Rhode Island, Hasbro Headquarters, press conference.
Alan Hassenfeld pointed to a journalist from the New York Entertainment Magazine, who promptly stood up and asked: "Mr. Hassenfeld, there are rumors that Paramount was also vying for the rights to 'Transformers.' Why did Hasbro choose MGM over Paramount?"
Hassenfeld frowned. What kind of question is that? Are all entertainment journalists like this? Nevertheless, he answered: "MGM and Paramount are both excellent studios. We could have chosen either. But in the end, we chose MGM because my family loves 'Tom and Jerry.'"
"So, it was a choice based on personal preferences rather than professional merits?" the journalist clarified.
Hassenfeld laughed: "Isn't nostalgia an important factor? Otherwise, why would we be here today? 'Transformers' themselves embody nostalgia. Of course, Paramount is a very powerful company too, as I said."
"But 'Tom and Jerry' now belong to Warner Bros., along with many other MGM classics. Why not go to Warner?" came the next question.
What nonsense questions! Not only did Hassenfeld's face darken, but all the MGM representatives were visibly displeased.
When Kirk Kerkorian repeatedly resold MGM, Warner Bros. retained some classic films, including "Tom and Jerry," "Waterloo Bridge," and "Gone with the Wind," returning only the less significant works.
This was a sore point for MGM, and retrieving those classic films would only be possible through acquiring Warner, which seemed entirely unrealistic for the current MGM.
Hassenfeld ignored the journalist: "Sorry, you've already asked enough questions. Next!"
A journalist from the Long Island Herald raised his hand: "Transformers are a childhood staple for many people worldwide. Millions are waiting to see them in theaters. Are you confident that MGM can handle this task?"
Eric nodded, pleased with the normal question. The previous journalist was probably bribed by Paramount to cause trouble.
Eric turned on the microphone: "That question is unnecessary. We are absolutely confident in our capabilities. We will hire the best directors and screenwriters, and select the most suitable actors. This will be a grand project!"
"Can you tell us about MGM's estimated costs and expected box office returns?" continued the journalist.
In appreciation of the pertinent question, Eric replied: "MGM plans to invest at least $150 million in production. This is just the production cost, as it will take a lot of special effects to bring the Autobots to life on the big screen. We are ready for that."
"As for the box office, I expect around $700 million, though this is just my hope. Everything will become clear after the film's release."
These words caused a stir in the hall. The attendees were entertainment professionals and understood the significance of such figures.
It was 2002, and box office earnings of $700 million were extremely rare. Only a few films each year could reach such heights even in Hollywood.
In 1998, the box office champion was "Armageddon," with worldwide earnings of $553 million.
In 1999, the leader was "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace," with a gross of $1.027 billion.
However, the second-place film, "The Sixth Sense," earned $672 million, not reaching the $700 million mark.
In 2000, the champion was "Mission: Impossible 2" with a global gross of $546 million.
In 2001, the leader was "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," grossing $974 million worldwide.
The second place went to "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," with $898 million.
Third place went to "Monsters, Inc.," not surpassing $600 million.
So far, in 2002, only "Spider-Man" managed to exceed $700 million, grossing $835 million. Even the strong "Star Wars" franchise struggled.
"Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones" grossed only $653 million, significantly below George Lucas and 20th Century Fox's expectations.
In the past five years, Hollywood has released only four films that surpassed the $700 million mark, underscoring the magnitude of Eric's statements.
Eric boldly proclaimed that MGM planned to achieve this milestone, causing concern among Hasbro representatives and even his father, Charlie Cooper.
Such ambitious declarations made the journalists instantly switch their cameras to Eric, asking questions out of turn.
Eric, smiling, refused further comments. He knew that his words would be on the front pages tomorrow, and time would tell if he was right.
After several attempts by journalists to get more answers, the hall gradually quieted down, and the press conference continued. After more than half an hour, the host announced there was time for one final question.
Eric pointed to a young Asian journalist in the back rows who had been raising his hand for a long time but remained unnoticed due to his height.
"Hello, Mr. Eric. I'm a journalist from American Entertainment Online. I'd like to know MGM's plans regarding the cast. Do you already have candidates, or is an open casting planned?"
Eric, after taking a sip of water, replied: "Both. We already have candidates for the lead female role and a male supporting role. MGM has found the most suitable people."
"But the other roles are still undetermined. We invite all actors to audition. The only requirement for the lead male role is that the age should not exceed 24 years, or at least, the appearance should maintain youthful freshness."
The journalists' eyes lit up, and they hurried to jot down the news. The Asian journalist quickly asked another question: "Mr. Eric, can you name the actress who will play the lead female role? Many 'Transformers' fans would like to know who she is."
"I can't reveal that yet. I can only say that MGM has long sought her, and she will not disappoint expectations."
After this, Eric turned off the microphone, and the press conference ended. People began to leave the hall, but the journalists continued to loudly ask questions:
"Mr. Eric, is it Natalie Portman?"
"Keira Knightley, is it her, right?"
"Kirsten Dunst, it's her, isn't it?"
"Charlize Theron? Is it Charlize Theron?"
"Angelina Jolie?"
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