With Danny Boyle at the helm, the project officially advanced into the preparatory stage. Following the necessary procedures, Warner Bros. granted their approval to continue investing in and distributing the film.
The establishment of The Neverending studio quickly followed, with financial support primarily coming from Beast House Entertainment, Gray Films, Pacific Pictures, and Davis Film and Television Studios. The disclosed budget for the project amounted to $36 million.
In the third weekend of November, "Wanted" surrendered its top spot on the North American box office chart to the new Harry Potter film. Martin Davis, a key player in the movie, graced the premiere and even had the opportunity to take a photo with the renowned J.K. Rowling.
The famous trio of white-eyed wolves, meanwhile, remained in their juvenile stage.
During this particular weekend, "Wanted" garnered an additional $14.55 million in North America, pushing the total North American box office earnings to $141 million. The film also expanded its reach internationally, achieving a global box office exceeding $250 million.
Empowered by this impressive commercial performance, Thomas, representing Martin, engaged in multiple rounds of negotiations with the Neverending crew to settle on Martin's compensation package. This package was divided into two parts, including an upfront payment of $5 million to the crew.
High-profile figures in the entertainment industry lead a lavish lifestyle, and Martin's financial needs also included investments in Apple's individual shares for long-term holding.
In this context, he intended to continue acquiring shares in the market. The remaining $3 million, combined with Martin's early investment in "Limitless," was accounted for as a total $6 million investment by Davis Studio. This amount was incorporated into the production cost of "Limitless," granting them the rights to the actual investment returns.
Within the Davis Studio office, Martin meticulously reviewed the proposed contract, encompassing details like insurance clauses and supplementary terms. The latter primarily revolved around the various services the crew would provide during filming. This included responsibilities such as Bruce acting as the crew's prop master, filming locations outside of California, and requisites like five-star luxury accommodations, business class airfare, and the specifications of accompanying vehicles.
This time, a new provision stipulated that the crew would cover the expenses for two bodyguards.
Martin scrutinized the contract and turned to Thomas, questioning, "I thought my salary would be $10 million." Anticipating this query, Thomas was well-prepared. He clarified, "While you have the potential to command a $10 million salary for a movie in which you're the sole lead, 'Wanted' was a collaborative effort."
Martin inquired, "Because Jolie and I supported this movie?"
Thomas confirmed, "Yes, 'Wanted' was a joint venture with you and Jolie, and the heroine's role was pivotal. Your contributions led to a shared dividend, unlike 'The Hills Have Eyes,' where it was entirely yours."
To illustrate the point, Thomas offered an example: "When Will Smith starred in 'Independence Day,' he received $5 million. Even though the film was highly successful, his salary remained at $5 million in his subsequent film, 'Men in Black.' This is because 'Independence Day' relied on special effects and an ensemble cast, leading to shared roles."
Martin acknowledged the reasoning, understanding that such distinctions were common in the industry.
Thomas expanded, "Similarly, 'Men in Black' was also a major hit, but Will Smith's next contract only saw a $2 million increase, primarily because Tommy Lee Jones was another key actor in the film."
Martin inquired further, "So, Will Smith's salary skyrocketed because of 'Public Enemy'?"
Thomas clarified, "While previous films were significant, 'Public Enemy' truly propelled Will Smith's salary past $10 million. This movie's box office was notably lower than 'Independence Day' and 'Men in Black,' but it was a project Smith could carry on his own. Other films like 'Johnny Walt' and 'Gene Ha Kerman' extensively relied on co-stars."
Martin comprehended the distinction between solo leads and dual protagonists and acknowledged Jolie's pivotal role in the success of "Wanted."
Thomas added, "If 'Limitless' manages to surpass $100 million in the North American box office once more, I can negotiate a minimum salary of $12 million or even more for your next commercial project, potentially involving post-production profit sharing."
This encompassed intricate calculations, considering agreements between lead actors and film studios, net profit sharing, and post-break-even profit divisions.
This latter aspect entailed contractual agreements, where, for instance, if a film's North American box office reached $200 million, the lead actor would partake in subsequent box office earnings or profits.
Fortunately, according to Martin's development model, he would likely engage in movie projects where he served as one of the producers in the future.
While the script for "Limitless" was still undergoing adjustments, the principal roles had been largely decided. Martin, playing Eddie, naturally assumed the role of the central character, with the heroine taking the second lead. Furthermore, a seasoned actor was slated to portray a Wall Street magnate.
