Since I knew I was going to be in LA during the week that Iron Man opened, I checked with my contacts at Marvel West to see if I could go to a screening. They came through.
What I didn’t realize was that this wasn’t simply an employee screening, as we have in New York. This was the formal premiere. We’re talking red carpet, banks of reporters, and a reception for cast and crew.
First thing’s first: The movie is great. They did a terrific job of translating the screenplay to the screen (not always a guaranteed endeavor, I can assure you) and Robert Downey, Jr., the first thinking man’s superhero, took Tony Stark to a whole ‘nother level with his deftly brilliant performance. The rest of the cast brings their “A” game, but it’s Downey’s heroic journey that both anchors and elevates the movie. An absolute must-see.
My experience at the premiere was nothing short of surreal.
So there was the red carpet stretching along the sidewalk to the entrance of Grauman’s Chinese theater. On the right hand side were all the various reporters and photographers. The carpet itself was bisected lengthwise, effectively creating two “lanes.” When I stepped onto it, there were quite a few people on the left and no one on the right. Naturally I went to the right. Almost immediately a security guard (there had be to about a hundred of them, all similarly attired in black jackets) said, “Sir, you have to walk on the other side.”
Immediately I twigged to the set-up: The right hand side, nearer the media, was for the movie stars, the director, the people you see interviewed on “Entertainment Tonight.” The left hand side was for mere mortals.
I shrugged, said, “Uhkay,” stepped to the left and continued walking.
I made it about ten feet and suddenly people started shouting, “Peter, over here!”
I turned and looked toward the photographers. Flashes immediately started going off. “Peter, this way! Look over here, please!”
I was stunned. Somewhere on the internet there are probably pictures of me looking as if I’d just been slammed in the face with a 2 x 4. The photographers waved me over. “Uhkay,” I said and accommodated them, feeling awkward and uncomfortable and bewildered.
When they had enough shots (I would have thought one would have done it) I kept walking and encountered another guard who waved me over to the left. “Uhkay.” Back to the left I went. I walked another ten feet and suddenly a camera crew from IGN was shouting, “Peter! Can we talk to you for a few minutes!” “Uhkay.” Back I went and did an interview for IGN about the film. When I was done I looked to the security guard questioningly. He just waved me toward the theater and I kept going on the celebrity side.
When did I become a celebrity? How the hëll did THAT happen?
In the theater I was seated next to Mark Silvestri and his wife, and the crew from BET. I cannot recommend highly enough sitting next to the BET guys during an action film, particularly if you want high octane enthusiasm from audience members.
At the party I met Jeff Bridges briefly, didn’t get anywhere near Gwyneth Paltrow, and never did see Robert Downey. But I chatted with lots of folks, had a great time, and didn’t leave until after midnight.
So this is what the Hollywood high life is like. It could be attractive if I weren’t always concerned that the earth was going to split open and swallow us.
PAD
• 
Wow. Could it be the days in which the Polish starlet who “effed” The Writer are drawing to a close?
Congratulations on making the A-list!
Well-deserved!
That’s awesome!
you’ve been a celebrity to us geeky folk for a long while now, Peter – Rest of ’em just finally wised up.
Told you you’d enjoy it! 😉
stay groovy,
you’ve been a celebrity to us geeky folk for a long while now, Peter – Rest of ’em just finally wised up.
Told you you’d enjoy it! 😉
stay groovy,
you’ve been a celebrity to us geeky folk for a long while now, Peter – Rest of ’em just finally wised up.
Told you you’d enjoy it! 😉
stay groovy,
you’ve been a celebrity to us geeky folk for a long while now, Peter – Rest of ’em just finally wised up.
Told you you’d enjoy it! 😉
stay groovy,
you’ve been a celebrity to us geeky folk for a long while now, Peter – Rest of ’em just finally wised up.
Told you you’d enjoy it! 😉
stay groovy,
you’ve been a celebrity to us geeky folk for a long while now, Peter – Rest of ’em just finally wised up.
Told you you’d enjoy it! 😉
stay groovy,
One Question.
