[Shout out to Julian!]
Hollywood What If Chapter 163
Just as Kazir expected, Universal Pictures went quiet after contacting him. Perhaps they were skeptical about the offer and felt like it was not worth it.
Maybe Universal Pictures was waiting for the results of Meet The Parents in January before making another move.
Or maybe they wanted to sign a distribution deal with Grey Pictures to get the script.
Bruce Almighty was a great movie starring Jim Carrey. If Kazir remembered correctly, the movie had a sequel called Evan Almighty.
'Although I don't remember the box office of the next movie, not that it matters. I'm getting busy and I don't know if I can write the sequel.'
Kazir Grey had a good stretch in the morning and started his day. His office was fully furnished.
Erica Mendez arrived at the office at 8 a.m. on the dot and saw that Kazir was already at work... Her boss was a workaholic freak.
"Erica, have you found a professional manager to take over some of the work?"
"Sir, you just announced it yesterday."
"Haha."
He sipped his bitter coffee, quite disappointed. Grey Pictures was becoming more and more successful, and it was slowly making him exhausted.
...
...
...
Harold Witsend read the newspaper and nodded. Sometimes Kazir's creativity and imagination amazed him.
He had known Kazir for almost a decade. They met in June 4, in the year of 1989. He never forget that date.
He realized that Kazir was getting better every day. He watched him improve until people started to respect him.
The script of The Hangover Part 2 was not magical. It was very clichéd and simple. But by combining all the best elements, it produced terrific results.
After two weeks, The Hangover Part 2 had grossed $185 million. Everyone already thought that the movie was a success.
So people started congratulating Harold, even though he had nothing to do with the production of The Hangover Part 2. Enrico Pusi was the producer of the movie, not him.
"Kazir is indeed a talented guy."
He knew that Kazir was a hardworking person. Now that his talent was blossoming, Harold expected Kazir's filmography to be amazing in the next five years.
'If there's one thing I'm confused about... I don't know why he's so confident that Matt Damon is going to ask for $7 million. Matt Damon is still a newcomer to the industry. He only has two leading roles. The Rainmaker and Good Will Hunting.'
In a way, Matt Damon was not qualified to ask for $7 million.
Saving Private Ryan and Ocean's 11 have not been released yet, so Matt Damon's salary should be within $4 million at best. Well, it seems that Kazir Grey made a mistake. He is a human being after all.
"Good morning Harold."
"Oh, hello! Wilson!"
Harold realized that the person he had been waiting for had arrived. However, he was confused to see that Agent Wilson Marrera had a companion.
"I'm sorry, but this is...?"
He looked at Wilson and asked.
"I guess you never met him, this is Matt Damon."
"Nice to meet you Harold."
Matt Damon extended his hand for a handshake.
"It's nice to meet you..."
Harold kept his composure, but deep down he was shocked.
'Excuse me? Matt Damon? Nah, dude, you're not Matt Damon. Matt Damon is fucking skinny!'
The man in front of him had gained dozens of pounds. The innocence was gone and he looked mature and strong. Indeed, Matt Damon was serious about playing Jason Bourne!
To be honest, Harold didn't expect Matt Damon to show up. He also didn't expect the big changes.
'This is my second meeting with Wilson and we already have a baseline to discuss.'
"By the way, Harold. Congratulations on The Hangover Part 2! It's a great movie!"
"Thanks."
Harold's lips twitched. This was the fourth time this had happened today.
'Enrico Pusi could strangle me if he found out about this.'
After the introduction, Matt Damon left their table. The presence of the actor would affect the negotiations. Besides, his agent would not settle for less. Agent Wilson will fight for a better salary and better conditions.
After a few conversations here and there, Wilson and Harold began to talk about the most important thing.
"$4 million! I think my client has enough credibility to get that amount."
Agent Wilson dropped the first figure.
But Harold Witsend smiled instead.
'Kazir, you are damn wrong. Who said they were going to ask for $7 million? Four million dollars! They are only asking for a $4 million salary!'
Harold was glad that Kazir was wrong. Still, Harold Witsend won't let things go according to Wilson Merrera's plan.
"Wilson, your client has only had two leading roles in the last few years. He doesn't have strong box office appeal. He is still young, not an experienced actor. Even Good Will Hunting, his best film, didn't win at the Oscars."
"Who's the reason he didn't win?"
'Liam Neeson and Kazir Grey...'
Wilson gritted his teeth and muttered. Matt Damon lost Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay at the last Oscars. Maybe his age was a factor.
"Hehe, let's not talk about that. 2 million dollars! That's the best I can do."
"$3 million!"
"$2.1 million!"
The agent in charge of his client and the producer in charge of the project began to argue.
Both sides had a good impression of each other, but business is business.
Their second meeting ended with $2.8 million as the baseline.
As Harold left the building, he decided to call Kazir.
"Kazir? Yes, that's right. I already talked to him. Anyway, that's not why I wanted to call you. Maybe you need to meet Matt Damon before we decide to cast him. What? No, he just gained weight. Well, if you ask me, I think he looks tougher now."