NovaKnight: Holy fucking shit! Troy doesn't give a damn anymore, does he? [Troy 2.0] is burning hot. For the guts required to launch it when he did, hats off to the man. 24k Magic and Starboy are some of the best tracks I've heard in years.
SereneDreamer: I'm amazed that he launched it so quickly after the backlash, as if he knew it was bound to happen sooner or later. Whatever the case, this is Troy's best album to date. To all the haters who swore he peaked with [Echoes of You], where are you now?
SimplestGuy: The album may be good, but that doesn't change the fact that Troy Armitage is rolling in billions while hundreds of thousands of families are homeless. Sure, he pledged a big portion of his income for relief efforts, but that won't solve a crisis created by greedy individuals like him.
LunaBliss: You're a fucking idiot, @SimplestGuy. Go watch Troy's video again, where he explained the financial crisis. He benefited, yes, but he didn't cause it. Hundreds of others made fortunes, too, yet no one else stepped forward to be charitable. Did Bill Gates? Warren Buffett? Larry Page? Steve Jobs? Anyone? No. And that alone makes Troy ten times better than those so-called philanthropists.
FireStarter12: Ignore that troll, @LunaBliss. Focus on the music Troy just blessed us with. I've had 'Die With a Smile' on repeat all week. I've lost track of the number of times. That song deserves every Grammy coming up.
PatAttack: No way! It's good, but [24k Magic] is better. And it fits perfectly with the whole Harry Potter vibe. If those movies weren't so serious, it would work brilliantly. Imagine tweaking the lyrics: "Witches! What y'all tryna do?"
NovaKnight: Lol, now I can't unsee it. Just picture Harry barging into Hogwarts when Snape is headmaster and breaking into, "Pop-pop, it's showtime, Guess who's back again?"
TinFoilHatExpert: Guys! Check this out: [link]. The Wall Street Journal just revealed Troy's big Hollywood move. He's actually bidding for Sony Pictures. My man is tossing billions around like candy.
LunaBliss: *Gasps* Whoa… this is huge.
(Break)
Teen Billionaire Troy Armitage Creates Waves in Hollywood, Making an $11 Billion Play for Sony's Film and Music Arms
Also Secures Long-Term Digital Rights from Paramount and Fox
Hollywood was buzzing yesterday with one of the most sensational announcements the industry has ever seen. Teen billionaire Troy Armitage, widely regarded as the richest teenager in history and currently the fourth richest person on the planet, has formally submitted an $11 billion bid to acquire Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment from Japanese electronics giant Sony Corp.
The atmosphere in Los Angeles is electric, with speculation running rampant in executive offices, on studio lots, and across late-night dinner conversations. If the deal goes through, it will mark one of the largest entertainment acquisitions in recent memory, made all the more extraordinary by the fact that Armitage is just nineteen years old.
The transaction is still subject to regulatory review in both the United States and Japan. Even so, industry insiders close to the negotiations are confident that the deal is effectively sealed. If finalized, it would represent a full-circle moment for Sony Pictures. Back in 1989, Sony Corporation acquired Columbia Pictures for $3.4 billion, a move that was controversial at the time because it symbolized a Japanese company taking control of one of Hollywood's legendary American studios. Now, nearly two decades later, Sony's entertainment division appears poised to return under American leadership, albeit through a British-born wunderkind with dual citizenship in both the U.K. and U.S. thanks to his American father.
Sony Pictures is one of Hollywood's "Big Six" studios, boasting blockbuster successes such as [Spider-Man 3] and [Hancock]. Sony Music, meanwhile, is home to some of the most celebrated artists of the modern era, including Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, and Alicia Keys.