I saw a sneak preview on Tuesday night in St. Louis, MO. There was nothing at the end of the credits.
Though there are rumors on various sites that there really is something at the end of the credits. At least there was in Australia…and some studio people saying that there will be in America.
I assume the PREMIERE would have it if the rest of America will see it — so…was there something at the end of the credits – a scene supposedly setting up the second film…
No spoiler, but – from the UK screening – you definitely do want to hang around to the very end of the end credits…
Cheers.
I cannot stop laughing. Kudos, Peter. About time the rest of the world realized your awesomeness. Can’t wait to see the photos floating around the net. 😉
I believe I’ve read IGN interviewing you before about your comic projects. Perhaps they had said something about you writing the novel adapt, and word got around.
“…didn’t get anywhere near Gwyneth Paltrow”
Darn those restraining orders! : -)
Seriously, sounds like fun and good luck with the animation pitch.
I’d bet that they get a lot of interviews like that. If they see anyone they recognize at all, they call them over. Sure, they may not be the big stars, but interview 20 moderately famous people or niche famous people and you’re likely to find a few decent quotes at least.
The movie was fantastic and, from what I observed, even people who never read the comic had a blast.
I don’t know about the US but down in Brazil they did have a scene at the end of the credits and as far as I’m concerned it’s definitely worth waiting for it. Without giving away any spoilers, it’s not just a cute visual or anything like that, but rather something that could be an important plot point in any future movies.
Enjoy!
Raphy
Wow, what a great experience. Now I can say yet again with meaningless importance, “I loved Peter David’s books BEFORE he was Peter David!”
What an awesome story haha
Hey, if the ground hasn’t opened up and swallowed Harlan yet you’re probably safe. 🙂
Was this your first time at Grauman’s? That’s one of the very few things I miss about living in LA — what an incredible place for seeing any film involving spectacle.
TWL
Dude! You met the Dude! Was he drinking Caucasians? Did you get to see his Ralph’s discount card?
So, Peter, when will I see you on TMZ? 🙂
Cool, I know another celebrity now! 🙂
I’ve been at a number of movie premieres, Peter, but none in LA, and nothing that sounds like what you experienced. Certainly no one ever wanted to interview my dumb ášš or anything. Glad you had a great time.
Naturally, I hope the animated series deal works out well. Fingers crossed!
Surely at least one of those security types at least reads comics or saw ST/B5????
Then again, who in their right mind would want to be on security detail?
Don’t be so humble, Peter. You know you have a great deal of fans and ppl who respect you greatly. I think your body of work speaks more volumes than how many times you’ve walked on the red carpert or have been interviewed by Charlie Rose.
Just got back from seeing the movie.
Freakin’ awesome! pretty much sums up my thoughts.
Saw a screening last night in Florida…and you must stay past the credits! The movie was everything I could have wanted! Great fun!
Luigi, why would anyone want to interview your livestock?
Wow! When I stopped by your table to chat at the NYCC, I thought I was just talking to one of my favorite comic book writers, I didn’t know I was speaking to ……………… a Celebrity!!
Good for you.
Sean, I resent that. I’ll have you know that my livestock is among the most talented, hip, up-and-coming livestock in the Tri-State Area. Just last week this one cow of mine turned in the freshest script I’ve ever read. Those Hollywood types should be falling all over themselves to interview my animals.
Are you sure they didn’t just recognize you from your Trancers 4 cameo?
There’s a sliding scale of celebrity. So, will a well known comic book writer like Peter David get called aside to talk to IGN? Sure. Will he get the same reaction out of Entertainment Tonight? Probably not.
But hey, it’s still probably a really good feeling to get that kind of attention for once in your life. Not everyone gets to be treated like a star.
PAD,
Oh, come on. I know you are a writer, but surely you must know you are still a celebrity!
What a great story. Obviously the attention was unexpected. Any videos you can post? That would be even better than pictures.
I went last night to see the movie. It was phenomenal. IM and Batman Begins show how good it can get. It makes me sad that Superman Returns was so bad.
