Michael Eisner had done some digging into Dunn and finally confirmed his ambitions.
This kid wanted to carve out his own territory in Hollywood!
Originally, Michael Eisner didn't think much of it. After all, no matter how much Dunn Films grew, surpassing Disney seemed like a pipe dream.
But then Dunn Films' movies started humiliating Disney's releases in the summer box office, one after another. And Dunn's personal schemes? They were downright infuriating!
He actually wanted to use Disney as a stepping stone to climb to the top of Hollywood!
Sure, any movie company that could trample Disney would secure a solid foothold in Hollywood—maybe even snap up Universal Studios while they were at it.
But as Disney's big boss, how could Michael Eisner let something like that slide?
When he made a move, it was always a big one—and this time, it was a ban!
Back in the day, Hollywood's top brass had issued bans before. Even a legend like Charlie Chaplin had faced one. A more recent example? Mel Gibson, a few years down the line.
But banning an entire movie company? That was unprecedented.
Michael Eisner wanted to use this tactic to send a message to Hollywood—and to Dunn—that anyone who tried to climb over Disney or exploit its reputation for their own gain would regret it.
On a deeper level, behind this ban, Michael Eisner had set two traps for Dunn.
The first trap was obvious: goad Dunn into running to the media and airing their dirty laundry.
If that happened, Disney wouldn't even need to lift a finger. The other major studios would team up and crush Dunn Films themselves.
No question about it—anyone who dared to challenge Hollywood's interests was doomed.
Entertainment circles in other countries might be seen as low-class, but not Hollywood. In the U.S., Hollywood had the most elite connections and power!
Take Kirk Kerkorian, for example. Years ago, he sold MGM to an Italian tycoon with "mafia" ties for a quick buck, throwing the Hollywood market into chaos. Hollywood fought back hard—reaching all the way to the White House—using every trick in the book to shut it down.
In the end, Kerkorian had no choice but to buy MGM back from the Italians. But by then, MGM had lost its spark in the movie game, and he was forced to turn it into a real estate company.
It wasn't until the last couple of years, with the Hannibal series and the 007 franchise, that MGM started to catch its breath again.
So, if even MGM barely survived, clinging to life, what chance did Dunn Films have? With its current strength, if the Big Six ganged up on it, it'd be smashed to pieces.
The movie market might not seem huge—its profits don't even rival TV—but Hollywood's network stretched from the White House to Congress. It was easily one of the most influential groups in America.
When reporters probed Dunn, he kept his lips sealed, firmly denying any "ban" existed.
That only reinforced Michael Eisner's hunch. All that arrogance, swagger, and bravado Dunn showed the media? Pure theater.
Deep down, this was a sharp, steady, and mature young guy.
But did Dunn think staying quiet would get him out of Michael Eisner's web?
Not a chance!
This was the guy who'd ruled Hollywood for two decades as Disney's top dog!
Now, Dunn had stumbled right into the second trap—backing down.
Wasn't Dunn's whole plan to step on Disney to prove Dunn Films' clout and influence in Hollywood? And this summer, Dunn Films had been outshining Disney at every turn.
Michael Eisner knew the "ban" bent Hollywood's unwritten rules, but only slightly. It wasn't a big deal—its impact was limited.
Especially now, with Dunn Films on fire, raking in cash with hit after hit. That kind of success was a direct threat to the authority and status of the traditional Big Six.
A little pushback? Everyone would be happy to see it.
Just like how they'd all quietly ganged up on DreamWorks a few years back.
Now, Michael Eisner was the one taking the heat, while the other five majors might publicly side with Dunn. But behind closed doors? They were all rooting for Disney to slow Dunn Films' roll.
By backing down, Dunn was clearly banking on the Motion Picture Association and the other five studios to step in and mediate.
Ha! Was that even possible?
Even if it was, any mediation would come with a timeline—maybe three months, maybe five.
A few months of pressure on Dunn Films, and even if the Big Six eventually stepped in to "resolve" things and Disney lifted the "ban," that time would be enough to kill Dunn Films' hot streak.
Plus, after months of getting pummeled by Disney with no way to fight back, wouldn't that just prove Disney's untouchable power over Dunn Films?
