Dearest 20th Century Fox,

The reason we're writing is that we read some concerning news over the weekend. And then some even more concerning news. You'd like to delay Watchmen, eh? This isn't just one of those "just kidding" moments is it? Should we look for Ashton? No? Okay, but before you head down that road we'd like to present a plea as to why you shouldn't.

Please consider the following chart:

Top Studio Earners -- 2008 (worldwide)
Warner Bros: The Dark Knight -- $996m, Sex and the City -- $415m
Paramount: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull -- $786m, Iron Man -- $581m
Sony: Hancock -- $624m, Quantum of Solace -- $537m
Disney: WALL-E -- $507m
Dreamworks (Paramount): Kung Fu Panda -- $631m, Madagascar 2 -- $457m
Universal: Mamma Mia! -- $572m, Wanted -- $342m, The Incredible Hulk -- $262m
Summit: (who only released five films total) Twilight -- $237m
20th Century Fox (hey, that's you!): Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! -- $296m

Yes, 20th Century Fox, you had one film in the top 30 earners this year. And that film was made for small people and the larger people who feed/clothe/take care of them. The rest of the studios? Let's recap:

Dreamworks dominated the animation market.

Disney/Pixar made a beautiful and moving film.

Warner Brothers made movies for guys and girls alike to adore.

Paramount might have sold out with Indy 4 but their heart was in the right place. And they set up Iron Man for the next decade and rocketed Downey Jr. into the stratosphere of interesting stars.

Sony released a film devoid of art (Hancock) but they also kept the momentum going on Bond.

Universal released a film that some people love, and a film that other people love (but rare is the person who loves both). And they rebooted a comic book franchise too!

Hell, even plucky little Summit Entertainment tapped into something and gave the fans what they wanted.

And then there's you, 20th Century Fox, like the little kid who has lice on the playground. You've had a tough year. You're hurt and angry and looking around for answers. Then you see Watchmen, yet another cool-looking adaptation from the players over at Warner Bros. and you think, "Man, if we can't be happy then NO ONE SHOULD BE!!"

We're not unsympathetic to your plight. We get it. If we were in your situation we'd be lashing out too. But here's the thing, the most important thing, the thing you've got to keep in mind: You can't really delay Watchmen. We're not talking legally here; you may be able to pull that off. We're not talking business strategy either, because maybe holding out until WB cuts you a huge check will help the old balance sheet. We're sure there are plenty of lawyers and consultants telling you to apply as much pressure as possible. No, we're talking about something bigger here, a theory that all the world religions ascribe to on some level:

That's it. Be cool. You may be in the right legally, but you're not in the right with the fans. We want to see Watchmen. Do you have any idea how miserable March is at the movies? Here, let us help you. It's awful. In fact, without Watchmen we might as well take the month off. Please don't do this to us 20th Century Fox.

There was a time when you guys were pretty cool yourself, you know. Don't blush, it's true. I mean, you gave us Live Free or Die Hard for God's sake! You got Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie together on Mr. and Mrs. Smith. And how about Walk the Line? That was all you! Hell, I loved Cast Away too. X2: X-Men United wasn't exactly a shabby product either. Even this year your little independent arm, Fox Searchlight, cranked out Slumdog Millionaire and The Wrestler -- two films which are on track to crack the Film.com Top Ten of 2008. That's got to mean something to you. Because somewhere in those big golden numbers, behind all the spotlights and pillars, is a heart. We need you to exercise that muscle now. Have a heart, Fox. For us. For the fans who lined up at Comic-Con. For film in general.

Now then, every good bargain needs some give and take. So here's what I'm suggesting you do. Issue a statement that says the following:

"We at 20th Century Fox believe the rights to the Watchmen movie are rightfully ours and we intend to seek punitive damages against Warner Bros. for actions we consider to be illegal. However, we have chosen not to seek the delay of the release of the film as a potential remedy. As Watchmen has already been made we seek only a portion of the revenue and rights going forward. We understand there are millions of Watchmen fans around the globe; and all things considered we'd rather see them happy. However, as we do feel we own the rights, we have put into production a Watchmen series on FOX. The series will comprise 16 hour long shows (all directed by Joss Whedon), and we hope that the fans will support us when the series is released this winter. Until then, stay classy!" - 20th Century Fox

Seriously, how amazing would that be? Fox would instantly salvage their 2008 by being the studio that "gets it." Because I guarantee you no fan cares about the money involved here. They care about the MOVIES. And Fox trying to stop what looks to be a good movie for no other reason than because they can is the larger issue here.

During the campaign season the President-Elect would often quote MLK by saying "The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice." Bend a little here Fox. It may not be the right thing to do for your economic situation. But you're in the only cool profession left on the planet. Making cars isn't cool anymore. Nor is being a stockbroker. But you guys get to make movies for a living! Billions of people would switch places with you. So do the right thing. It's not too late to be a studio of substance. You can be heroes ... if just for one day.

Sincerly,
Film.com.

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