The Box Office King of Hollywood

"Jerry Bruckheimer?"

Matthew recalled some previous discussions, where Helen Hunt had mentioned Jerry Bruckheimer was planning a big project with Disney, prompting him to ask, "Any news about that amusement park project?"

"Disney has reached an agreement with Jerry Bruckheimer on this project," Helen Hunt said, with more definitive information this time, "They plan to create a new pirate adventure movie based on the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland, with an investment of no less than one hundred million dollars."

"A pirate movie?" Matthew asked curiously, "Pirates of the Caribbean is a Disneyland attraction?"

He had never been to Disneyland and was hearing for the first time about a Pirates of the Caribbean themed attraction there.

"It's more than that," Helen Hunt continued, "Disney had trademarked Pirates of the Caribbean long ago. If someone were to make a movie using this brand, it would infringe on Disney's copyright."

Matthew hadn't realized that the big project between Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer Helen Hunt mentioned was Pirates of the Caribbean. He could only lament that, as a poor kid, he had never visited Disneyland.

Seeing Matthew silent, Helen Hunt thought he was contemplating the pirate movie genre, "Are you worried about a pirate movie? The genre has been in decline, with 'Cutthroat Island' leading to the bankruptcy of Carolco Pictures. The risk is indeed significant, but I want to remind you, Matthew, this is a project with Jerry Bruckheimer as the producer!"

"Uh, I know." Matthew was completely unaware of the rise and fall of pirate movies in Hollywood, "Jerry Bruckheimer is a gold-standard producer, a guarantee of success."

"Projects produced by Jerry Bruckheimer have a very small chance of failing," Helen Hunt adjusted her glasses habitually, "That's why I've been keeping an eye on his new projects."

Collaborating with successful people often leads to success, a fundamental risk-avoidance strategy in Hollywood, which Matthew understood. He asked, "Is there more detail?"

Helen Hunt shook her head slightly, "So far, Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer have only confirmed the production of this film, aiming at a teenage audience with an investment of no less than one hundred million dollars. They are still looking for a suitable screenwriter to draft the script."

Matthew was somewhat curious, "They've confirmed the investment without even a script?"

"That's normal," Helen Hunt didn't find it strange, "Many Hollywood movies start with a project, then find a screenwriter to draft the script, rather than the other way around."

"No script, no characters..." Matthew spread his hands, "What should I do?"

Helen Hunt had already considered this, "Since it's an entertainment movie targeting teenagers, the characters will definitely be youthful, with handsome men and beautiful women being standard. You don't need to do much, just leave a good impression on Jerry Bruckheimer when you meet him."

Matthew nodded slightly, "I understand."

Helen Hunt added, "Given the disparity in status between you and Jerry Bruckheimer, don't try to be smart and aggressively network with him; it could backfire. I'll keep following this project and notify you when there's something you need to do."

Matthew didn't say anything, just continued nodding. In this matter, his interests were closely aligned with Helen Hunt's.

"Now that 'The Scorpion King' has finished filming," Helen Hunt sat back, arms crossed, "Matthew, you've had enough rest! It's time to get busy. This is our best opportunity. Our targets are the Disney project with Jerry Bruckheimer and the monster movie project with Stephen Sommers and Universal Pictures. Both are A-list projects."

She looked at Matthew, "In the best-case scenario, you'd land the lead roles in both projects, and both would be box office hits, propelling you directly into the ranks of A-list stars."

Hearing about becoming an A-list star, Matthew was indeed moved, but he quickly sobered up, realizing that this was just the best-case scenario, difficult to achieve.

Stephen Sommers and Universal Pictures' monster movie project was almost certainly "Van Helsing." Could his involvement change the movie? Matthew didn't think so. Even if he could participate, he'd just be an actor, unable to change such a large project.

And if he could influence Stephen Sommers and Universal Pictures, what should he do? How could he change the movie to ensure its success?

Even if he were the producer, would he know what to do?

Therefore, the lead role in this movie might be a pitfall best avoided.

As for Pirates of the Caribbean, the success of the series and Johnny Depp's rise to top-tier stardom speaks volumes.

But Matthew lacked confidence. The effeminate pirate captain wasn't a fit for him, a ruggedly handsome man taking on such a role seemed destined for failure.

Then there was the role of the blacksmith, which seemed more suitable in terms of physicality, given a blacksmith should be muscular and robust.

However, the chances seemed slim.

Upon the release of "The Lord of the Rings" series, Orlando Bloom shot to fame, firmly entering the second tier of stars.

Helen Hunt had chosen two of the most challenging tasks, one of which was virtually untouchable.

Fortunately, Stephen Sommers and Universal Pictures might not choose him, and even if "The Scorpion King" succeeded at the box office, he couldn't compete with Wolverine.

Pirates of the Caribbean was worth a try; a failure wouldn't be a loss, and success was a possibility, especially with Helen Hunt's resources and strategies.

Sitting in the office, Matthew's mind raced, wondering if "acting proactively" or "the early bird catches the worm" was the more apt description.

David Astor quickly found him a dialect coach to teach him the British accent, a relatively easy task given Matthew's basic knowledge.

At the gym, Nebojsa promised to connect him with a fencing coach experienced in training actors. Though Matthew had practiced swordsmanship under action director Tim Madison for "The Scorpion King," it differed greatly from European fencing.

His preparations would benefit him in competing for the role.

Matthew knew leveraging his slight advantage for preparation was not a waste but an enhancement of his competitive capital.

These preparations were costly, but fortunately, he wasn't short on funds.

With "The Scorpion King" paying out his entire half-million-dollar salary, Matthew had significant funds available to cover these expenses.

As December approached, putting aside other matters, he reported to the "Black Hawk Down" crew, ready to participate in the film's promotional activities in Los Angeles, including screenings and premieres aimed at securing an Oscar nomination.

Sony Pictures targeted the Oscars with the film's release pushed to January, but with screenings in December in Los Angeles to qualify for the Oscars.

All promotional efforts by the crew and Sony Pictures revolved around the Oscars.

Under contract, Matthew was obligated to participate in the film's promotion, and at his first screening, he saw many familiar faces from the shoot.

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