The autobiography American Sniper was released in mid-February. After gaining momentum for about a month, it exploded in popularity by late March, spending two consecutive weeks at the top of The New York Times bestseller list. The book attracted widespread attention from both the media and the public, turning Chris Kyle into a national celebrity.
At the same time, another book co-written by Chris Kyle, American Guns: A History of the U.S. in Ten Firearms, was also published, recounting his experiences with ten iconic weapons.
In addition to starting a business and writing books, Chris Kyle dedicated himself to helping veterans overcome PTSD. He co-founded a nonprofit organization called the "FITCO Cares Foundation" and launched the "Heroes Project," which provided rehabilitation equipment, personal training, life support, and psychological counseling for injured and traumatized veterans.
All of this made Chris Kyle even more of a public figure.
Such bestselling autobiographies were worth far more to Hollywood than original screenplays, and both Kyle and American Sniper inevitably became targets for many mid-sized Hollywood production companies and producers.
Matthew saw the value in Chris Kyle's unique story, and it was clear others saw it too.
However, due to Taya Kyle's involvement, negotiations between Bella Anderson and the Kyles for the rights to the autobiography had yet to reach a formal agreement.
Like anyone else, Chris and Taya Kyle wanted to maximize the value of their assets.
Many producers and representatives from Hollywood studios approached Chris and Taya Kyle, all vying for the film rights to American Sniper.
"Taya, Matthew's offer is already quite reasonable," Chris Kyle said as they entered a private club. "Five million dollars for the rights is the highest bid we've received, and without Matthew's push, there wouldn't even be this autobiography."
He emphasized, "Matthew is also a partner in our military contracting company. I think we should give him priority for the rights."
Taya Kyle shook her head. "This is business, darling." She lowered her voice as someone walked by. "Chris, your story is one-of-a-kind, irreplaceable. Once we sell the rights, that's it. We should get the highest possible price."
Chris Kyle felt a little dissatisfied. "Matthew's offer is quite sincere."
"Sincere?" Taya Kyle scoffed. "That's only because he sees your value and wants to get close to you!"
"It's not like that," Chris Kyle said, holding firm to his positive impression of Matthew.
But after serving for ten years and feeling guilty for not being more present with his family, he decided not to argue further.
When the people around them had moved away, Taya raised her voice slightly, saying, "Darling, have you ever considered this? Matthew Horner is a left-winger. Why would he want to befriend a conservative from Texas? It's all about the benefits!"
Chris Kyle didn't agree with this reasoning; he believed this wasn't about politics, but about personal connections.
"Besides," Taya continued, "others are offering higher prices. Why should we tie ourselves to Matthew Horner?"
"That's why we're here, right?" Chris Kyle replied, feeling a bit resigned.
They soon arrived at a small, detached house and met with an intermediary from the publisher, who introduced them to the person they were meeting with.
"Taya, Chris, this is Harvey Weinstein, head of The Weinstein Company," the intermediary said. "Harvey, this is Chris Kyle and Taya Kyle."
After exchanging brief pleasantries, the intermediary excused himself, leaving the three to talk.
"I've been following American Sniper closely," Harvey Weinstein began, displaying the same arrogance and dominance that marked his interactions in Hollywood. "I'm very interested in adapting it into a film."
Chris Kyle frowned slightly. Even high-ranking generals at the Pentagon didn't speak to him with such a tone.
Taya Kyle gently squeezed her husband's hand, reminding him that this was a business setting, not the military.
"Mr. Weinstein," Taya said calmly, "many studios are interested in the film rights to American Sniper."
Harvey Weinstein had done his research. He knew that several mid-sized companies were vying for the adaptation rights, though none of them were as powerful as The Weinstein Company.
"We're very sincere in our interest," Harvey said, though his domineering attitude remained. "I'm willing to offer $3 million to buy out the film rights to the autobiography."
Three million dollars? Taya Kyle remained composed, calculating silently. Since this was Harvey Weinstein's initial offer, there was still room for negotiation. If they could push the price past $5 million, it would be worth considering.
Chris Kyle's frown deepened. He glanced at Weinstein, finding the man's sleazy appearance and blatant arrogance off-putting. Compared to Matthew's calm demeanor, the difference was stark.
Was Weinstein more famous than Matthew? Did he have more resources?
But Chris stayed silent, letting Taya continue the negotiations.
Taya and Weinstein talked for a while, but it became clear that Harvey wasn't inclined to raise his offer. Instead, his tone carried an air of condescension, as if he believed they should feel honored to have him handle the film adaptation.
The $3 million offer didn't even match Matthew's bid, leaving Taya Kyle unimpressed.
"You need to understand," Harvey said confidently, "working with The Weinstein Company is a rare opportunity. Together, we can create an Oscar-winning film. Autobiographical films are always strong contenders at the Oscars."
He then dangled an empty promise in front of them. "I'll personally ensure the film is pushed for major Oscar awards. If we win, the film will gain global recognition."
Taya glanced at Chris, who remained impassive.
Perhaps due to his success at the Oscars, Harvey was brimming with overconfidence. "Mr. Kyle, once we win those awards, you'll become a global icon!"
"Oh..." Taya replied dryly. "If there's that much Oscar potential, shouldn't the rights to American Sniper be worth more than $3 million?"
Harvey's offer of fame without substance did not sway her.
Her comment irritated Weinstein. He waved his finger dismissively, speaking with disdain, "Without my involvement, American Sniper wouldn't stand a chance at the Oscars!"
Negotiations typically involved a mix of threats and promises, with both sides eventually reaching a compromise.
But Chris Kyle wasn't your typical businessman. He had survived the horrors of war and had no patience for drawn-out talks with someone he found repulsive.
Before Taya could respond, Chris shook his head and said, "There's no need to continue this conversation."
"Chris..." Taya also found Weinstein distasteful, but she still saw room for negotiation. "We…"
Chris, the Texan cowboy, stood up immediately. "We're leaving."
Taya, despite wanting to maximize their profit, respected her husband's decision and didn't argue in front of others. She also stood up.
"You'd better think this through!" Harvey Weinstein's face darkened with frustration. "If you pass on The Weinstein Company, it'll be hard to find a better deal."
Chris Kyle glanced at him coldly. "No need." He couldn't stand the man and added, "There are plenty of studios in Hollywood."
Weinstein smirked. "But not many can offer top dollar for the rights."
Taya knew this was true, but she also knew there was already a higher bid on the table, giving her confidence.
She valued tangible rewards over vague promises of future success.
Seeing that neither of them was budging, Weinstein said, "You should reconsider. A partnership with The Weinstein Company is a win-win. But if you go elsewhere…" His tone turned subtly threatening. "I can guarantee that if you sell the rights to someone else, your film will have no chance at the Oscars."
At the hint of a threat, Chris instinctively reached for his waistband, but Taya quickly grabbed his hand, unsure if he was carrying a gun.
Chris gave Weinstein one final look before taking Taya's hand and walking out without looking back.
As the Kyles left the private club, Matthew, sitting in his office, received news of the meeting.
"You're sure?" Matthew asked Bella Anderson, sitting across from him. "The Kyles met with Harvey Weinstein?"
Bella nodded seriously. "No doubt. The message came from the editor in charge of American Sniper at the publishing house. Another editor acted as the go-between."
Matthew leaned back, intertwining his fingers on the desk. His distaste for Harvey Weinstein deepened.
"Call the Kyles," Matthew instructed Bella. "Feel them out. I'll figure out how to deal with Harvey Weinstein."
Neither Matthew nor Ronan Farrow was ready to launch a full-scale attack on Weinstein just yet.
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