Dunn's bold claims weren't just hot air—he had a plan.
Take Miramax's Gangs of New York. Its original budget was $100 million, with a 10% box office profit share carved out. Actors getting a cut of the profits is a big deal—usually only happens when a film's budget is tight, can't cover their fees, or the studio wants to offset risk.
Tom Cruise scored a massive paycheck and profit share for Mission: Impossible, but that's because he owned the IP—his actor contract covered the fee, his producer deal got him the split. Even Robert Downey Jr., riding high as Iron Man, never snagged a dime of profit share across his Marvel gigs. Why? Marvel's flush with cash. No budget crunch, no risk—they just dropped a $40 million paycheck and called it a day.
Dunn's $120 million offer for Gangs of New York was a power move to ditch that 10% profit share. The film's global box office hit nearly $200 million—10% of that is $20 million, exactly the budget bump he proposed. Perfect to pad Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio's paychecks.
Martin Scorsese's fee jumps $10 million to $15 million.
Leonardo DiCaprio's goes up $10 million to a standard $20 million.
Daniel Day-Lewis stays at $4.5 million, Cameron Diaz at $0.5 million—no changes needed.
Total for the four main players: $40 million, up $20 million from the original. Spot on!
Cameron Diaz, a top-tier Hollywood actress and traffic magnet, might seem underpaid at $0.5 million—her leads usually net over $10 million. But she's been typecast in ditzy roles. Now, with Martin Scorsese steering her into new territory, she's got a shot at a career pivot. Asking for more cash? Nah. Taking a symbolic $0.5 million is a steal—tons of actresses would pay to work with Scorsese. If she complained, they'd just swap her out.
Dunn's $120 million check definitely shook Martin Scorsese. Money talks, and even a legend like him isn't immune! A fat budget is step one to a film's success.
"But… I already promised Harvey," Martin said, his brow creasing. Dunn's juicy offer tempted him, but ditching an old commitment stung his pride.
Dunn grinned. "Martin, I hear you've been prepping this project for decades?"
"Yeah, over 20 years ago, I wanted to make it," Martin sighed, shaking his head. "But then Heaven's Gate—same vibe—tanked hard. No studio would touch it after that."
Leonardo, ever the loose cannon, chimed in, "Yeah, back then Dunn was just a baby!"
Dunn shot him a glare. "You've been at this forever, Martin. You'd want everything lined up perfect, right? I heard… you originally wanted Leo for the lead?"
"Yeah… wait—" Martin's eyes lit up as it clicked. "You can get him on board?"
Dunn smirked. "Martin, team up with Dunn Films, and Leo's in!"
Martin zeroed in on Leonardo, staring hard.
Leo caught the drift, slapping his thigh. "Exactly! Hey, if Harvey asks, just say the role's gotta be me!"
Dunn blinked—didn't expect Leo to catch on so quick. He raised his voice, "Yup! Disney's ban on Dunn Films is still on—no way I'd work with Miramax. So, Martin, if you want Leo, Dunn Films is your only shot!"
Martin's eyes narrowed, mulling it over.
Leo, impatient, blurted, "Come on, what's to think about? Didn't you hear Dunn? He's dropping $120 million!"
"Well… I'll think it over…" Martin's face tightened, and he waved for three stiff drinks.
…
"Martin? What's up?"
Harvey Weinstein picked up Martin Scorsese's call, buzzing with excitement.
Lately, he'd been on a high. Miramax used to lean on second-tier directors or homegrown talents like Quentin Tarantino. Now, he'd finally hooked a mainstream Hollywood titan—Martin Scorsese!
Gangs of New York had its flaws, and Miramax's team had balked at funding it. But Harvey steamrolled the doubters, insisting on the investment. He had clout in Hollywood, no question—mostly in indie circles, though. His pull in the mainstream game was weaker, which is why he'd lost the Disney production chair gig to Joe Roth, a Touchstone vet.
Gangs of New York was his ticket—a door to the mainstream market. