"Who would have thought," Matthew mused as he looked at Fox Sherman, "someone actually wants me to ride the coattails of popularity."
He might not be entirely right in his assumption, but Fox's initiative to approach him surely wasn't for the sake of casting a third-rate star as the lead. His gaze was set on next year, banking on the potential success of "Pirates of the Caribbean." By then, he could reap publicity far beyond the price of hiring a third-rate star.
"Pirates of the Caribbean" could indeed fail, but with Jerry Bruckheimer's reputation, its success seemed more probable than not. Besides, all business investments come with risks.
Fox then reassured, "Matthew, I'm very serious about this."
Matthew nodded and started to skim through the script. Only a few pages in, he frowned, noticing the plot and scenes were strikingly familiar, reminiscent of a film he had seen before, where a female vampire and werewolves were enemies, and the male lead was a special being, a hybrid of both...
This was akin to the movie starring Kate Beckinsale, from "Pearl Harbor" and "Van Helsing," where vampires and werewolves fought each other.
Thinking of the female lead, Matthew checked the script for the name, "Who's playing Selene?"
"Kate Beckinsale," Fox replied with a smile. "She's considered a second-tier star, a perfect match for you."
"Oh, her," Matthew responded, still flipping through the script. "Can you give me a moment to look at this?"
"Take your time," Fox said.
After about half an hour of rapid reading, Matthew closed the script. The only thing he remembered from the original film was Kate Beckinsale in black leather, fighting vampires and werewolves. Everything else was vague.
"Fox..." Matthew closed the script and spoke bluntly, "You're talking about Michael for the leading role, right?"
"That's right!" Fox nodded enthusiastically.
Matthew pushed the script back to Fox. "This isn't a leading role; it's more of a supporting role. It's entirely a female-centric film. Every character and plot point serves the female lead."
Fox, however, saw it as natural. "Of course, the film has to focus on the female lead to attract a star like Kate Beckinsale. In the crew, her standing is the highest, followed by yours."
Realizing his overthought, Matthew remembered that "Van Helsing" hadn't been shot yet, and Kate's stardom was on the rise. If "Van Helsing" succeeded, she would be a top-tier actress. In that context, Fox's proposition wasn't baseless.
However, playing a weak character who relies on the female lead for most of the time contradicted his style and career path. Both he and his agent, Helen Herman, had a clear vision for his future.
"Matthew!" Fox then exclaimed, "Although the investment isn't huge for this film, I assure you a payment of three million dollars!"
The offer immediately caught Matthew's attention. His salary for "Pirates of the Caribbean" was only two million dollars, and now he was being offered three million for a role resembling a supporting character.
While the offer was tempting, accepting it didn't mean an automatic agreement. Three years ago, Matthew would have immediately agreed, but with his growing status, his perspective had changed. Accepting this three million could potentially mean losing ten million in the future.
"Fox, I can't give you an answer right now," Matthew said, not particularly interested in the script and feeling confident with "Pirates of the Caribbean" at his back. "I can't accept any jobs without my agent's presence."
This wasn't just an unwritten rule but a regulation under the California Talent Agencies Act, which requires actors to secure work through their agents.
"No rush," Fox said, pushing the script back along with his business card. "Discuss it with your agent and let me know."
He added, "Matthew, I'm sincere. If you're not satisfied with the payment, we can renegotiate."
Matthew nodded, taking the script and card. "I'll get back to you soon. I won't share the script with anyone but my agent."
Fox seemed generous. "I trust you, Matthew. We're old friends now."
After some more pleasantries, they left the leisure area together. Fox departed the gym while Matthew headed to Angel Agency to inform Helen Herman as per his contract.
Briefing Helen about the situation and handing her the script, Matthew waited as she skimmed through it. After a long while, she looked up. "This lead role isn't right for you. It doesn't suit your style, and the screen time is insufficient, unless there's a major rewrite."
"Kate Beckinsale is the female lead," Matthew added.
"The 'Van Helsing' lead?" Helen shook her head. "Her fame and pull far surpass yours. Changing the script is unlikely."
"I doubt it's possible," Matthew recalled, "Last time I was at 'Van Helsing,' I heard Fox was pursuing Kate."
Helen pushed the script back to him. "Forget about it then. Reject Fox, but diplomatically. He seems capable."
In a highly commercial society, financial power is a part of one's capabilities.
Taking the script, Matthew was about to leave when Helen remembered something. "Wait. There's a small role for a young Selene, around ten years old. Is there a suitable actress?"
Matthew raised an eyebrow. "Should I ask?"
"Fox's intentions are clear; he wants to capitalize on your potential fame from 'Pirates of the Caribbean,'" Helen said plainly. "To him, you and Kate are valuable assets as rising stars in Hollywood."
She seemed relaxed. "Even if Fox rejects you, he won't mind. If the role isn't cast yet, he's unlikely to refuse you."
"I'll try then," Matthew agreed, pocketing the script. "Is it that girl Amanda brought in?"
"Yes, her," Helen confirmed. "Her father is a federal prosecutor in New York, close to Amanda's father."
Understanding the situation, Matthew said, "I'll call Fox tomorrow."
Collusion between government and business is a common phenomenon worldwide.
The next morning, Fox, still in bed with Kate, received a call from Matthew.
"That's fine, Matthew," Fox responded nonchalantly in the hotel room, unfazed by the polite rejection. "We can collaborate in the future. I'm a fan of yours."
After a brief chat and hearing Matthew's question about the young actress, Fox pondered and replied, "There are a few roles left. The vampire Erika, young Selene, none are fixed. Do you have someone in mind? Sure, let her audition. I'll notify the casting director."
Fox's reasoning was simple: both Matthew and the woman he was with had high potential to become popular stars. To a newcomer like him, they were valuable.
"Young Selene is a trivial role," he thought.
Hearing "Erika," Matthew instantly recalled Rachel McAdams from the script. "Fox, is Erika's role also undecided? Can I recommend someone? Great, thanks! I assure you, she has the looks."
As Helen predicted, Fox was quite receptive to Matthew's request, agreeing to audition both the girl Amanda brought and Rachel McAdams.
Matthew then called Rachel, sharing the news. If interested, she could have her agent contact the casting director.
"Thank you, Matthew!" Rachel's voice brimmed with excitement over the phone. "I don't know how to thank you enough for your help."
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