The Box Office King of Hollywood

For Hollywood's third-tier stars, landing the lead role in a project with a production budget of around $25 million is no easy feat. This represents a precious resource for them, especially when a renowned producer like Sean Daniel personally extends an invitation, making it even more valuable.

However, Matthew is not like the average third-tier star. He has Jerry Bruckheimer's strong support, and "Pirates of the Caribbean," where he plays one of the lead roles, has already been completed. If all goes well, once "Pirates of the Caribbean" is released and becomes a blockbuster hit, he will solidly move up to the second tier.

Moreover, he and Helen-Herman are also eyeing Jerry Bruckheimer's new project, which is another super production with an investment reaching the hundred million dollar level.

If the visitors were anyone other than Sean Daniel and Zack Snyder, he would have already signaled Helen-Herman to find a way to decline.

Sean Daniel has an impressive track record, with his recent four or five projects perhaps receiving mixed reviews but invariably achieving commercial success, making stars out of many actors.

For Matthew, he owes a debt of gratitude. Although this is a circle that values business interests, personal relationships cannot be overlooked.

As for Zack Snyder, Matthew's considerations are even broader.

Compared to Sean Daniel, who only knows the past and is unclear about the future, Matthew remembers Zack Snyder's future success to some degree. An advertising director's rise to fame in Hollywood after switching careers at least proves that Snyder's first film was a success, likely bringing significant profits to the film company, or else he wouldn't have access to such good resources later on.

If Zack Snyder's first film had failed, even if he were a super genius in the advertising world, it would be difficult for him to get a second chance in Hollywood.

The problem is, he hasn't seen Zack Snyder's first film and doesn't know the specifics.

But a reliable producer and a director who should be reliable, along with a script tailored specifically to him as the main character, sounds quite promising.

More importantly, he knows Zack Snyder will later produce a widely acclaimed action classic with significant impact. Establishing a cooperative relationship with Snyder now would definitely be beneficial for future collaborations.

For example, his participation in "Black Hawk Down" left a good impression on Jerry Bruckheimer, which later helped him secure the role of the Blacksmith.

There are definitely risks, but who can guarantee a film's 100% success? Not even Jerry Bruckheimer, right?

Matthew is still considering. While the film's budget isn't as attractive as a hundred million dollar production, it has its benefits. It's easier to break even at the box office, and if it does, it will be classified as a success by the production company according to Hollywood's general rules.

A successful box office means great benefits for the lead actor.

However, he has always kept silent on the matter, as such things are best handled by an agent.

"Matthew, Helen, we've had very pleasant cooperation before."

Sean Daniel knows Matthew Horn and Helen-Herman are smart enough to guess some things without him saying them, making his statement seem more sincere, "The reason I'm seeking Matthew instead of anyone else, aside from our past cooperation and the trust in our friendship, includes another consideration."

He looked at Matthew and then at Helen-Herman, saying, "We're friends, so I don't want to hide anything from you. The remake of 'Dawn of the Dead' won't start shooting until August or September at the earliest, with a release planned for early next year, by which time 'Pirates of the Caribbean' will have been released."

Helen-Herman, of course, understood the implication behind his words, saying, "But 'Pirates of the Caribbean' might also fail."

"However, based on my judgment, it's more likely to succeed," Sean Daniel appeared very candid, "All investments carry risks, but I believe the risks here are not significant."

Some things don't need to be spelled out; everyone involved is intelligent.

Sean Daniel seems to have adapted well to the current situation's dynamics. Previously, he had an absolute dominant position when dealing with Matthew, but now he needs to approach Matthew with a sincere attitude...

In fact, he is very aware that finding a third-tier star with a unique situation like Matthew's is quite difficult now.

Although it's clear he's hoping to leverage the potential heat from "Pirates of the Caribbean," Sean Daniel's honesty makes it hard for people to feel offended, especially for Matthew, contrasting sharply with Fox-Sherman's evasiveness.

Facing an old acquaintance like Sean Daniel, Matthew couldn't remain silent forever. After exchanging a glance with Helen-Herman and seeing no objection from her, he said, "Sean, we're friends and were close partners before. I also hope to continue working with you."

As Helen-Herman suddenly placed her cup on the coffee table with a slight noise, Matthew knew she was reminding him to be cautious. He added, "But without a script, I can't give you an immediate response. Can we wait until I see the script?"