Martin reached out to Nicholson, known for his discerning film choices. When not in need of immediate funds, he was hesitant to command multimillion-dollar salaries, a perspective at odds with newer actors who could readily advertise for role auditions.
In Los Angeles, the most crucial factor lay in securing talented actors. Louise and Boyle, along with other key figures, preferred well-known female stars as heroines. Their immense popularity significantly bolstered marketing efforts, an advantage that newcomers couldn't match.
Martin's character, older than his actual age, found a suitable heroine in her thirties.
Character details were firmly established, and recruitment announcements for the crew were distributed through internal platforms within the Screen Actors Guild and WMA.
...
In Century City, the recently completed Death Star building served as the backdrop for unfolding events.
Aniston's agent, Steve, was diligently working in his private office when he suddenly received a call from a friend at WMA, who expressed an interest in switching to CAA.
"Hey, didn't you ask me to keep an eye on Martin Davis and his new project?" The voice on the other end hurriedly inquired, "The company's internal platform just released news about 'Limitless,' a new project starring Martin. They're looking for actors, including famous actresses."
Steve took mental note of this information and replied, "Thanks for the call. I owe you a coffee when you have time."
After ending the call, he pondered for a moment and dialed Aniston's number to provide a detailed explanation of the situation.
In her Cotis community villa, Aniston listened to the phone and responded, "I'm aware. Let me consider it." After hanging up, she turned her attention to the newspaper on her coffee table, an issue of "American Rumor," a typical tabloid.
Normally, Aniston wouldn't pay much heed to such tabloid reports. However, today was different. Right on the front page, a headline pitted her against Angelina Jolie:
"Angelina Jolie Outshines Jennifer Aniston Once Again!"
The article delved into comparisons between the movies "Wanted" and "Derailed," highlighting the stark contrast in their box office performances: $141 million for Jolie's "Wanted" and $21.81 million for Aniston's "Derailed."
The article didn't stop at box office figures; it also delved into personal matters, questioning whether Aniston was still overshadowed by Jolie in terms of charm, acting skills, and appeal.
While Aniston wasn't overly concerned about short-term financial gains, these constant comparisons to Jolie were starting to grate on her. Jolie's success was one thing, but flaunting her husband's achievements had become increasingly irritating.
Determined to make a stand, Aniston took a few moments of contemplation and then called her agent, Steve. She instructed him, "Steve, please submit my information to the 'Limitless' crew and let them know I'm interested in playing the heroine."
Steve gave her a heads-up, "Keep in mind, the salary might not be as high, especially considering your last movie's box office performance."
Aniston was resolute, "I won't work for free, of course. Let's not settle for less than $5 million."
Steve assured her, "I'll head to Warner Studios and Pacific Pictures to meet with Louise Meyer right away."
Aniston directed firmly, "Get this role secured as soon as possible."
Steve promptly hung up, left CAA, rushed to Burbank, delivered Aniston's information to the Neverending crew, and met with producer Louise Meyer.
In another part of town, at the Weinstein Films Los Angeles branch, Brad Pitt, a newly initiated member of the Foot Gang, received a special invitation from Harvey Weinstein.
"I've got a project in mind," Harvey began, known for his favoritism toward actors leaning his way, and with a considerable following in the industry. "It's a biographical drama, and the male lead is tailor-made for you."
Pitt's mind immediately turned to the Oscars, aware of Harvey's reputation as a prominent Oscar promoter. He inquired, "Whose biography is it based on?"
Harvey handed him a hefty fairytale book titled "Peter Rabbit" and replied, "Have you read this one? It's about her."
Perplexed, Pitt noticed that the book was "Peter Rabbit" and questioned, "A biopic about Miss Potter? She's a woman."
Harvey had devised a bold idea, taking inspiration from the hype surrounding "Wanted," a project helmed by Martin and Jolie.
He boldly declared, "I'm proposing that you take the lead role."
Pitt was intrigued and asked, "Who do you have in mind for the female lead?"
To everyone's surprise, Harvey suggested a name that would create quite a buzz: "How about Jennifer Aniston? She'll play Miss Potter, you'll take the male lead, and both of you will star in the same film."
In this scenario, it was almost certain that public opinion would explode.
After a brief reflection, Pitt responded, "I have no objections. Can you also approach Jane?"
Harvey saw great potential in this plan and concluded, "We should give it a shot. You can help persuade her, too."
Realizing the talents of Jennifer Aniston after her split from Jolie, Brad Pitt nodded and agreed, "I'll do my part."