After returning to the resting room backstage, Matthew received the final version of the script from Stephen Sommers. This was his first time seeing the script due to Stephen's continuous adjustments to the plot.
Additionally, there was a project plan.
"Some things to mention in advance," Stephen said, indicating that Matthew needed to prepare.
Matthew nodded, "Just let me know what you need."
Although he was thrilled and excited to have landed the leading role, he didn't lose sight of the bigger picture, especially in comparison to Stephen Sommers and Sean Daniel. In the grand scheme of things, his role as the leading man wasn't as significant.
Stephen, aware of Matthew's professionalism, stated, "The shooting will involve a lot of action and stunt scenes. I need you to perform them yourself so we can capture the fight scenes up close with the camera."
"No problem!" Matthew confidently replied. "You've seen my performance in 'The Scorpion King' last time. My physical coordination is even better now."
Stephen nodded, remembering the effort Matthew put into his role for 'The Scorpion King.' This was one of the reasons he felt confident in casting him as the lead, "Your character will need to handle a variety of weapons, including spears, daggers, swords, and bows. You'll need to undergo professional training."
Matthew had no objections to this; it was part of taking responsibility for his role to avoid injury.
Stephen continued, "The production team is in contact with a cold weapons action director. Once the rest of the cast is confirmed, you will undergo specialized training with him."
Sean Daniel then came over and said, "Try to keep a high profile lately. It's best to attract more media attention. The production will devise a promotional strategy for you to follow."
"No problem." Matthew made a phone gesture, "You can call me anytime."
After discussing with Sean and Stephen, Matthew talked with director Chuck Russell for a while. The director, having limited power, was essentially the overall commander on set and would not be involved in post-production.
Of course, beyond his role as the leading actor, Matthew himself didn't have much power.
After exchanging ideas with the other three, Matthew met up with Helen Herman and left Universal Studios. As he drove out of Universal City in a car provided by Helen, with a dedicated driver in front, numerous reporters and paparazzi took photos of him. Some even followed him on motorcycles.
Matthew was riding in Helen's car.
"You'll get used to it," Helen seemed to notice the paparazzi as well, "For a while, the paparazzi will definitely be after you."
She glanced back and commented, "A leading man in a $40 million production does have certain news value to them."
"Let them be," Matthew wasn't too bothered, "They're just trying to make a living."
Helen then changed the subject, "If you want to keep your relationship under wraps, you should probably avoid meeting up with Brittany for a while."
Matthew honestly shared, "Brittany isn't in Los Angeles right now. She's busy shooting a music video and won't be back anytime soon."
"If your relationship gets exposed," Helen hinted, "the timing might be right..."
She was cut off by Matthew, "This isn't just about me. Like I said, Helen, let's just go with the flow."
Before Helen could respond, he shifted the topic, "Who are you thinking of recommending for the female lead?"
Matthew knew Helen had some agreements with the production, such as priority in casting.
"There's no specific candidate yet," Helen thought for a moment before adding, "There's just a shortlist."
"Let me know when you've narrowed down the choices," Matthew wasn't shy, "Since I was used as a bargaining chip, I should have the right to know, right?"
He wasn't naive; he could guess certain things.
"Of course," Helen wasn't dismissive, "You're the leading man, my most important client. The leading lady will be your co-star. Once we have a candidate, I'll call you."
"Just now, I skimmed through the script and noticed several intimate scenes between the male and female leads," Matthew inquired tentatively, "You're not considering casting a black actress for the female lead, are you?"
This was his biggest concern.
"Absolutely not!" Helen assured, "Sean Daniel wouldn't approve."
"That makes sense," Matthew nodded.
Sean Daniel didn't have issues with all non-white actors; his conservatism was specifically directed towards black actors.
Arriving in Burbank, Matthew didn't enter the Angel's Agency building. Instead, he switched to his own second-hand Ford and headed home. As he drove off, he noticed the paparazzi continued to follow him. He was in good spirits, even waving at them as they took photos.
