The Los Angeles Country Club, a renowned California institution, is famous not only for its prestige but also for having hosted the Pan American Open on its golf course.
Cody Horn took the wheel of an electric cart, ferrying her father, Alan Horn, and the accomplished producer Paul Haggis to the novice's practice area.
In the VIP section, Cody made her way with a separate pass. Over at the golf course, they spotted Martin Davis, whose golf swings were unconventional, but his handsome appearance and good physique made up for it. He looked good no matter how he swung.
Thomas approached and guided the group into the VIP area.
Martin took another swing at the golf ball, then turned to see someone approaching. He put down his club and went over to greet the newcomer, leading with a handshake for Alan Horn. He warmly said, "Listen, Alan, you're a seasoned golfer. You'll have to share some wisdom today. Take a look at me, a novice."
Alan grinned and accepted the challenge, "Alright, I'm taking responsibility for fast-tracking your journey from novice to amateur master."
Martin exchanged pleasantries with Paul Haggis, acknowledging "Crash" as a masterpiece and expressing his hope for future collaborations.
Paul reciprocated the sentiment, "I'm hoping for the same."
Martin then turned his attention to the only woman in the group, Cody. He greeted her, "Hi, Cody, it's good to see you again."
Cody picked up a golf club nearby and offered, "Would you like me to give you some golf lessons?"
Martin replied, "I could certainly use a teacher."
That's what he said, but, in reality, this group wasn't particularly skilled in golf.
After some golf-related chit-chat, Alan Horn quickly shifted the conversation towards film projects.
He inquired, "I heard you haven't decided on your next project or role yet?"
Martin, recognizing the direction of the conversation, responded, "I have a few ideas in mind, but nothing is set in stone."
Alan Horn, as the director of Warner Pictures, had a psychological edge when discussing projects with movie stars. He continued, "Warner has an interesting project in the works. I believe you'd be a great fit for the lead role. Come over, and let's discuss it further."
Thomas promptly asked, "May I inquire about the project details?"
Alan looked at Paul Haggis, who handed Martin a script. He suggested, "Take a look at it first."
Martin examined the script, which bore only a code name, "T," on the cover without any specific details.
Alan patiently waited, although he couldn't help but think about the success of "Limitless," which had grossed over $200 million both domestically and globally. Martin had demonstrated his box office appeal time and again.
The "Terminator" series, a copyright that Alan Horn had fervently supported, was Warner Pictures' responsibility for sequels, having acquired the production rights. While Warner didn't benefit from the first two films' revenue, Terminator 3, despite not being a major hit, still turned a profit. Alan had enlisted Paul Haggis to write and produce the next installment, hoping to recapture the series' glory.
Alan's proactive approach in seeking Martin was based not only on Martin's strong market appeal but also on his potential to attract investment. To revitalize the Terminator series, substantial investment was a necessity, following in the footsteps of Carlock Films, which had spent over $100 million to create the success of Terminator 2.
Alan had made preliminary plans, estimating a budget exceeding $250 million, possibly reaching $300 million, including promotion and distribution. Warner couldn't shoulder this risk alone.
Martin continued to flip through the script. After reading a few pages, he was certain this was a Terminator script.
Thinking back, it was likely the fourth installment, "Terminator 2018," which hadn't performed very well. It had faced reboots and more reboots, contributing to the endless iterations of the Terminator series.
As long as a Terminator film achieved even modest success, like the third one, reboots were unlikely.
Martin knew the Terminator series had deviated from James Cameron's vision. In an interview, Cameron had stated that the Terminator story was complete after the second film. The subsequent sequels in Hollywood typically deviated from this principle.
After reading several pages of the script, Martin closed it and inquired, "Is this for a new Terminator?"
Paul Haggis confirmed, "Yes, Allen and I are planning to launch a new one, set during Judgment Day."
Alan Horn believed Martin could secure funding and presented the offer. He mentioned an estimated production cost of around $180 million for a top-tier commercial project, with Martin in the iconic role of John Connor. As an enticing bonus, he offered Martin the chance to invest in the project and take on a producer role.
Martin glanced at Paul Haggis and Alan Horn, both significant figures in Hollywood. Even if the head of Warner Bros.'s subsidiary film company wanted to decline, it would be best to do so tactfully.
Martin took his time to respond, saying, "Alan, give me some time to think about it. This is a substantial project, and I need to consider it carefully."
Alan Horn pondered briefly and proposed a deadline, "Let's do this—provide me with a definite answer before the Oscars."
Martin readily agreed, saying, "No problem."
