[Chapter 776: Breaking Out]
According to the preliminary plan for MGM's Spy Movie Universe, the entire series would involve brands like 007, Charlie's Angels, Mission: Impossible, and The Bourne Identity, with potential expansions into more spy film franchises in the future.
The first phase of the Spy Movie Universe would primarily focus on three developed series. This phase was set to include at least ten films. In order to keep audiences engaged and interested, the crossover of storylines among the three film series would be deliberate and gradual, ultimately assembling in a manner reminiscent of Marvel's Avengers in the original timeline.
Following MGM's established movie schedule, Charlie's Angels 2 was set to debut in the summer. Since Charlie's Angels worked under Charlie's detective agency, which was not a government organization, the film would maintain its standalone narrative for the time being. However, it would feature Easter eggs connected to the Impossible Mission Force (IMF) plots involving Ethan Hunt.
The release of Mission: Impossible 2 at the end of the year would officially mark the beginning of the entire Spy Movie Universe plan. In the currently filming Mission: Impossible 2, Ethan Hunt would aim to dismantle a criminal plot operated by a rogue faction of Spectre organization and thus discover the larger hidden global organization behind it. The U.S. government, having gained this intelligence, recognized the terroristic threat this organization posed to global security and shared the intel with allied nations' security agencies, hoping to unite efforts to combat the Spectre group's worldwide influence.
As such, an Easter egg in Mission: Impossible 2 would feature M introducing James Bond to information regarding the Spectre organization sourced from the CIA.
The plot of Casino Royale was both connected to Mission: Impossible 2 and provided a fresh starting point.
With the collapse of the Soviet Union, James Bond found himself without his longtime nemesis after decades of conflict. Furthermore, after the betrayal of his former ally, 006, in the last film, Bond grew disheartened and even entertained thoughts of retirement. M, of course, refused to let her best agent walk away and instead sent Bond off to the Panama Islands for a vacation.
In Panama, Bond's notorious charm got the better of him once again as he unexpectedly attracted the attention of a married woman. Unbeknownst to him, her husband was a minor member of the Spectre organization. When Bond inadvertently interfered, the small-time crook's operation failed, and the all-powerful Spectre organization quickly identified 007's involvement, leading to the brutal execution of the couple under the mistaken belief that they had betrayed their group.
The tragic death of his temporary romantic interest stirred Bond into action. He resolved to dig deeper into the matter just as MI6 received intel about the Spectre organization that Ethan Hunt had uncovered in Mission: Impossible 2. During his undercover investigation, Bond's unauthorized use of MI6 channels drew M's attention, revealing that his experiences were also connected to the shadowy Spectre organization.
M summoned Bond back and showed him all the gathered intel about the Spectre organization. Based on leads MI6 had obtained, M determined that a major gambling scene in a royal casino in Montenegro was likely related to the Spectre organization. As a result, Bond was dispatched to Montenegro to participate in the high-stakes gamble.
The new 007 film could be regarded as a fresh start. Additionally, this sequel would serve as James Bond's rebirth, as he would embark on his journey anew after experiencing profound love and rediscovering a fighting purpose.
...
The scouting for locations was chiefly managed by the Broccoli siblings, while Eric focused his main efforts in Los Angeles on casting for the new Bond film.
Although the lead roles had already been confirmed, Casino Royale still had many supporting roles that required Eric's personal oversight.
"Thank you for coming in for the audition today, Mickey. I'll have someone notify you of the results soon," Eric said as he stood and shook hands with the man in front of him, who appeared to be in his forties.
This middle-aged man, who seemed to always carry a smirk, was Mickey Rourke. He had once been a leading man in Hollywood during the 1980s and shot to fame with the 1986 film 9 1/2 Weeks.
Unfortunately, Mickey Rourke's career had faltered since then. Although he was handsome, his looks lent themselves more to villainous roles, thus making it difficult for him to land leading parts in major studio films. Eric's memory of Mickey primarily involved his performance as Whiplash in Iron Man 2.
Today's audition coincidentally featured a role akin to the character Chip from the original Casino Royale. Although there had been significant plot changes, Chip's role was standout in the original, leading Eric to retain the essential aspects of this character.
Mickey Rourke released Eric's hand, saying, "I'm honored to be part of this audition, Eric. I'm really looking forward to working with you."
After seeing Mickey out, Eric returned to his seat and asked his production assistant, "Is there anyone else lined up after this?"
The production assistant shook his head, responding, "Mr. Williams, it's already 5:30. Mickey Rourke is our last audition for the day."
Eric glanced at his watch and nodded. "In that case, let's call it a day and continue tomorrow."
The auditions hadn't yielded many suitable candidates today. While Mickey Rourke was perfectly able and visually fit the villainous role, Eric needed someone whose demeanor was solely brooding, not merely someone who appeared sinister.
The original actor for Chip, Mads Mikkelsen, was just starting his career and wasn't even thirty yet, making him similarly unsuitable for the role.
...
Upon exiting the audition room, Eric climbed into his car and left the studio, heading back to Malibu.
He had another engagement -- though, technically, it wasn't quite a date.
When his assistant had forwarded Miranda Kerr's email to him, Eric hadn't thought much of it and simply replied to the girl from his personal email. This had led to frequent communication from the crafty young lady, who sent him messages every other day. Eric hadn't blocked her, treating their occasional conversations as a break amidst his work.
Recently, Miranda Kerr had arrived in the U.S. with her mother, Therese, and Eric had agreed to their visit, which was today.