In a separate but equally stunning development, Armitage's private holding company, Phoenix, has quietly secured agreements with Paramount Pictures, owned by Viacom, and 21st Century Fox to acquire perpetual streaming rights to their combined film and television libraries. The Paramount deal is valued at $1 billion, while the Fox agreement has been struck for a staggering $4 billion. The higher price tag for Fox reflects its ownership of valuable adaptation rights to Marvel Comics properties, including [X-Men], [Daredevil], and [Fantastic Four], which were returned to Marvel Studios, wholly owned by Phoenix.
With Sony's film assets under his control, Armitage would be in possession of nearly the entire Marvel catalog of characters, unifying them under one banner for the first time in decades. The only outlier would be [The Punisher], whose rights remain with Lionsgate. Comic book fans across the world are hailing this as a masterstroke, a consolidation that could reshape the superhero film landscape for generations.
Yet not everyone is convinced. Many industry experts argue that Armitage is vastly overpaying for a market that has yet to prove itself. At present, online streaming accounts for only a fraction of home entertainment revenue, with most consumers still relying on physical discs or cable on-demand services.
"It's a bold move into an unproven market," explained Karen Liu, media analyst at Horizon Research. Speaking from her New York office, Liu cautioned, "Streaming is still experimental at best. The only way this deal becomes profitable is if technology and consumer habits undergo a dramatic shift. That is unlikely in the short term, though not impossible in the long run."
Legal analysts believe the acquisition may face less resistance than traditional studio mergers, since Armitage's holding company is not itself a major entertainment conglomerate. The separate streaming deals with Paramount and Fox are also expected to clear regulatory review with ease, given that online video remains a relatively small niche in the media ecosystem.
Away from the boardroom, Armitage continues to dominate the cultural conversation. Just last month, he released his third studio album, [Troy 2.0], which is shattering sales records globally. Early calls for boycotts from internet detractors fizzled quickly in the face of his fiercely loyal fanbase. Critics have praised the album as his strongest work yet, a remarkable achievement given that his first two albums both went triple-diamond and are already considered some of the most iconic records of the era.
From music charts to movie studios, Troy Armitage is not just playing the Hollywood game. He is rewriting its rules.
(Break)
I looked up from the folded newspaper resting on the table. Dad, Bobby, and Andrew were all watching me closely, as if waiting for my reaction to the article.
"Is everything in this article true, or do I need to know anything else?" I finally asked.
"It is mostly accurate," Dad replied evenly. "With one exception. Murdoch was unwilling to budge from $4 billion, so I asked for rights to one of Fox's franchises. He refused to part with any of their established series, but after long negotiations, he agreed to include [Percy Jackson and the Olympians] in the deal. That deal is folded into the $4 billion. The news outlets probably didn't pick up on it, since the franchise seemed minor compared to everything else."
I nodded slowly, taking that in. "Okay. And what about the antitrust committee? Will they approve these transactions?"
"They should," Bobby answered, leaning forward. "We don't own a distribution company comparable to Sony, so there's no conflict there. As for the streaming rights purchased from Paramount and Fox, no one considers streaming significant enough to regulate right now. It will pass in a few months at most. Even if we had succeeded in buying rights from the other three studios, regulators wouldn't object since the rights are non-exclusive."
That made sense. It was the foundation of my gamble. By the 2020s, the combined streaming libraries of the six studios could be worth hundreds of billions. The same logic was why Disney, Warner, and Universal would later roll out their own platforms like Disney+, Max, and Peacock. At least I had halted Paramount+ and Hulu before they became prominent.
"What about the other three? Disney, Warner, and Universal?" I asked.
Andrew spoke up this time, his tone cautious. "Universal is negotiating hard. They know what we're trying to do, so they've raised their price. They want $1.75 billion for the entire NBCUniversal library. We've countered with $1.1 billion. Disney, on the other hand, isn't budging at all. They've shown no interest in selling, even when we offered $2.5 billion. Their library is too extensive for them to part with."
"Keep pushing them," I said firmly. "Both of them. Bring Universal down as much as possible, but you both know I'll pay the $1.75 billion if needed. That deal must close before the year ends. As for Disney, ask for their number and negotiate from there. We need those rights at all costs. What about Warner?"