Observing their positive conversation, Thomas asked, "Paul, are you a director?"
Paul Haggis shook his head, stating, "I work as a screenwriter and producer. The director will choose someone more suitable for the science fiction theme."
Next to him, Cody Horn turned to Martin and offered, "I can teach you how to play golf."
Martin responded politely to Allen and then picked up the clubs, following Cody to the practice area. They played golf based on Cody's guidance, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
After a while, Allen and Paul Haggis bid their farewells and left.
Cody made sure to exchange contact information with Martin.
Later, Martin and Thomas also departed from the country club.
Once inside the Escalade driven by Bruce, Martin handed the script to Thomas and said, "Please think of a suitable reason and excuse to decline Alan Horn's invitation."
Thomas displayed only mild surprise and inquired, "You're not interested in this series?"
Martin explained, "I'm not keen on playing the role of a savior."
Thomas didn't press for more details, a testament to his strength. If Martin declined, he wouldn't insist.
Furthermore, given Martin's excellent track record in selecting films, he didn't need to offer random opinions.
Thomas pondered more about how to diplomatically decline Alan Horn's offer. After all, Alan was the head of Warner Pictures, and rejecting his invitation could potentially harm relationships.
Martin left the challenging task to Thomas and turned his attention to his cell phone, dialing Chad Starsky to inquire about the project's progress.
Chad provided a direct update, saying, "The gun battle scene is nearly designed, and the next step is merging literature and drama. I asked Bradt to get involved."
Martin had previous successful collaborations with Bradt on "Wanted" and "Forever." He replied confidently, "I'll have Jessica reach out to him."
Chad added, "We need a more professional action director for close combat."
Martin contemplated for a moment and then told Thomas, "Do you know Yuan Heping?"
Thomas nodded, acknowledging him as the action director for "The Matrix" series.
Martin instructed, "Let's find a way to contact him and extend an invitation."
Thomas grasped the situation, noting, "He might be hesitant; Hollywood hasn't been friendly to him and his team."
Martin had heard from Chad that many action directors had clandestinely studied Yuan Heping's team's techniques, analyzing them frame by frame through technology.
He suggested, "Let's give it a try, and if it doesn't work, we'll explore other options."
Thomas noted the instructions and revisited their plan, saying, "Although 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' wasn't directed by Alan Horn, it was still a Warner project. If we can coordinate with David Fincher's team, we might be able to use scheduling conflicts as a diplomatic way to decline Allen's invitation."
Martin agreed, "Let's handle it with tact."
The weight of this decision rested on Thomas's shoulders, and he was deep in thought. The sun streamed in through the car window, illuminating his forehead.
After returning to Burbank, Martin received a call from Louise, inviting him for lunch.
Following a brief break, Martin headed to the smoking room near Warner Studios.
Louise had arrived early and was waiting for him in a booth.
The waiter handed them menus.
Martin noticed Mia from the studio's cold drink shop and inquired, "What brings you here?"
Mia confided, "One part-time job doesn't pay much, so I took on a new one." She glanced at Sebastian, who was playing piano music on the stage, and added, "I did it to listen to his music more often."
After ordering his meal, Martin conveyed his well-wishes, "I hope all your dreams come true."
"Thank you," Mia responded politely and excused herself.
Louise recognized Mia and remarked, "There are probably hundreds of thousands of girls like her in Los Angeles."
Martin noted, "The industry is seeing more and more second-generation stars, making it increasingly challenging for ordinary actors to break through."
Louise reflected, "Success is a blend of ability, opportunity, courage, and..." She added, "Your journey has been unique."
Martin attributed his success to serendipity, saying, "I was mainly fortunate to have crossed paths with you."
Martin inquired, "Did something specific happen?"
Louise shared, "Yes, there's something I'd like to discuss." She recognized Martin's exceptional talent for selecting films. "Yesterday, Alan Horn from Warner Pictures invited me to invest in a major project—the fourth installment of the 'Terminator' series."
Martin chuckled, "What a coincidence. He met with me this morning, offering the lead role of John Connor and the opportunity to invest in the project if I join."
"The production budget could reach $180 million. If it succeeds..." Louise responded, "So, you declined Alan Horn?"
Martin offered his reasoning, "I have reservations about whether James Cameron's Terminator is still the Terminator without James Cameron."
Louise nodded in agreement, "I share your concerns. I originally considered the reputation and appeal of the Terminator series."
Martin pointed out, "Aren't you planning to invest in the new Batman sequel? Can you allocate funds for other projects?"
Considering their recent experiences, Louise decided, "You know what, let's not complicate matters. Just decline the invitation."