The Box Office King of Hollywood

Hearing Matthew's question, Orlando Bloom immediately made a decision. It made no difference if Matthew found out about this a few days earlier or later, but the difference was significant between hearing it from him and learning it from the media.

He could have easily shifted the responsibility to the production crew and Universal Studios. An ordinary minor star couldn't question the production crew or Universal Studios, especially in matters involving future promotion and confidentiality. Even Stephen Sommers wouldn't casually discuss such matters with outsiders.

For instance, during negotiations with the production crew, a producer representing the crew had mentioned a condition: both parties must maintain a unified front and keep confidentiality clauses, publicly claiming that Universal Studios had considered him for the lead role from the beginning.

Orlando understood the motive behind this. It was nothing more than leveraging his current popularity to attract more fans of Legolas to the movie "Van Helsing."

In a brief moment, countless thoughts flashed through Orlando Bloom's mind before he addressed Matthew's question.

"It's not that I'm interested," he said calmly. "Matthew, I came today not just to congratulate you, but also to discuss something else."

Matthew cooperatively asked, "What is it?" His casual demeanor suggested ease, "We're friends; just tell me if you need help."

A hint of guilt flashed in Orlando's heart. "I… um, received an invitation last month." He glanced at Matthew, who still looked genuinely open and trusting, and the guilt grew stronger as he continued, "Universal Studios and the production crew invited me to play the role of Van Helsing. Stephen Sommers even took me out to dinner to discuss this."

"Uh…" Matthew was momentarily startled, then understood that Orlando was speaking his mind and asked, "Did you accept?"

"Not yet…" Orlando hesitated before adding, "My agent is very keen, and has been in touch with Universal Studios and the production crew. I knew you were interested in this role and have been hesitant."

He spoke as if it were the truth.

"What's there to hesitate about!" Matthew seemed unbothered, "Just take it if you should!"

Orlando looked at Matthew, "Aren't you also interested…"

"I've told you, the executives at Universal Studios don't think my appeal matches a $160 million production," Matthew said, Universal Studios still didn't think his fame and status were fitting for an A-list project, "My chances of getting the role of Van Helsing are slim."

Orlando knew Matthew was telling the truth; his agent had been dealing with Universal Studios.

Matthew's tone changed as he spoke, "Orlando, the reality is what it is. If you can get the role, I'll be happy. We're friends, aren't we?" He sounded even more genuine than Orlando, "Isn't that how friends should be?"

"Yeah." Orlando nodded subconsciously.

Suddenly, he felt overwhelmed with guilt, realizing that their friendship was why Matthew had invited him over, why he shared personal and confidential information with him, and why Matthew had no guards up around him. And it was their friendship that led Matthew to encourage him to take the role.

Thinking about how much Matthew valued their friendship and comparing it to his own actions, Orlando felt particularly remorseful.

But he couldn't express these feelings, which added to his frustration.

"Matthew…" All of Orlando's thoughts condensed into a single sentence, "Thank you!"

"You're too polite," Matthew switched to a joking tone, "I'm still waiting for you to become an A-lister. With a friend like you, won't I have more opportunities?"

After saying this, he laughed, and Orlando joined in.

Their conversation flowed smoothly until Orlando left to meet with Stephen Sommers and several executives from Universal Studios.

Not long after Orlando's departure, Helen Mirren arrived and took the seat he had vacated.

"Why do I feel there's always something secretive between you and Orlando Bloom?" Helen Mirren glanced at where Orlando had been and suddenly asked, "You… don't have that kind of interest in him, do you?"

"What?" Matthew's eyes widened in surprise, "Interest in him? Don't joke, I'm very straight, and always will be."

Though Hollywood was filled with gay and bisexual people, he was determined to stick to heterosexuality.

Matthew steered the conversation back, "I got some not-so-good news from a friend and was just trying to get information out of Orlando Bloom."

"Did you get it?" Helen asked casually.