Matthew was well aware that the halo effect of being the leading man in a $40 million film was attracting this attention.
After parking and entering his home with the script and project plan in hand, Matthew settled down to thoroughly review the script. He quickly realized that 'The Scorpion King' had little connection to 'The Mummy Returns.' Stephen Sommers had crafted a completely new story.
He briefly summarized the main plot after a quick read-through.
The story unfolds in the ancient city of Omera, Egypt, where the brutal warlord Manon, with a powerful army, dominates the region. The other tribes form an alliance to confront him, launching several wars, all of which Manon defeats.
A mysterious seer, capable of foreseeing the future and aiding Manon in battle, is by his side. Learning of her, the tribal alliance sends an assassin to eliminate this seer.
This assassin, Matthew's character Morias, is a strong and brave warrior. Following Hollywood's usual formula, where there's a warrior, there must be a beauty. Thus, when Morias infiltrates enemy lines to assassinate the seer, he discovers she's a beautiful woman named Cassandra. Moved by her beauty and learning that Cassandra is not willingly serving Manon but is being coerced, the narrative leads to the inevitable romance between the male and female leads. Together with Morias's friends, they sneak into Manon's fortress for a decisive battle...
The ending, of course, is a typical Hollywood happy conclusion, following the conventional narrative of commercial films.
In essence, 'The Scorpion King' bears little relation to its namesake and is not the prequel to 'The Mummy' series as advertised.
The film essentially revolves around four main characters: Morias, the witch Cassandra, the supporting character Apid, and the antagonist Manon.
Currently, only Matthew's role has been cast, with the remaining three roles being targets for Helen Herman's Angel's Agency, albeit with some difficulty.
Before receiving the script, Matthew heard from Helen about Stephen's recurring issue of creating a major antagonist based on a real-life figure for 'The Scorpion King.' Manon was tailored for the Asian superstar Little Mar, but Sean Daniel's brief interaction with the star's agent was promptly rejected.
To Matthew, it seemed unlikely, as Little Mar, although not a top-tier Hollywood actor, had never been known to play a pure villain.
The requirements for the other two roles were relatively straightforward, essentially calling for a beauty and a strongman.
Such actors were plentiful in Hollywood, as Matthew had observed numerous times at the Angel's Agency.
After a cursory review of the script, Matthew planned to study it in more detail later. He then began reviewing the project plan co-produced by Stephen Sommers and Sean Daniel. Although the project was still in its early stages, it was clear that considerable preparation had been made, with some aspects not aligning with Matthew's initial expectations.
For instance, the shooting locations differed from what he anticipated. He had assumed that, like 'The Mummy Returns,' interior scenes would be shot at Pinewood Studios in London, and exterior scenes in the Moroccan desert.
However, due to budget constraints, all filming would take place in the United States, with interior scenes at Warner Bros. Studios and exterior scenes in the Arizona desert.
Without the tax incentives from the UK and Morocco, this approach would save a significant portion of the budget. Especially, Warner Bros. Studios, similar to Universal Studios' tour area, still maintains the set and outdoor stages used for 'Spartacus,' now a tourist attraction recently renovated. With minor adjustments, it could serve as the location for this film.
Not having to travel between the UK and Morocco also relieved Matthew, as Brittany would be in the US during this time, making it easier for them to meet.
Other plans mainly involved the production and directorial teams, not directly affecting Matthew as the lead actor. His primary focus was to fully understand the script, grasp his character, and prepare for filming.
Training was a key aspect, from hand-to-hand combat to the use of various cold weapons. While not aiming for mastery, the goal was to look convincing on camera. Stephen Sommers emphasized the need for a display of power and beauty rather than the increasingly common flashy combat moves in Hollywood.
Matthew prepared to delve into the script and his character, practicing some scenes on his own.
News of the film also began to circulate on the internet and in newspapers and magazines.
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