The investigation against Dunn hadn't been lifted yet, but the big papers seemed to have gotten some insider scoop. Their tone softened—no more harsh jabs at Dunn, just a lot of hand-wringing about the stock market crash. Still, the paparazzi and reporters camped outside Dunn Films didn't budge an inch.
Since the PR crisis hit, this was Dunn's first time facing the press head-on. Flanked by staff, he even agreed to a quick interview. Before the reporters could fire off questions, he took charge, his face icy. "I reserve the right to sue over all the false rumors flying around!"
"I know tons of people are watching me right now, but I believe the truth will shine through! The FBI's investigation will wrap up soon, and I trust the feds will protect my rights. As for those outlets spreading lies—if they keep slandering me or my company, I'll hit back with the full force of the law!"
Most of the crowd were entertainment reporters, not exactly thrilled by heavy talk of crime and legality. They were here for the juicy Hollywood gossip—that's what sold!
"Mr. Walker, Jerry Bruckheimer, Hollywood's golden producer, just ditched his deal with Dunn Films on the *Blade* project. What's your take?" one piped up.
Dunn stood tall, cool as ever. "Just a work disagreement. Maybe Mr. Bruckheimer bought into some of the media's fake news. No biggie—losing one partner just opens the door for a bigger one."
"Bigger partner?" The reporters erupted, buzzing with excitement. At a time like this, with even Universal keeping its distance, could a major player really step up for Dunn—beyond just some A-list stars?
His expression didn't flicker. "Yup. In fact, we're headed to Warner right now. I've got a meeting lined up with Warner Bros' president, Alan Horn, to hammer out a deal on *The Hobbit* project."
"Warner?!" The crowd gasped, jaws dropping.
Before merging with AOL, Time Warner was already the world's top media giant. Now, its market value dwarfed the No. 2, Viacom, by over $300 billion. In Hollywood, everyone knew—though no one said it out loud—that Dunn was getting crushed by Disney and Fox's tag-team assault. But if Dunn Films teamed up with Warner, backed by the colossal Time Warner empire, even Disney and News Corp combined wouldn't stand a chance!
Could this kid actually pull through this mess?
---
Alan Horn was a movie content genius, a cut above even Bill Mechanic. Dunn liked him a lot and had long dreamed of poaching him. But Alan was Warner Bros' vice chairman and president—Dunn Films wasn't big enough to lure him yet.
As Warner's movie content boss, Alan had seen some *Hobbit* footage and loved it. He had a gut feeling Peter Jackson was about to spark a fantasy film craze with this series! And *The Hobbit* was right up there with *Lord of the Rings* in the fantasy pantheon. Better yet, *Rings* had just 3 films, while *The Hobbit* stretched to 7!
If Warner could partner with Dunn Films to fully develop this classic, it'd rake in billions over the next decade. So, the talks went smooth as butter—Warner wanted it, Dunn needed allies, and the deal clicked fast.
Warner Bros put up $80 million, Dunn Films tossed in $70 million plus *The Hobbit* rights, splitting the pie 50-50. Total investment: $150 million to shoot the first film together.
"Dunn, Warner needs the distribution rights," Alan said after they'd nailed down production splits.
Dunn frowned slightly. "That's tricky. We've got a deal with Universal—they get distribution for Dunn Films' movies for the next three years."
"But this film…" Alan grinned slyly, "we're co-funding it, right?"
Dunn feigned a struggle. "How about this: Warner gets North American rights, and Universal keeps overseas? It's fair—Dunn Films owns half the movie, so Universal deserves half the distribution."
Alan's sharp eyes glinted mysteriously before he chuckled. "Dunn, your days lately haven't been too smooth, huh?"
Dunn sighed dramatically. "Yeah, out of nowhere the FBI's on me, and now I've got Disney and Fox breathing down my neck. Tough times for anyone."
"Out of nowhere? I heard you made a killing on Nasdaq—enough to make Wall Street jealous," Alan teased, waving it off. "As for Disney and Fox… seems your pal Universal hasn't been much help."
Dunn shrugged helplessly. "What can I say? Universal's big backer is crumbling, and as a movie company, they can't slug it out with those media titans."
Alan nodded, pleased, his smile widening. "So you need a new partner."
"But… I'm locked into that Universal contract."
"That's your problem to fix. At least for this project, Warner's getting distribution," Alan said, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face.
"What if…" Dunn raised an eyebrow, glancing at him, "Warner offered something Universal can't? Then handing all distribution to Warner Bros wouldn't be off the table."
"Oh? Like what?" Alan smirked, playing coy.
They were both sharp—knew the real stakes here—but neither would tip their hand first. Whoever showed their cards too soon would lose leverage.
Dunn drooped his face. "This PR crisis—Disney and Fox are a nightmare to deal with!"
Alan burst out laughing. Dunn cursed inwardly—*old fox!* He was still green at this negotiation game and had room to grow. But good thing *The Hobbit* was always meant as a "bribe" for Warner anyway.
"This project's got tons of sequels coming. Let's sign a deal—Warner gets first dibs on co-production and distribution," Dunn said, making a bold concession.
"Perfect." Alan beamed, crow's feet deepening. "As partners, Dunn Films' image ties to Warner's interests. Anyone hurting Warner's bottom line? We won't play nice."
Dunn exhaled quietly—that was the guarantee he'd been fishing for!
"Oh, one more thing—could use your help, Mr. Horn," Dunn added casually, like it just popped into his head.
Alan smiled. "Of course, if I can swing it."
"Just a quick word," Dunn said lightly, as if it barely mattered. "You know I bought Marvel Entertainment, but a bunch of superhero rights are still floating out there. Warner's New Line Cinema's got *Blade*'s rights. We tried getting them back, but hit some big roadblock."
Alan didn't flinch. He *knew* this story!
*Blade* had flopped at the box office, and New Line had been itching to dump the rights back to Marvel—why waste $500K a year on a dead project? But Alan had stepped in, sensing Dunn wasn't as simple as he seemed. Warner had been sidelined on *Blade*—until this FBI mess flipped the script. Now, Warner had snagged *The Hobbit* deal out of nowhere. Jackpot! *The Hobbit* blew *Blade* out of the water in fame!
With the partnership locked, Alan had no reason to block *Blade*'s return anymore. Warner had DC Comics—*Blade* was small fry to them.
"That so?" Alan feigned shock, brows twitching. "Leave it to me, Dunn! One week, and I'll make sure *Blade* comes home!"
Dunn put on a "thrilled" look. "Really, Mr. Horn?"
"Absolutely!"
---
On the ride back, Ella Fisher sulked while Dunn was all smiles. "What's up, Ella? Who ticked you off?" he teased.
She huffed. "Dunn, didn't we… get played?"
"Huh?" He blinked, caught off guard.
Ella gritted her teeth. "That Alan Horn—he's shady! Grabbing half the rights wasn't enough; now he's after distribution too? That's just bullying!"
Dunn cracked up laughing.
Ella stomped her foot. "You're laughing? I can't believe you're this soft! If it were me, no way I'd bow to them. Warner's not *that* great!"
Dunn shook his head, grinning, his gaze drifting out the window. "Play me? Hmph, the guy who can pull one over on me hasn't been born yet."
"Hmm?" Ella's eyes flickered, words catching in her throat.
Recalling Dunn's usual tough streak, she half-got it, a cloud of confusion swirling in her mind. "Wait… is he setting Warner up? No way—*The Hobbit*'s rights are legit…" She bit her lip, totally stumped.