"Jennifer, are you planning to invest in this script yourself?" Martin inquired cautiously.
Jennifer Aniston and her philandering husband had co-founded a film company—Plan B Entertainment.
The company, established shortly after their marriage, included Brad's agent, Brad Grey, as a partner. It focused on investing in promising scripts and creative ideas.
"We've invested a third of the funds ourselves. For the remaining two-thirds, I'm trying to organize a partnership. Brad wanted to collaborate with Paramount, but I vetoed it. Right now, I'm in talks with Universal."
Could it be because of the rumors between Brad and Sherry Lansing?
Heh, that old woman sure knows how to play.
Martin mocked internally but kept a calm demeanor.
"Universal? Who are you in contact with—Kevin Johnson?"
"Yes, that's him."
Judging from her expression, Jennifer seemed unaware of Martin's feud with Kevin Johnson.
"Did he agree?"
"Not yet. He's dissatisfied with the share distribution and insists on having Jim Carrey as the lead, or else he won't invest."
"And I would play... Bruce?"
"Yes, Bruce."
After asking a few more questions, Martin nodded and smiled. "Okay. Forget about Universal. I'll cover the remaining two-thirds of the funding. If you don't mind me playing a character much older than myself, I'll take the role."
Jennifer broke into a smile. "Of course, I don't mind. Your portrayal of Legolas in The Lord of the Rings didn't reveal that you're only 14—that character is nearly a thousand years old. And now you're... 15, right?"
"Yes, 15."
Jennifer spread her hands. "Then there's no problem. Bruce is barely 30 in the script—much younger than Legolas."
"Then it's settled," Martin agreed. "I'll have my agent discuss the specifics of the contract with you."
"Oh, and," Martin added, "I can also help arrange distribution through Warner Bros. I doubt they'd refuse."
"Wow, that would be amazing!"
"When do you plan to start filming?"
"Mid to late next year."
"Alright, I'll keep my schedule open for it."
With business settled, the two began chatting casually.
"You like Shakespeare?"
"Yes. I admire the women in Shakespeare's works—Juliet, Portia, Ophelia. They're either gentle, wise, radiant, or devoted. Shakespeare imbued them with various admirable qualities that are truly inspiring."
Martin shook his head.
"My view is quite the opposite. I think Shakespeare's portrayal of men is far more diverse and vivid. His women, while appearing varied, actually have a single defining trait: submission to their husbands' authority. Women of that era were inevitably subordinate to men, and Shakespeare was no exception."
"In essence, Shakespeare's female characters are without true individuality. Their struggles are mere acts of submission. Though they may seem distinct, they are, without exception, living for others!"
"That's why Shakespeare's tragic female characters are more fleshed out, authentic, and open to interpretation compared to those in his comedies."
"As Heine said, Ah, this is the plight of the weak!"
Jennifer pondered this and then said in surprise, "That's a rare perspective. But now that you've mentioned it, it does make a lot of sense."
Of course it does, Martin thought smugly. This is a conclusion drawn by scholars in the future.
Jennifer and Martin enjoyed an engaging conversation, but nothing more developed between them. After finishing their coffee, they parted ways.
Martin immediately called Jeff, asking him to liaise with Jennifer Aniston.
Since Jennifer was also represented by CAA, and Jeff knew her agent, negotiations proceeded smoothly.
Back to The Lord of the Rings.
As the film's wide release began, the main cast members embarked on a promotional tour across North America.
They were divided into groups:
The Hobbits formed one group.Aragorn, Gandalf, Boromir, and Gimli formed another.Martin, Orlando Bloom, Cate Blanchett, and Liv Tyler made up the so-called "Beautiful Squad."
Martin's group focused on major cities, leveraging Legolas' popularity to promote the film.
Their itinerary included Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Las Vegas...
"Legolas! Legolas! Legolas!"
Martin's every appearance ignited fan frenzy.
Liv Tyler whispered to Cate Blanchett, "I regret joining Martin's group. He's stealing all the attention."
Cate chuckled and replied, "No worries. Just reclaim it tonight."
Indeed, the two women had discovered each other's trysts with Martin and had, on one occasion, visited his room together.
The most disgruntled, however, was Orlando.
He had joined Martin's group hoping to ride on his co-star's popularity. Instead, Martin's presence had eclipsed everyone else.
Even though Martin tirelessly introduced Orlando, Liv, and Cate at every event, the audience's eyes were glued to Legolas, ignoring the others.
After two days of weekend screenings, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring achieved a record-breaking opening weekend.
Its four-day box office (including the premiere) totaled $112.4 million, claiming the top spot in the weekly box office charts.
A four-day opening above $100 million stunned the industry.
Not even Titanic, Jurassic Park, or Independence Day had managed such a feat.
"Miracle! The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring surpasses $100 million in its opening weekend, setting a new record!"
"Dominance unleashed: The Lord of the Rings crushes all competitors with a $100 million debut!"
"Incredible! The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring breaks the North American opening weekend record, elevating Peter Jackson to the ranks of Steven Spielberg and James Cameron."
The film also performed spectacularly in international markets during its simultaneous overseas release:
UK: $14.5 million across 490 theaters, claiming the top spot and ranking second in historical opening weekends.
Germany: $7.7 million, the best opening for a non-sequel film.
Italy: $7.7 million, setting a new opening weekend record.
Australia: $7.8 million, the best debut in history.
Mexico: $14.2 million, a new record for opening weekends.
Russia: $13.6 million, the second-best debut in history.
South Korea: $16.4 million in five days, with the highest first-weekend attendance ever recorded.
For a time, the Lord of the Rings crew basked in unparalleled glory.