[Shout out to Q, Suleyman M, Ashwinraj, Slawomir, and Lohan Seibert R!]
Hollywood What If Chapter 122
Paramount was serious about Taken, even though they were only the local distributor of the film. The fact that they planned every detail of the promotion was a good thing for Grey Pictures.
The cast went to different states just to promote the movie. With Liam Neeson's charisma, audiences were more excited to see Taken.
In fact, the booming Internet started talking about Taken, and Liam Neeson was the center of their conversation. As a result, Liam Neeson received many scripts. Although the roles were basically the same, a father. Hollywood felt that Liam Neeson was good at playing a father.
Well, as long as the salary was good, Liam Neeson didn't have a problem. Grey Pictures promised that the sequel would start in two years, which was 1999. Liam Neeson had enough time for two or three roles.
Just like him, Brianna Evans, who didn't have any foundation in Hollywood, got a role. It was a supporting role, but the movie was interesting. Even Salvatore Barlowe thought the movie would be good after reading the script.
The project was called The Truman Show. Although Brianna Evans has to go to the 3rd round of auditions. She had to compete to get the part. Still, it was a miracle that she was invited to do a big budget ($60 million) movie with Jim Carrey. Everyone knows that the 90's was Jim Carrey's era.
"I got the part! I got the part!"
"Huh... Reese, let's keep our voices down. It's 3 in the morning."
Kazir grumbled sleepily. He was tired after some exercise...
But Reese Witherspoon giggled and lay down next to him. She hugged Kazir from behind and snuggled against him. Her body sore, but the good news she received made her active.
"I got the part of Mary Jensen in There's Something About Mary."
Reese Witherspoon prepared for this role because it was a lead role. Reese had never had a role where she was the protagonist.
"Good job..." Kazir murmured, still closing his eyes.
"Yes, you are the one who recommended me to audition for this role. Kazir, thank you very much!"
"Hm... Let's sleep."
"Hehe." She giggled and kissed him on the cheek, like a young high school girl.
Kazir smiled.
"Now that I think about it, isn't Cameron Diaz their first choice?"
"That's right. The director was going to cast Cameron Diaz. But due to some circumstances, they decided to choose me."
"..."
Kazir had an idea about the possible reasons why the crew chose Reese Witherspoon instead.
'Among the best possible reasons, it's probably the salary. The two sides could not come to an agreement. If my deduction is correct, Cameron Diaz's side wanted more money. Well, that's the obvious thing to do. Cameron Diaz is a first-rate actress. She is not a superstar, but she is getting there.'
As a director himself, Kazir could see the intention of the production crew. More specifically, the producer was the one responsible for casting the actors/actresses.
Because of his interference, Reese Witherspoon became famous much earlier than in the past. Now Reese Witherspoon could be classified as a semi 1st class actress.
Napoleon Dynamite, The Hangover, Scream. These three movies were successful and she was part of the cast of these three movies. Reese Witherspoon's fame was recognized by Hollywood.
And now she was the protagonist of There's Something About Mary.
'One thing is clear. I made a huge change. No, I made a huge change from the moment I regressed. This is not the original timeline, not anymore.'
"Reese, what's your salary?"
"My salary for There's Something About Mary is $1.3 million. Although they will pay the other half when the filming is finished."
'As expected, it's all about the salary.' He thought.
"I'm happy for you, Reese."
"Let's celebrate tomorrow. I will treat you, Mr. Director."
...
...
...
"This is getting out of hand. Are you sure this is the result?"
Michael Eisner asked his secretary to verify the statistics. He felt it was too much.
It had been three months since Napoleon Dynamite II had been released. The movie had already crossed the $100 million mark. As of now, the movie has grossed $145 million here in North America.
Not only that, but Napoleon Dynamite II was released internationally a short time ago and the response was not bad. Even though the American humor was not relatable, Napoleon Dynamite II managed to earn $89 million for the whole month.
Combined, the movie has already grossed over $200 million. The movie could be one of the top 10 highest-grossing films of the year. Especially since the movie is still going strong.
"Sir... The information on Napoleon Dynamite II is real. We checked it again."
The secretary swallowed hard.
"Then what about Taken, are you saying that amount is real too?"
"Sir..."
The month of September 1997. Every month, Michael Eisner asked his secretary to send him the results of every movie that was released.
He was interested in Kazir Grey, so he decided to ask for the results of Napoleon Dynamite II and Taken.
He could not believe what he saw, especially Taken.
On September 12, 1997.
The box office for Taken was $221.63 million... No joke. That was the North American box office.
Taken opened internationally next week. Grey Pictures also gave the international distribution to Paramount. Maybe Grey Pictures feels indebted, so they agree.
"I'm sorry, sir..." The secretary bowed her head.
"No, it's not your fault..."
Chairman Eisner sighed and leaned back in his chair. He had made a big mistake this time.