Andrew hesitated, then glanced at Dad.
Dad cleared his throat before answering. "We haven't made an official offer yet. Are you certain you want to pay them billions, given everything?"
"Yes," I said without hesitation. "This isn't personal. It's business. And Warner's library is second only to Disney's."
Dad considered me for a moment before nodding. "Fine. I'll open talks. But keep in mind, they may ask you to commit to films you previously discussed, or even reprise your role as the Joker in [The Dark Knight] sequel."
"You're not returning!?" Bobby blurted out, before realizing how distressed he sounded. His face flushed, but I couldn't help chuckling at his sentiment. He'd often told me how much he admired my performance and how much he was looking forward to the sequel.
"I'm weighing my options," I said with a small smile, before turning back to Dad. "Warner doesn't yet know what I'm planning. Make the offer first. Once the deal is done, we'll decide whether to continue working with them or not."
Dad gave a thoughtful nod. "It will take months, perhaps half a year, before these agreements are finalized."
"I know," I said, leaning back in my chair. "Good thing I have a movie to shoot in the meantime."
(Break)
January 2009, Hawthorne's Keep, U.K.
Scarlett rose on her tiptoes, her face lit with a confident smile even as sweat dripped down her temples. She began to spin, each turn sharper than the last. Across the rehearsal hall, Peter Darling, Troy's old choreographer from [Billy Elliot], barked instructions with unrelenting energy.
"Magnificent! Keep your eyes on the prize, Scarlett. You can do this!"
Training for [Black Swan] was the most grueling challenge she had ever faced. The long hours and endless repetitions had stripped fifteen pounds from her frame. She had torn a ligament, dislocated her shoulder, and collapsed into bed night after night with aches in places she never knew could ache. Yet she never once complained.
She kept going.
"Alright, that's enough for today, Scarlett," Peter called out.
But she didn't stop. Her muscles screamed for rest, yet she pushed harder, determined to finish the routine in a single flawless sequence.
"Scarlett, you'll—"
"Let her do it," Troy's voice cut across the room, steady and commanding. "She has to. And she will."
Though she didn't turn toward him, a warmth spread through her chest at his unwavering faith in her. It gave her the fuel to push further, to spin faster, to reach the very edge of her endurance. She twirled and turned, losing herself in the rhythm until, finally, she collapsed into the final stance: arms arched above her head, feet crossed on the polished floor.
Silence. For a moment, no one breathed. Then, thunderous clapping filled the studio. Scarlett turned, her vision blurring from exhaustion, and found herself face-to-face with the man who had captured her heart. Troy's grin was broad and full of pride as he pulled her into a tight embrace.
Scarlett surrendered to the strength of his arms, her body limp with exhaustion. If it had been anyone else, she might have felt self-conscious. But with Troy, she knew she was safe. He would never let her fall.
"That was amazing," he whispered into her ear, his voice low and certain.
"I don't believe you," she panted, her breath ragged. "You tend to be overly generous with praise."
Troy shook his head, though he did not release her entirely. His grip around her waist was firm, keeping her from crumpling onto the floor.
"If you don't believe me, ask Darren and Peter," he said, glancing toward the two men observing from the sidelines.
Darren Aronofsky stepped forward, his arms crossed as he studied her with an approving eye. "I must admit, Scarlett, you have surprised me. When I agreed to your casting last year, I had my doubts. But you've shown a grit and passion I don't think anyone else could have matched. And with Natalie perfectly suited for Lily, the two of you will make this film sing."
Scarlett finally found her voice. "Thank you, Darren. I couldn't have done it without you and Peter."
Peter waved away her gratitude with a fond smile. "It was all you, love. I can only show the ropes. It takes heart to bring it alive, and you've done that." He turned toward Troy and added with a grin, "No offense, but she's my favorite pupil now."