"Of course!" Matthew lowered his voice, "Universal Studios and the production crew have decided to cast Orlando Bloom as the lead in 'Van Helsing'!"

"What?" Helen seemed incredulous, "Are you sure?"

Matthew spoke earnestly, "It should be true. Orlando Bloom's agent has already started negotiations with the production crew. I guess Universal Studios will announce it soon."

Helen's voice turned somber, "I was negligent. I've been mainly focused on 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and overlooked this production."

"That's fine," Matthew saw an opportunity and added, "Both projects and roles were conflicting anyway. Now we can focus on one role."

"That's the only way now."

Though Helen spoke these words, she decided to verify the truth. If it was true, she would let go.

She knew her limits and couldn't make Universal Studios change their decision on such a large project.

Quickly adjusting her mood, Helen said to Matthew, "There are no promotional events for 'The Scorpion King' after tonight. Once it's over, forget 'The Scorpion King'. Starting tomorrow, we'll fully focus on 'Pirates of the Caribbean'!"

"Great!" Matthew wholeheartedly agreed with Helen, "We'll do everything possible to get that handsome swordsman's role."

But it wasn't easy to instantly shift focus from 'The Scorpion King', Matthew's first leading role. The prop sword he had used and later received as a gift from the crew still hung in his living room. Additionally, the box office of 'The Scorpion King' was something he couldn't ignore.

By early June, 'The Scorpion King' had been screened in North American cinemas for ten weeks. As a typical fast-consumption movie, its box office potential was exhausted, and it successfully withdrew from the last few cinemas, leaving Universal Studios with an impressive $115.67 million.

Just through the North American market, Universal Studios had recovered the production and marketing costs, even turning a small profit.

Internationally, the movie was released in over eighty countries and regions, with overseas box office nearing $75 million. According to Universal Studios' estimate, the final overseas box office should be between $85 to $90 million, unlikely to exceed $100 million.

For Matthew, this was also good news. Even $85 million was enough to push the global box office of 'The Scorpion King' over the $200 million mark.

$100 million in North America and $200 million globally were significant for him as the leading actor of 'The Scorpion King', greatly benefiting his bid for a role in 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.

These could be directly converted into his capital.

After 'The Scorpion King' was out of cinemas, Universal Studios immediately released the DVD and VHS, but Matthew didn't pay much attention to these less direct metrics. He only heard that the sales were decent.

In fact, finding work in Hollywood might seem complex, but the film industry's evolution has made it relatively simple – as long as you can bring profit to the production crew and movie company, you'll be popular.

Why do Hollywood companies make movies? Surely no one would say it's for art or to elevate humanity's culture; it's ultimately for profit.

Apart from the box office of 'The Scorpion King', Matthew also paid attention to another matter. In early June, the 'Van Helsing' production crew officially announced that they had signed a contract with the popular actor Orlando Bloom to play the lead role.

At the same time, British actress Kate Beckinsale was confirmed as the female lead.

The English rose, after her lead role in 'Pearl Harbor', had a clear upward trajectory, moving from the second tier towards the first. If 'Van Helsing' succeeded, Hollywood would see a new A-list actress.

Unfortunately, many stars fail in their leap from the second tier to the first, not only struggling to reach the first tier but also risking their second-tier status.

Also, in early June, Disney, under Walt Disney Company, and Jerry Bruckheimer Films held a joint press conference, officially announcing a fantasy adventure action film based on Disney's 'Pirates of the Caribbean' ride, with a budget of $140 million.

Like 'Van Helsing', the announcement of such a mega-project caused a strong reaction, becoming the focus of attention both inside and outside the industry.

As everyone knows, Jerry Bruckheimer's involvement often guarantees success. For actors aspiring to climb higher, riding on Jerry Bruckheimer's coattails is definitely a shortcut to fame.

Matthew completely put 'The Scorpion King' behind him, collaborating with his agent Helen Mirren to fully compete for a major role in 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.

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