No matter how high Dunn Films' box office numbers climbed, it couldn't erase the fact that Disney had bullied, crushed, and stepped all over them.
That would cut off Dunn's dream of using Disney as a launchpad to soar to the top and seize control of Hollywood.
That was Michael Eisner's master plan.
Dunn and Dunn Films? He didn't even see them as a real threat. All he cared about was making sure Dunn's sneaky little scheme didn't work—ensuring Dunn Films didn't level up by riding Disney's coattails!
Just then, his secretary stepped into the office and said softly, "Sir, latest update: Dunn Films' movie Saw just got an R rating."
Normally, something this trivial wouldn't even register on Michael Eisner's radar.
But these were special times. Anything about Dunn had to be reported to him ASAP.
"What's going on?" Michael Eisner's face darkened.
"The other six reviewers all gave it an R. We pushed for NC-17, but it didn't stick."
Michael Eisner raised an eyebrow. "Even Twentieth Century Fox went with R?"
"Yep."
"Got it. You can go."
Michael Eisner waved her off, feeling a bit annoyed.
Dunn Films had been scooping up a bunch of ex-Fox employees lately. Tom Rothman should've been out for blood—so what was he playing at?
Michael Eisner mulled it over for a while, then chuckled to himself. "Fine by me. Let the kid think the other studios have his back. Consider it… bait!"
…
Golf's a sport that mixes socializing, exercise, and fun, all while letting you soak in nature. For the "elite," it's the go-to way to unwind after work.
Dunn didn't have that habit—mostly because… he didn't know how!
But Michael Ovitz? He was a pro. Their first meeting wasn't about business at all. Instead, he invited Dunn to Griffith Park Golf Course for a round, just to take the edge off.
Hard to say no to that, so Dunn reluctantly agreed.
Of course, there was another reason. Michael Ovitz's agency had lined up a stunning, charming woman to keep Dunn company—sexy, graceful, the whole package.
With AG's current clout, they didn't have any A-listers. But this woman still caught Dunn's eye—Penélope Cruz!
This Spanish beauty was still a nobody in Hollywood, stuck playing minor roles with barely any lines, usually just eye candy.
Back in Spain, though? She was a household name!
The road to Hollywood stardom is always bumpy and full of twists.
But this time, with big boss Michael Ovitz bringing her to meet Dunn, it felt like a ray of hope piercing through Hollywood's foggy uncertainty.
Michael Ovitz was a sharp guy. He knew why Dunn was there but played it cool. Golf and a gorgeous companion? It was all about getting Dunn to relax—body and mind.
Only when you're fully at ease can you face intense pressure and tough rivals with a clear head.
In the golf course's VIP lounge, the three of them met.
Michael Ovitz noticed Dunn's eyes lingering on the girl and grinned. "Dunn, this is Penélope Cruz, a fantastic Spanish actress and one of my agency's talents. Penny, I don't need to introduce this guy, right?"
"Director Walker! Hi, I'm Penny. I'm a huge fan!" Penélope Cruz took a quick step forward, her enchanting face lighting up with a dazzling smile.
Dunn shook her hand lightly, teasing, "So, is it me you like, or my movies?"
Penélope giggled. "Both!"
Dunn gave her a long look and saw no hesitation in her eyes. She met his bold, almost predatory gaze with a seductive charm of her own.
One glance, and Dunn got it.
He'd been in Hollywood long enough to master its unspoken deals and hidden rules.
This was a win-win-win.
AG was a rising agency, and Michael Ovitz clearly saw potential in Penélope Cruz. Introducing her to Dunn was a move to boost his company with a recognizable star.
For Penélope? Obvious. She was huge in Spain but a nobody in Hollywood. That gap made her willing to play ball to jumpstart her U.S. career.
And Dunn?
Natalie was about to head back to Harvard for school. Sophie Marceau was in France shooting Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Charlize Theron was off doing a Dior ad and would soon join the Unsinkable set.
Right now, he was missing a gorgeous woman by his side.
Sure, this might be Michael Ovitz's bait to cozy up to Dunn. But who cared?
Even Penélope Cruz couldn't resist the opportunity.
When Michael Ovitz asked if she'd join Dunn for golf, she knew exactly what that meant—Dunn's reputation wasn't a secret.
Still, she jumped at the chance, barely hiding her excitement.