Iowa Jim
I saw IRON MAN this afternoon, and I loved it! (My only complaint: They really went way over the top to make the villain completely evil. A bit too much.) Yes, there is a big scene after the credits — if you’re seeing the movie, stick around!
(Personally, I always stick around after the credits. You never know what you’ll miss; I missed the scene at the end of the HARRY POTTER flick with Kenneth Branagh, and after that I always credit-sit to be safe.)
>
Of course! You know us black folks can’t keep it quiet during a movie!
I’m glad you had a great time!
My cut & paste didn’t make it about you being seated next to the BET crew. That’s what I was refering to…
I just saw the movie and the bit at the end of the credits. I’m not going to spoil the what it was. I’m just going to say that I (very badly) want to see the movie that scene implies.
Going to see it tomorrow. From the sound of things (90 million plus opening weekend!) I won’t be alone.
Looks like Marvel made a GREAT move in self producing their properties. Hiring people like Favreau and Robert Downey Jr makes all the difference.
Hey, those who’ve seen it–do they have a “created by” credit? Did Don Heck get a mention?
Best I remember Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Don Heck and Jack Kirby are all in the ‘created by’ credit at the beginning.
Great movie and I’m not an IRON MAN fan.
That may have been the best post-credit bonus ever, but I will keep quiet as to why.
May be Stan’s best cameo to date – though i still have a great affection for his cameo in *Fantastic Four* – and i still wonder how the heck Jack Kirby knew exactly ehat Stan would look like forty-some years later…
As i type this, the ComicMix box to the right is saying that the box office so far almost certainly guarantees a sequel…
Went to see it on Friday (Thursday night I had other plans at the same time) and enjoyed the movie quite a bit, even though I’ve never really picked up any Iron Man titles. No red carpet at my theatre, heh, although I was amused when the manager at the theatre convinced my friend to buy my ticket for me.
Went to see it on Friday (Thursday night I had other plans at the same time) and enjoyed the movie quite a bit, even though I’ve never really picked up any Iron Man titles. No red carpet at my theatre, heh, although I was amused when the manager at the theatre convinced my friend to buy my ticket for me.
Eek… double post. But more than that, if you check out the Red Carpet video on IGN.com Peter is the first person to be interviewed in the video. Neat!
just got back–lived up to my high expectations. Great movie, great cast, special effects that didn’t look too special effecty, can’t ask for much more.
One thought occured to me–I remember some controversy among fans when the first Batman movie came out because of the way he killed some of the bad guys. Boy, I guess times have changed, because Tony Stark kills more folks in this one than the Punisher does on Kill A Bad Guy For Free Day.
Wow, Nikki Finke is calling it a 201 million dollar opening weekend! Cha-ching!
201? best i saw was 101
Jasonk, 201m includes international gross.
http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/
‘IRON MAN’ IS A ROCKETMAN: SOARS TO $201 MILLION WEEKEND WORLDWIDE; …”It Beat Will Smith And Jesus!”
Depending how you count it, the domestic weekend take is about 104 million, with another 97 million from the foreign releases.
Any way you slice it, that’s a lotta nuts.
If THE INCREDIBLE HULK pulls it off Marvel is looking real good right about now. Maybe the reputedly great MIGHTY THOR script will get the go ahead. (though I’m most rooting for Edgar Wright’s ANTMAN)
Don’t get too overboard on the totals.
“Domestic Total as of May. 4, 2008: $104,250,000 (Estimate)”
“Worldwide: $201,000,000”
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=ironman.htm
Don’t get too overboard on the totals.
“Domestic Total as of May. 4, 2008: $104,250,000 (Estimate)”
“Worldwide: $201,000,000”
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=ironman.htm
I think Andre dellamorte at Chud.com put it best: “If you’re in Hollywood and see a truck loaded with hot chicks like they’re cattle, don’t worry, it’s probably just going to the house of someone who produced Iron Man.”
FYI to the group. I put some comments back into the discussion after our spam checking thingy put them on hold so now the conversation might be a bit disjointed. I think there is now one dup posting but I am leaving it for now.