By the time Eric arrived at Liberty City Manor, night had already fallen.
As his car reached the estate's entrance, he spotted two women -- one older and one younger -- standing by the side of the road.
He instructed the driver to stop, then stepped out to greet them.
Miranda Kerr ran over excitedly upon seeing Eric.
"Didn't we say seven o'clock? Why are you here so early?" Eric lightly embraced the girl and smiled.
After hugging Eric, Miranda linked her arm through his, speaking affectionately. "My mom and I were worried about being late, so we came early. Oh, Eric, this is my mom."
"Hello, Ms. Kerr," Eric said as he shook hands with the older woman.
Watching her daughter cling to Eric, Therese raised an eyebrow, wanting to pull Miranda over but ultimately refraining, recalling Eric's status. She maintained a smile as she shook Eric's hand, saying, "Hello, Mr. Williams."
"Just call me Eric," he replied. "Shall we head inside? Let's get in the car first."
As he spoke, Eric politely opened the car door for Therese, a small gesture that pleased her and sparked a touch of vanity given Eric's stature as a global billionaire.
Miranda didn't need Eric to say much; she hopped into the car the moment her mother was seated. The car was spacious enough that having three people in the back didn't feel cramped.
As the estate gates opened and they drove in, Miranda took in the grandeur of the famous manor while inquiring curiously about some details.
"Eric, this place is so big! Do you live here all alone?"
Eric shook his head. "Well, it's not just me. Drew comes by occasionally."
At the mention of Drew's name, Miranda's eyes lit up with excitement as she exclaimed, "I'd love to meet Ms. Barrymore! I'm a huge fan of hers; I've seen E.T.!"
Eric chuckled. "She'll definitely like you too."
When they arrived at the seafront villa, Eric got out and instructed the estate's chef to prepare dinner while leading the mother-daughter duo into the villa.
"Wow, it's huge! It's like a museum!" Miranda exclaimed as she stepped inside, her eyes wide as she admired the art pieces adorning the walls.
Eric merely smiled and guided them to the lounge near the glass wall. "Have a seat. I'll go make some coffee."
Therese, feeling a bit reserved, watched her daughter's exuberance, wanting to scold her but fearing a breach of decorum in front of Eric. The opulence of the estate weighed heavily on her.
...
As Eric turned to leave, Miranda sprung up from her seat. "Eric, can I help you?"
"Of course," Eric replied with a smile, leading her to the small bar in the corner. "If you don't like coffee, there should be other drinks in the fridge."
Miranda pointed to a bottle of red wine on the shelf and eagerly asked, "Can I try some of that wine?"
Eric shook his head with a laugh. "No way, your mom is here."
Miranda Kerr snatched the coffee pot from Eric, playfully asking, "Does that mean I can have some when my mom isn't around?"
Eric replied, "If your mom isn't here, I wouldn't dare let you have wine."
"Why not?"
Eric joked, "Women after drinking tend to go crazy. I'm afraid you might take advantage of me."
"Ha! I wouldn't!" Miranda giggled, twisting her slim waist in her snug sweater, playfully throwing Eric a coy glance. Changing the conversation, she asked, "Eric, how's the movie coming along?"
Understanding that Miranda was primarily concerned about the role, Eric replied, "We're still casting, so you'll definitely have to wait a few months."
"I'm not in a hurry," she shrugged, not showing any signs of disappointment over such a minor role.
After all, he had promised her more roles in the future, but she understood there was no need to press it urgently.
There would be plenty of time ahead.
They both completed the coffee and returned to the sofa.
...
Eric allowed Miranda to serve them, and as they settled back on the couch, he initiated small talk. "How was the drive, Mrs. Kerr?"
"Very good," Therese responded, accepting the coffee cup from her daughter. "We didn't expect the weather in Los Angeles to be this cold. Miranda and I almost caught colds."
"Ah, it's actually much better now. If you were in New York, you'd feel even worse; it seems like it's snowing there again," Eric commented.
Miranda made herself a cup of coffee and snuggled up next to Eric, saying, "It's kind of funny, isn't it? Australia is so hot right now, but New York is getting snow."
"You'd find it less amusing if you went to experience it yourself," Eric chuckled.
After some casual conversation, Therese realized that it wasn't the right time to discuss business during dinner, so she took the initiative. "Eric, Miranda has mentioned a few things to us -- about becoming a contracted actor at Disney. I'd like to confirm that with you in person."
Eric briefly paused, taken aback. He had initially only agreed to help follow up on a few job opportunities for her, but he had never promised Miranda that she was going to become a contracted actor at Disney.
Moreover, the girl before him, who looked to be at least sixteen, didn't align with the majority of Disney's actor criteria. Disney generally favored petite and adorable talents, much like Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera, both of whom stood around five feet tall even as adults. While Miranda fit the cute category, she was simply too tall.
Glancing over at Miranda, who was blinking her big eyes up at him with a pitiful expression, Eric suddenly understood. She likely wanted to associate herself with Disney in order to dodge her parents' worries about her maturity. After all, most people associate Disney with children. Plus, while the girl may have already blossomed, partnering with Disney at her current age would make the most sense.
After realizing all this, Eric subtly turned to Therese. "Aside from the small role in Casino Royale, I think Miranda is well-suited for a role in a television project that Disney Channel is set to film soon."
Although it was a bit of a stretch, Eric wasn't worried about his fabrication unraveling. Disney Channel produced numerous teen dramas and telefilms every year; if necessary, they could easily slot Miranda into any of those productions.
*****
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