"Downey, what does this movie mean to you?"
Downey glanced at the reporter who asked the question and, seeing the logo of "Entertainer" on his microphone, flashed a smile that seemed to say, "I knew it was one of our own."
"Yes, it's an honor to work with Director Moran. This movie has changed me, changed my life, and I believe it will change much more."
If Laila could hear his words, she would probably be surprised by his prophetic statement. After all, didn't this movie change the direction and landscape of future films? When Downey finally broke free from the enthusiastic crowd of reporters, the movie was about to begin.
As the protagonist, he was arranged to sit next to Laila.
"Are you ready?" Laila asked him casually after he sat down.
Downey subconsciously adjusted his tie, "I guess."
"I mean, are you ready to become the top movie star again?" Laila asked with a hint of indifference.
Downey's heart skipped a beat, "Hehe," he chuckled nervously, "Top? With my $1 million salary?"
Laila raised an eyebrow, "What? Still not enough?"
In his previous life, when he joined the filming of the first "Iron Man," his salary was only $500,000. Laila generously doubled it, which was already very considerate.
"Of course, it's not that it's not enough," Downey smirked and ran his hand through his hair. Given his previous situation, he couldn't even get roles as small as 100,000 each. After all, no one wanted someone like him, a ticking time bomb, to be involved in a movie. What if news broke about something he did, dragging the movie down?
It was only after joining Laila's company that he gradually got some small supporting roles, and as for the lead roles... only a daring boss like Laila could risk investing one or two hundred million dollars.
Laila was aware that his value would skyrocket after the movie's release, hence the doubling of his salary from his past life. In the original "Iron Man," he earned $500,000, $10 million in "Iron Man 2," and a staggering $50 million in the third installment.
No him, no outstanding Iron Man. Thus, he was worth the price.
Laila had the idea of paying a high salary for the film a few years ago, and in the current time frame, there was talk of a "20 million club." In Hollywood, only the top actors received $20 million. Whether he was considered a top actor depended on whether he could get that much. If he did, congratulations, he had entered the top echelons. If not, well, young man, you still need to strive!
Despite Roy having won the Oscar for Best Actor, his salary was only $15 million. However, with the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series in hand, he might get more than $20 million for the next one.
How much to give Roy was simply a matter of Laila's word. The reason she didn't give him that much was twofold: she didn't want others to think he was living off a woman, and she felt he didn't have many outstanding works to showcase. At least compared to other actors in the $20 million club, he was lacking in background.
But now it didn't matter; he had reached this height step by step through his own ability. Giving him $20 million would undoubtedly silence any objections.
After today's release of "Iron Man," Downey would soar with the movie's popularity and once again become a top-tier movie star.
Laila had praised Downey's performance in interviews before, expressing her belief that he would become Hollywood's hottest star. People who read the interview at the time thought she was just promoting the new movie and deliberately speaking highly of the lead actor. Some even brought up Downey's past issues, claiming that he had lost the vitality required to be an actor under the corrosion of banned substances.
Laila, who didn't believe those who doubted him, found those discussions boring. Why argue about something that would have results soon? She had already grown tired of these conversations. The movie began in a hushed atmosphere.
In the beginning, Downey appeared on the big screen in a Playboy image. His way of speaking and his posture all indicated the kind of person he was, vividly portraying Tony Stark.
"Authentic performance," was Roy's evaluation of Downey after watching the footage. He felt that Downey was indeed such a person, except that the Tony he played was richer and had a more distinct personality. In simple terms, he magnified the characteristics he originally possessed, presenting a truly authentic Tony.
After watching the footage, Roy finally understood why Laila, amidst strong opposition, still insisted that Downey was the most suitable actor. Only those who had seen it with their own eyes would know how correct her choice was. After watching Downey's performance, he couldn't imagine anyone else playing such a genuine Tony.
As the plot unfolded, Tony was attacked on the road and captured by a terrorist organization. There, he used the limited materials at his disposal to create a crude suit of armor for himself.
At this point, there were already exclamations from the audience because the armor looked ugly and had no special weapons. Still, it delivered a visual impact that made people pleasantly surprised.
Laila, listening to the exclamations from the audience, couldn't help but subtly lift the corners of her mouth. How could they make such a fuss over such a small thing? The truly shocking part was still to come!
Indeed, when Tony was rescued and started designing and manufacturing the new armor in his workshop, the audience's amazement grew even more.
"Cool!" "What is that? It's so cool!" "Oh my god, I want an AI robot like that too."
Even Downey, watching himself on the screen, couldn't help but think he was incredibly cool. When he shot those scenes according to the script and Laila's instructions, he just fantasized about what might happen. At that time, he felt silly, and there was no other feeling.
But now, seeing the effects with the added special effects, he felt that the foolish things he did before had all turned into cool and handsome actions. Not to mention the shocked audience, even he wanted to take the movie's computer home!
"Boss, how did you do this? It's incredible!" he couldn't help but ask the person next to him.
Laila smiled slightly, "Like it?"
"Love it! After watching it, I almost fell in love with myself."
"Well, do you feel ready now?"