His attitude was equally sincere.

Helen-Herman didn't speak. Matthew's initial remarks might have been a bit much, but his subsequent careful and considerate approach demonstrated his sincerity while also leaving room for maneuver.

Sean Daniel pondered for a moment and said, "That's possible. Once the first draft of the script is completed, I'll have someone contact you immediately."

Although he didn't receive a commitment from Matthew, this outcome was still quite good, essentially achieving the goal of his visit. He is very clear that the current Matthew is no longer the minor actor from "The Mummy Returns" and "The Scorpion King," nor can he be measured by the standards of a third-tier star. With "Pirates of the Caribbean," a likely successful blockbuster, as his backing, Matthew should be treated as a quasi-second-tier star.

His words were mostly sincere, such as the market research by Universal Studios showing after the release of "The Mummy Returns" and "The Scorpion King," Matthew's positive image and charisma were very popular, especially among teenagers, the main consumer group in the film market.

Once Matthew becomes a second-tier star, his drawing power will surely rise sharply, bringing more attention to a somewhat niche genre like "Dawn of the Dead."

This is why he's willing to risk offending George A. Romero by rejecting his script and starting from scratch.

Compared to the soon-to-be-rising star Matthew Horn, George A. Romero is considered outdated among the youth, who are the main body of the film market.

For the next half hour, both parties chatted some more before Sean Daniel and Zack Snyder took their leave, with Matthew and Helen-Herman escorting them to the agency's front door.

"Matthew!" Zack Snyder said to Matthew before leaving, "I'm really looking forward to working with you again."

"Me too," Matthew responded warmly.

If all goes well, Zack Snyder will shine brightly in the future. Not to mention the superhero movies, "300" seems to have received good reviews and box office results, which also fits his acting style.

He vaguely remembers that movie being a work from several years later. Although it's a historical epic, not taking on new historical roles in the next few years shouldn't pose too many restrictions by then.

This is where Matthew's advantage lies. Other third-tier stars with a super resource like "Pirates of the Caribbean" and the potential to continue clinging to Jerry Bruckheimer's coattails might outright dismiss Sean Daniel and Zack Snyder, but he values the future more.

Becoming a superstar requires building up success film by film.

Not everyone is as lucky as Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, who soared to fame after the Titanic sank. Of course, if both were to board the ship again in the future, it would still sink, overwhelmed by their combined weight.

The classic line could even be altered: "You. fat, I .fat!"

"Matthew..."

Back in the office, Helen-Herman interrupted Matthew's wild thoughts, "What are you thinking?"

Matthew sat down on the sofa, crossed his legs, and said, "This came a bit suddenly, and without a script, I think we should wait. Seeing the script before making a decision isn't too late." He pondered for a moment, then added, "Sean is a very reliable producer."

"I agree," Helen-Herman returned to her desk, "Although Sean isn't a top-tier producer, he's among the first-tier producers who have far more successes than failures. And his recent projects have all achieved box office success without exception."

"Helen, what do you think?" Matthew asked directly.

"I have three concerns," Helen-Herman said outright, "First, director Zack Snyder is a complete novice in filmmaking! Second, the film is a remake, which carries certain risks. Third, zombie movies are not a mainstream genre in Hollywood."

Matthew nodded; Helen-Herman's points were very realistic.

Then Helen-Herman added, "Of course, the advantages are clear. First, the producer, Sean, is very reliable, which is the foundation for a film's success. Second, the film has a ready audience; there's a large group in North America who enjoy zombie movies. As long as the film is of good quality, box office success shouldn't be a problem. Also, the film's budget is not high, so there's less pressure to break even."

She tapped her fingers slowly on the desk, saying, "The last point, if the male lead's role is prominent and the film succeeds, it can prove your ability to carry the box office on your own, which 'Pirates of the Caribbean' does not offer."

Matthew was seriously considering Helen-Herman's words. There were some things he simply couldn't mention to her, like how establishing a good relationship with Zack Snyder might warrant accepting this invitation.

"Let's wait for the script," Helen-Herman said naturally, "Giving Sean a response before 'Pirates of the Caribbean' is released would be very foolish."

She then changed the subject, "In a few days, it's Disney's carnival. Don't forget to attend."

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