From the audience's perspective, this was actually a bit unethical, since a film didn't complete its story. But for the film companies, it was simply a result of maximizing profits.
Another film related to Gilbert was Pixar Animation Studios' Kung Fu Panda 2, which had just been released.
In addition, there were films like The Hangover 2, Cars 2, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, X-Men: First Class, Sherlock Holmes 2: A Game of Shadows, Green Lantern, and a series of other releases.
With such a powerful summer lineup, Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol was pushed to December.
Although Gilbert mentioned that Green Lantern was a soft target that could be "taken lightly," Cruise clearly didn't want his flagship series to suffer a serious hit.
The Harry Potter series achieved massive success, and Gilbert held a banquet at Melon Estate to celebrate, inviting the main creative team.
Director David Yates and the Gryffindor trio all attended, as did executives from Disney and Warner Bros.
"Let us raise our glasses together to celebrate the success of the Harry Potter series," Gilbert said, holding his glass and toasting with everyone present.
Emma Watson, whose public image was that of a well-behaved girl who doesn't drink, had a little at this occasion.
After drinking, she gained confidence and directly acted as Gilbert's companion for the evening.
Everyone else understood the situation, pretending not to notice, all aware of the relationship between Emma Watson and Gilbert.
The only one feeling a bit down was Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley. As Hermione grew even more beautiful, Rupert found himself increasingly infatuated.
He had once tried to date Emma Watson, but outside of work, she barely spoke to him.
Now Rupert realized it had all been one-sided; she had long since found a powerful support.
Rupert felt a bit heartbroken—such is the reality of the world. For a moment, he felt disheartened and considered stepping back.
However, Rupert wasn't the focus of attention, nor were Haley or Emma Watson—the real center was Gilbert.
After the brief toasts, it was time for socializing. Paul Collins, head of Warner Bros. distribution, approached Gilbert.
"Gilbert, what do you think if I become the CEO of Warner Bros.?"
"What's the matter? Is the board unhappy with Ms. Kelly Ross's work?"
"More than unhappy, it's unbearable. Within the company, some have always opposed, feeling losing you from Warner would be a huge loss."
Paul Collins spoke confidently: "I've always believed that you and Warner grew together. If I become CEO, I'll definitely return to the collaboration path with Melon Studio."
Gilbert politely exchanged a few words and then dismissed Paul Collins.
At that moment, Charlize Theron happened to be home and asked, "What did Paul Collins want from you?"
"He asked me to support his bid for Warner Bros. CEO," Gilbert replied.
Charlize, curious, asked, "But you're almost stepping down from Warner's board. How would you support him?"
"It's simple. He's playing the card of my support during the competition. All I need to do is express my stance, and naturally, people will choose him," Gilbert explained.
Charlize nodded in understanding and asked, "So what will you actually do?"
"A daughter who's married is like water that's been spilled—hard to recover," Gilbert said, shrugging. "Things have already reached this point; there's no turning back."
"So you don't have faith in Paul Collins?"
"Of course not."
Gilbert moved past the topic: "I heard you took a role in a film called Snow White and the Huntsman. You already know about it?"
"Yes, Chris told me," she said.
Chris Hemsworth was also starring in Snow White and the Huntsman, filming it right after The Avengers.
"Why did you take this role? And you're playing a villain again."
In her previous life, Charlize Theron had also accepted this film, but now the circumstances were different.
In this timeline, Charlize Theron, though not as pioneering as Julia Roberts, was still part of the $20 million salary club.
In her past life, despite her immense fame, Charlize Theron hadn't performed particularly well in terms of commercial success. Even as an Oscar-winning actress, Hollywood ultimately speaks in terms of box office results.
But now things were different. Thanks to Gilbert's strong support, Charlize Theron had starred in multiple commercially successful films and was a leading actress.
With this status, taking on Snow White and the Huntsman, playing a supporting role to Kristen Stewart, was somewhat puzzling.
However, Charlize Theron's answer was surprisingly reasonable: "Because the producers offered me a $20 million salary."
Hearing this, Gilbert's tightly furrowed brow relaxed, and he nodded slightly.
Due to the economic crisis and the diminishing box office pull of big-name actors, not many productions could offer a $20 million salary.
Charlize Theron suddenly smiled mischievously: "And, don't you want to see your beautiful queen crush poor Snow White?"
Gilbert laughed: "That I am very interested in, my queen."
Charlize Theron leaned close to Gilbert's ear and whispered: "I've seen the queen's outfit. I know you like this set, and I'll wear it for you. I'm going to drain you, as my revenge."
Gilbert knew Charlize was referring to Song Hye-kyo's situation, and it was rare that she hadn't lost her temper with her personality.
After the banquet, Emma Watson stayed behind that evening. Charlize Theron, uninterested in competing with her, went to sleep first, leaving Emma to endure alone.
After a vigorous round of activity, a sweaty Emma Watson lay across Gilbert's chest, drawing circles.
Gilbert stroked Emma Watson's golden hair and suddenly remembered something: "Emma, would you be interested in playing a yuri character?"
Emma Watson blinked in surprise: "What's a yuri character?"
"Uh, a female homosexual character," Gilbert explained.
Emma was even more puzzled: "Are you planning an indie film?"
"No," Gilbert clarified. "Remember Cyberpunk: Edgerunners?"
"Of course I remember. I'm a loyal fan," Emma responded.
Emma then realized: "You want to make a cyberpunk film?"
"Yes, though not immediately. If you're interested, there's a character that's very unique and perfect for you," Gilbert said.
Emma Watson's eyes lit up: "I'd love that. Save that role for me."
"Hahaha, okay," Gilbert agreed.
For Gilbert, making a cyberpunk film was somewhat risky, but the success of the series Edgerunners gave him confidence.
More importantly, as older film series gradually came to an end, Melon Studio needed to find a new film franchise.
Rehashing films can only last so long; at some point, you have to take risks and stop relying on past success.
Perhaps one day, Gilbert could transform from a representative of original films into a director whom the media only saw as relying on remakes and adaptations.
Of course, Gilbert could also take bigger risks and genuinely make original films.
..
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