"Chris, that's the right attitude! Now you really look like an ordinary high school student," Eric nodded approvingly, looking at Chris Evans, who had noticeably slimmed down and lost his previous musculature.
The initial decision proved to be correct. Without the muscles, Chris Evans indeed looked more like Sam. His appearance now seemed not like a crafted image but like a real person one might encounter on the street.
To be honest, when Eric watched "Captain America," he was always annoyed by the artificially created thinness of Chris. The body was reduced by special effects, but the face remained the same, creating an unnatural effect and making him look like a goblin.
"Captain America" was filmed after "Iron Man," and Marvel at that time supposedly no longer had financial issues. But the cheap special effects and weak script left much to be desired. It was more of a manifestation of carelessness.
Thinking about "Captain America," Eric recalled Marvel and the question of acquiring the company. This year, he had to take this matter seriously, especially considering that several major companies had already started negotiations.
But Eric had an advantage – he could invest more money in Marvel than anyone else. His competitors had one serious limitation: they were public companies, and all decisions had to go through the board of directors and consider the shareholders' opinions.
MGM did not have such limitations. The Coopers took the company private precisely to speed up the acquisition process and get rid of the need to consider shareholders' opinions. In a private company, you could make any decisions, no matter how eccentric they might be.
Eric returned to reality. Receiving praise, Chris felt that his efforts had not been in vain.
"You know, I always played muscular brutes. Everyone thought that I was only suitable for such roles," Chris said with some irony. "Even my agent insisted that I constantly keep in shape, pumping up my muscles more and more, or else I supposedly wouldn't get any roles."
"I'm really grateful to you for this opportunity. For the first time in my entire time in Hollywood, I don't have to go to the gym and worry about bulking up. It's just amazing!"
In the words of the young Captain America, Eric heard both complaints and gratitude. But Hollywood is such – having a role is already a stroke of luck, many actors don't even have that.
"Chris, a little muscle won't hurt. There's a physique called 'fit in clothes, muscular without them,' like mine. It's the perfect balance," Eric smiled. "Besides, you have a unique temperament. Try growing a beard someday and adopting a more mature image. You'll see something new in yourself."
Chris frowned, trying to imagine himself with a beard, but decided it was worth trying in his free time.
Not far away, James McAvoy approached to say hello. He was supposed to play a small role as a computer genius who would play a key role in intercepting the Decepticons' signal.
James' role was minor, only seven to eight minutes of screen time, part of which was in crowd scenes.
He appeared on screen less often than Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender because his appearance didn't suit a soldier's role.
However, he had one advantage – he didn't need to undergo exhausting military training. His friends complained about the high intensity of the training, claiming it exceeded what was on the set of "Band of Brothers."
Tom Hardy said his legs were covered in blisters, although what exactly caused them, no one knew.
"James, your partner will join the crew in a few days, you'll need to get along," Eric said.
"Who is it?" James asked.
"Chloe Sevigny. Have you heard of her?"
James tried to recall but, not finding this name in his memory, shook his head, deciding she was probably a newcomer.
However, Eric's next words stunned him.
"She was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. True, she mostly acted in independent films, so her name isn't very well known."
"What? An Oscar? How old is she?"
"I think she's about twenty-six or twenty-seven, a bit older than you. Chloe wants to break into mainstream cinema through 'Transformers.' Although she will be playing a cameo role, she will give it her all. You'll have joint scenes, so now the pressure is on you."
James looked worried. The idea of acting with an Oscar-nominated actress seemed daunting to him.
Eric patted him on the shoulder, smiling encouragingly:
"But I believe in your abilities. Think about how a computer genius, a hacker, should look and behave."
Then he called Chris Evans over:
"You two are best friends in the film. After training, go out for a drink together, do manly things."
Chris, already accustomed to such dynamics, responded:
"How about tonight? I know a nice spot nearby."
James shrugged:
"Why not?"
Eric stayed at the training base for two days and then left, leaving the direction of the shoot to Patty Jenkins and Neill Blomkamp. He had another important task.
...
In New York, his plane landed at Kennedy International Airport. Leaving the terminal, Eric saw a familiar silver-white Panamera.
Elin, clearly dressed up for the occasion, looked at him through stylish glasses:
"Get in."
Bam!
"Where are we going this time?"
"That depends on whether you want to rest first or work."
"I think it's better to work first; it will be more beneficial for all of us."
"Hmm, I didn't expect you to be so determined."
"Determined? Oh, no, darling, that's only for you!" Eric smirked, touching her thighs.
Elin coldly smirked:
"If it weren't for the fact that you helped me earn several million dollars, I would've devoured you alive!"
"Only a few million? You must not trust me. Invest all your fortune, and you'll earn much more."
"Don't mention it, or I'll get angry. You must compensate me for the losses!"
"Hey! Do you hear yourself? I'm your benefactor who helped you earn millions!"
"But I helped you earn even more, didn't I? And I promise you'll enjoy it."
"Can you hint at what you're planning? Or what interesting ideas do you have?" Eric looked at her intrigued.
Elin threw him a seductive glance:
"I have two nieces; they're very beautiful and eager to meet you."
After that, Eric realized something interesting awaited him.
"Damn work!" he exclaimed.
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