Troy chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Of course she is. I couldn't have danced as relentlessly as she just did. And don't forget, this was only practice. The real shooting hasn't even begun yet."
Scarlett grimaced at the reminder. If training had drained her this much, she could only imagine the torment of performing on camera.
Troy released her gently before turning back to the others. "I think we'll call it a day. Scarlett will meet you both in New York next week as scheduled."
Despite the end of the session, neither Troy nor Scarlett moved. Darren and Peter packed their things and slipped out, leaving the rehearsal space quiet. Scarlett still leaned heavily against Troy, her body too weary to stand on its own.
The moment the door shut, Troy bent down and swept her up in a bridal carry.
"Woah, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice tired but edged with surprise.
"You can barely stand," Troy replied, his tone half-gentle, half-stern. "How will you make it to our bedroom like this? Don't argue. I know you're pushing yourself to the limit for this role, and I won't try to stop you. As an actor, I understand the need to give everything. But you can't deny me the right to take care of you afterwards."
He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead as he carried her through the quiet corridor toward their room.
Scarlett's chest tightened with warmth. Love. That was the only word she could put to the feeling that spread through her heart in that moment.
"So what's your plan for tomorrow?" Troy asked after a pause. "Want to come with me to LA?"
"Nope," Scarlett answered without hesitation. "I'm happy right here. I need to rest as much as possible before heading to New York for [Black Swan]."
"But it's the Golden Globes," Troy reminded her. "I'm nominated. And one of your films is up as well."
"But I'm not," Scarlett replied bitterly. "I'm never nominated. It's like I'm not good enough."
"You are," Troy said fiercely, his eyes flashing. "Don't chase other people's validation. If they recognize you, fine, but never go looking for it. That just makes you a punchline. Look at Leonardo DiCaprio. Everyone knows he wants an Oscar, and it pushed him into doing nothing but Oscar-bait for years. Or Ronald Chump and his obsession with the Nobel Peace Prize."
"What?" Scarlett frowned, scratching her chin in confusion. Troy had a habit of dropping strange references sometimes that went straight over her head.
"Forget it," he said with a wave of his hand before softening his tone. "Even if you're not nominated, you should still show up for your film. Or just come as my date for the night."
Scarlett sighed, shaking her head. "I'm bone tired, Troy. I'd love to go with you, but I need to rest before shooting starts next week."
Troy let out a short huff. "Fine. I'll take Mum along. By the way, when am I meeting your folks?"
Scarlett chuckled softly. "They're in New York. Visit me on set sometime, and I'll take you to meet them."
Troy considered that, then nodded. "I have about a month left on [Harry Potter], and you'll be filming for about three months. Once I'm wrapped, I'll come visit you."
"I'd love that," Scarlett said as they reached their bedroom.
Troy laid her gently on the bed and leaned down to kiss her lips with quiet affection. "Rest. And don't overdo it. I know how much this means to you, but I can't watch you tear yourself apart in the name of art."
"Yes, Mr. Armitage," Scarlett said with a mock salute.
Troy chuckled as he straightened. "I've got some packing to do. I'll leave you to your thoughts."
As he slipped out, Scarlett lay back against the pillows, her mind drifting despite her exhaustion. The Golden Globes loomed large in her thoughts. Troy had stunned the industry with his nomination for Lead Actor (Drama) in [The Dark Knight], a role many critics had dismissed as supporting. Meanwhile, she had been overlooked entirely for [Vicky Cristina Barcelona], while Penélope Cruz received all the critical acclaim.
Still, Scarlett knew she would be cheering Troy on, even from afar. He already had several Globes, so another would not change much, but every win built momentum. And if Troy Armitage did not walk away with an Oscar for his performance in [The Dark Knight], then no one else deserved it either.
________________________
AN: Visit my personal website to read ahead, or check out my second Hollywood story set in the 80s.
Link: www(dot)fablefic(dot)com