches.
Next door, Abu still watched Chelsea's games every now and then. Although under Mourinho, Chelsea's matches weren't very exciting and far less entertaining than Arsenal's.
So, after the team's ownership change, when Gilbert appeared at Hawbry Stadium, the stadium's big screen gave him a close-up.
Gilbert stood and waved to the fans, who responded with enthusiastic applause, welcoming the team's owner.
At this time, all the billboards outside Hawbry Stadium had been replaced with posters for Batman: Begins. Anyone coming to watch the match would inevitably notice the promotional materials.
Using football to advertise proved very effective. Even non-Arsenal fans couldn't help noticing this unusual combination.
In fact, because Batman: Begins was scheduled to release at the end of May this year, it coincided perfectly with the Champions League final.
Thus, Gilbert made a rather bold decision, similar to when he first proposed placing movie ads during the Super Bowl in 1993.
He decided to integrate the movie advertisement into the Champions League final, linking football with Batman.
This was undeniably bold, as Champions League ad rates were astronomical. Normally, only major brands or conglomerates would consider advertising at the final; films had never done it before.
If Gilbert succeeded, he could set a precedent, though whether the effect would be good remained to be seen.
This year's Champions League final was held in Istanbul, Turkey. Gilbert vaguely remembered something about an "Istanbul Miracle," though he wasn't sure if it was this time.
....
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