"As for Shazam, this movie needs to balance both humor and spectacle. If these two elements don't blend well, it'll end up a disaster."
Anton continued, "Additionally, the character design for this movie could be tricky. Finding the right actors will take significant effort, so you need to be thorough in your preparations."
"Don't worry!"
Jim nodded enthusiastically. "I've always treated your advice like the word of God."
"That the kind of flattery I like."
After thinking for a moment, Anton added, "Also, my suggestion—find a mischievous yet lovable young boy for the lead.
And for the adult Shazam, I'd recommend casting a comedian. A comedic actor would suit the role best."
In Anton vision, the previous world Shazam! had failed to meet expectations.
While a weak storyline accounted for 60% of the blame, the lack of emotional connection with the characters contributed another 20%.
The remaining 20% was shared across all other factors.
In other words, if Macaulay Culkin (Home Alone) had played Billy Batson, and Jim Carrey, the Western counterpart to Stephen Chow, had taken the lead as Shazam, even the dullest script would have had its bright moments.
"Understood."
Jim committed Anton instructions to memory, nodding firmly.
After a brief pause, he added, "By the way, Batman v Superman is about half a month from wrapping up.
With Quentin full-hologram projection technology, our VFX has surpassed anything in the industry.
No studio can match the realism of our on-location shoots!"
"You won't need to worry about the final product."
Jim pounded his chest confidently. "In one month, you'll witness something truly breathtaking."
In this film, Batman was the primary lead.
Right now, the entire world was eagerly anticipating seeing Batman on the big screen.
Even if it wasn't the real Batman, audiences were still enthralled.
After all, the actor playing Batman had become Hollywood hottest star, thanks to the adoration of Batman fans worldwide.
Of course, the actor himself dared not get complacent—especially in front of DC Studios.
He remained extremely dedicated, knowing that if he slacked off, he could be replaced at any time.
He was fully aware that his rise to fame was inevitable.
With Batman leading the way, even a random stray dog could achieve his current level of popularity.
"Good."
Anton trusted Jim, nodding slightly.
"I've wrapped up my business in Los Angeles—I'm heading back to New York. Hopefully, as you promised, in one month, I'll see the most spectacular results."
According to Jim, all work on Batman v Superman would be completed within a month, leaving only the final release preparations.
This meant that at most, in two months, Superman could be unlocked.
Good news!
Feeling pleased, Anton patted Jim shoulder.
"If the final product is as impressive as you claim, then regarding your previous proposal—Justice League vs. Avengers—I'll have DC go all-in on making it happen. Everything will be done exactly as you envisioned."
"Deal!"
Jim face lit up with excitement.
Soon—
Anton boarded his flight back home.
Ding!
Just as he settled into his seat, he received a message from harry.
Anton glanced at the communication, his eyes narrowing slightly.
[Tony Stark plans to rebuild the Avengers under a new name—The Illuminati. He has already invited me to join.]
…
During his time in Los Angeles, Constantine work had wrapped up flawlessly.
The Justice League Dark was officially formed, and their next phase was now in motion.
And now—Superman arrival was just around the corner.
Just like how the MCU entered its second phase after the Battle of New York—
Anton life in this world had naturally progressed to the next stage.
With Batman at the helm, the Justice League had been established—an organization that now included heroes from both Marvel and DC, such as Spider-Man and Wonder Woman.
The Jameson family, under Anton leadership, had steadily expanded, building up Wayne Enterprises into a global powerhouse.
His public persona was tied to his role within the World Security Council, leading the Men in Black, an organization responsible for handling extraterrestrial affairs.
Beyond that, he controlled two major companies—
The Daily Bugle, which shaped public opinion and held the trust of the people.DC Studios, an entity that specialized in introducing entire worlds through system-based media infiltration.
And if that wasn't enough, he had the U.S. military and the High Table, the underground power network, as allies.
After a brief moment of reflection—
Anton once again realized that he had grown into an unshakable force.
While he might not have absolute dominance, on Earth, there were only a handful of individuals or factions that could pose any real threat to him.
"But there still one issue."
Anton suddenly recalled the message from harry right before boarding the plane—
The Illuminati?!
This Organization…
Anton was no stranger to this infamous group from the Marvel comics.
Tony forming the Illuminati after the Avengers disbanded wasn't surprising to him at all.
On one hand, it was a result of Tony pride—he refused to admit defeat.
On the other hand, it likely stemmed from Tony deep-seated anxiety.
In the original timeline, Tony had developed severe anxiety due to:
His traumatic kidnapping experience.The series of crises Earth had faced.The constant near-death encounters he had endured.
These factors made him feel vulnerable—as though he could only find security inside his armor.
However, in this world…
While multiple global crises had still occurred, they had largely been resolved by Batman.
Iron Man, though frequently present, had often been overshadowed and suppressed.
After the Hydra-led Battle of Washington and the recent Battle of New York, Tony Stark reputation had plummeted.
During the Battle of Washington, the Avengers had made critical miscalculations due to Hydra interference.
During the Battle of New York, Loki had used the Mind Stone to manipulate the Avengers, causing every member except Captain America to come under severe global scrutiny.
And who bore the brunt of the backlash?
Tony Stark—the most famous and outspoken Avenger.
For someone as proud as Tony, this level of public scorn had to be suffocating.Anxiety?
Anton didn't believe that this version of Tony had full-blown anxiety disorder.
But one thing was certain—from the moment he became Iron Man, Tony had never truly felt at peace.
Whatever Tony reasons for forming the Illuminati, there was no doubt that one of his goals was to regain a sense of control and security.
And perhaps—
To catch up to, or even surpass Batman, reclaiming the recognition he had lost.
Anton fell into deep thought.
Time flew by.
His plane landed at JFK Airport in New York.
However—
The person waiting for him at the airport was not someone from DC Studios as he had expected.
Instead, it was a man dressed in a black suit and wearing dark sunglasses.
His second-in-command, a former military agent and now the Number Two in the Men in Black organization—Z.
"What going on?"
Anton looked at Z, surprised.
Normally, he would have received some kind of briefing on Z movements, but this time, there had been zero intel.
Judging by the serious expression on Z face, this was no ordinary situation.
"We've located Nick Fury."
Z spoke in a low, steady voice.
Then, after a brief pause, he added—
"He at Stark Industries."