"Did anyone tell us the reason why Will Smith refused?" Gilbert asked.
Akiva Goldsman, who was serving as both the screenwriter and producer, hesitated for a moment, looked at Gilbert, and didn't dare to speak.
"Why? Does it still have something to do with me?"
"Yes. Will Smith said he didn't want to work with you," Akiva Goldsman, finally revealed everything. "I went to see him in person. Mainly, his wife, Jada Smith, was opposed."
Gilbert was curious. He had no grudges or conflicts with the Smiths, so he asked, "What's the reason for the opposition?"
"They didn't say, but I think it has a lot to do with you."
"Ridiculous." Gilbert was speechless. "Since Will Smith doesn't want to act, we'll find another actor!"
"Alright, do you have someone suitable in mind?" Akiva asked.
"Let me think…" Gilbert tapped the table, pondering.
The characters in I Am Legend weren't many, so the lead actor's role was crucial. Hiring a newcomer or a second-tier actor wouldn't be able to carry the box office.
So the film definitely needed a first-tier male star with box office appeal. Choosing Will Smith was purely because he had played the role in the previous version of the film.
But now that he didn't want to participate, Gilbert wouldn't force it. Hollywood had no one who was indispensable—except for Gilbert himself.
If ignoring star power, Jason Statham was quite suitable. Dwayne Johnson could also work, though he was a bit bigger in size and more imposing.
After some thought, Gilbert said, "Call Brad Pitt's agent and see if Mr. Pitt is interested."
Akiva nodded. "Alright, I'll contact him."
After Akiva left, Gilbert thought for a moment and called Sophia. "Hey, Sophia, what have you been busy with lately?"
"Gilbert, you never care about me," Sophia said from the other end, clearly busy. "I just finished directing Marie Antoinette and am aiming for the Oscars.
I was just about to call you to talk about something."
"What is it?" Gilbert asked curiously.
Sophia hesitated for a moment before saying, "I heard a rumor… about you."
Gilbert frowned. "What rumor about me? Aren't there enough rumors about me in Hollywood already?"
"No, this one is detailed. I heard there are even witnesses," Sophia said anxiously. "Do you know Jade Smith?"
"Yes, Will Smith's wife. Is it related to her?"
"Yes. Recently, there's a rumor that during the filming of The Matrix 2, you molested her on a trailer."
"????" Gilbert's mind was full of question marks. "Me? Molest her? How is that possible?"
"I also think it's impossible, but this time there are witnesses. I heard there are even photos," Sophia asked cautiously. "You didn't really do it, did you?"
"What did you say?" Gilbert was furious. "I would molest a woman like that? She's so ugly."
Seeing Gilbert's angry tone, Sophia believed him. "I knew it. Your taste has always been refined—beautiful face, big assets, long legs. How could you possibly fancy someone like Jada Smith? And molest her? You just wave your hand, and countless women offer themselves…"
"Enough," Gilbert said, exasperated. "I'm calling you to ask if you could check with Nicolas to see if he's available to star in a movie I'm producing."
"What movie?"
"I Am Legend, a film adaptation of a post-apocalyptic novel. I think Nicolas is perfect for it."
"Okay, I'll ask him." Sophia agreed immediately, then added worriedly, "Gilbert, be careful. With your current status, not many dare to mess with you. Whoever dared to manipulate Jada Smith against you must be extremely powerful."
"Thank you, Sophia," Gilbert said gratefully.
Sophia was risking a lot to give this tip, showing she was on his side.
"Then thank my father. He asked me to notify you," Sophia said. "He wants you to have time to grab a coffee."
"Alright, once this is done, I'll definitely visit personally," Gilbert promised.
The Italian faction still stood on his side, which reassured Gilbert. However, this baseless accusation still troubled him—who exactly was planning to target him?
Back at the Melon Estate, Naomi Watts, Charlize Theron, Jennifer Connelly, and others were present.
Gilbert also called in his agent, Sheena Boone, his PR manager, Marco Wald, and his cousin, now an executive at the Fruit Group, Ellie Mays.
Once everyone had arrived, Gilbert recounted what he had heard from Sophia to the group.
Everyone exchanged looks, incredulous at what they were hearing.
Naomi Watts frowned. "Isn't this a bit too outrageous? Who would even believe this?"
PR manager Marco Wald said, "Smart people won't believe it, but the public is easily manipulated by opinion, and it can quickly become accepted as fact."
Jennifer Connelly added, "It's not just a matter of public opinion—we're not worried about that. We have the advantage with online media, and several influential print outlets are on our side.
The problem is being sued, and the prosecutors cooperating with them."
Sheena Boone nodded in agreement. "Yes, Gilbert. Whoever is going after you this time definitely has support from Washington."
"What's the motive?" Gilbert asked.
"It's simple, cousin," his cousin Ellie Mays, who worked at the Fruit Company, explained, understanding the wealth Gilbert had quietly amassed: "They're targeting your wealth.
And they see you as someone who doesn't fit in, so this risky move is meant to take you out and divide your assets."
Marco Wald said, "Over the years, Gilbert, although you've focused on developing your career, you've neglected changes in the surrounding environment.
Hollywood isn't just Hollywood—it involves many layers, all kinds of powers mixed in. As a leading figure, your circle is too small."
Gilbert was stunned. "My circle is too small? I'm a shareholder in Warner and Disney."
"That's not enough, Gilbert. It's still not enough. You need to realize clearly that this isn't just a Hollywood problem—it's a war of capital conquest."
Marco Wald spoke gravely, "Families and conglomerates that have made fortunes in this land for hundreds of years have formed massive interest groups.
You may have risen quickly, but your foundation is unstable, and you don't network with them. That makes them uneasy."
"So you mean by not attending those chaotic parties, I'm actually angering them?" Gilbert asked.
"I'm afraid that's exactly it."
Gilbert was speechless. So wanting to avoid the limelight is a crime? The problem is those parties aren't proper anyway—they're all these messy multi-person events.
With videos and photos kept as leverage, what's the point of attending such circles?
Gilbert looked at Naomi Watts, then Charlize Theron, and finally Jennifer Connelly, who had just finished The Day the Earth Stopped and was preparing to take a break.
Just thinking about having to take his women to those parties and having them serve other men made Gilbert inexplicably furious.
"Slap!" Gilbert slammed the table. "No one will force me to compromise. Whoever tries will pay!"
Seeing Gilbert in such a rage, no one was really surprised. This was just his temper—if he were the compromising type, he would have done so long ago.
...
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