After leaving the set of The Walking Dead, Eric stepped onto the neighboring set where Legally Blonde 2 was being filmed. This project began in mid-January, and since it was a sequel, the crew already had some experience. However, Eric hadn't paid much attention to it since he wasn't the one who had made the decision to greenlight the project. The producers had updated him twice on the production progress, but he hadn't delved deeply into it.
Today, he suddenly remembered that the lead role was played by Reese Witherspoon, Hollywood's well-known "sweetheart." The first Legally Blonde film in 2001 had turned her into a star. In 1999, she was still playing Rachel's sister on Friends, while Jennifer Aniston was America's recognized "sweetheart."
But by 2001, their careers had diverged: Aniston remained on the small screen, while Witherspoon spread her wings on the big screen.
On set, Eric met Reese Witherspoon. They shook hands—it was their first meeting.
"Reese Witherspoon, just call me Reese," she said with a sweet smile. There was something both childlike and mischievous about her small face.
"Eric Cooper. Nice to meet you, I'm sure we'll become friends soon," Eric replied.
After letting go of Reese's hand, he asked, "Where's the director? Where's Charles Herman-Wurmfeld?"
The assistant director quickly answered, "He's in the restroom; apparently, he ate something bad yesterday."
"I hope it's nothing serious. He should see a doctor if needed; the shoot can wait."
Eric's concern was genuine, and his attractive appearance didn't betray the ruthless capitalist within. Those who had been with MGM for a while knew that on his first day, he'd fired half of the company's senior management. But on set, his kindness seemed sincere.
Reese Witherspoon thanked him: "Eric, I've been wanting to thank you."
"For what? This is our first meeting. We're not childhood friends, are we?" he asked with a smile.
Reese laughed. "Of course not. I heard you turned down many projects when you took over. I'm grateful that Legally Blonde wasn't cut."
Eric realized that Legally Blonde was now Witherspoon's flagship project, and his refusal to proceed with the sequel could have ruined her career.
"Reese, you earned it. If I rejected some projects, it was because they weren't good. But you're exceptional, and I have high hopes for your future."
Hearing this, Witherspoon's pupils noticeably narrowed, and Eric noticed her hands suddenly trembling.
Realizing his mistake, Eric quickly added, "I mean your acting talent."
Reese forced an awkward smile, and Eric decided it was time to leave. At that moment, director Charles Herman-Wurmfeld came out of the restroom, clutching his stomach. He wanted to greet Eric, but Eric was already heading for the exit.
In the car, Eric recalled the Me Too movement from before his time travel. Many Hollywood actresses had shared their stories of harassment, and the movement eventually led to Harvey Weinstein's downfall.
Reese Witherspoon, who later became a producer, also spoke about her unbearable past. Without the support of influential people, a beautiful girl in show business could get into terrible situations. At the age of 16, when she came to an audition, she faced sexual violence. When she told her agent about this, he showed absolutely no sympathy, saying that she needed to get used to such "rules of the game."
Without the backing of influential people, a pretty girl in show business could find herself in horrific situations. At 16, during an audition, she experienced sexual assault. When she told her agent, he showed no sympathy, saying she should get used to such "rules of the game."
Because she refused to play by those rules, she didn't get good roles for a long time. But even then, she still faced sexual advances until Legally Blonde elevated her to a new level.
At this point, ordinary directors and producers could no longer impose the industry's unwritten rules on her, but Eric was different. He had enough power to make her comply.
Eric understood that his words, "I have high hopes for your future" might have reminded her of her traumatic past.
Two days later, Frank Darabont brought a rough cut of the first episode of The Walking Dead to the MGM office. This time, Eric's father was also able to attend the internal screening. The rough cut of the first episode was 45 minutes long. Although the apocalyptic atmosphere wasn't fully polished yet, that could be fixed in post-production. However, these minor flaws didn't matter much—the fast-moving zombies didn't give viewers time to think.
After the screening, everyone applauded Darabont. Even the initially skeptical head of marketing, Wulff, was impressed and expressed his approval.
Eric gave Darabont a thumbs-up. "Frank, like I said, I never doubted your abilities!"
Darabont laughed: "Haha, it's all thanks to the excellent script and MGM's financial backing. Investing $40 million in a single series is something. Many star-studded films can't get that kind of funding."
"And I feel like The Walking Dead might be my best work since The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile."
Eric looked around at those present. "Any comments? Speak up now."
Everyone remained silent.
"In that case, contact HBO, Showtime, Starz, AMC, FX, and all the other cable networks. I want their offers within a week."
Wulff nodded, "No problem, I'll have results for you soon."
"And don't forget to tell them that MGM is counting on this series for Emmy consideration, so the release timing is crucial too."
"Got it!"
When everyone left, only Eric and his father remained in the room.
"Dad, how's the progress with Dualstar Entertainment?"
"Everything's on track. I've been in touch with a private equity firm; they're experts in these kinds of deals. We should have results soon."
"And one more thing, Eric. I heard from Kenny that you asked him to reach out to some people in Silicon Valley. What's your plan? Are you getting into tech development?"
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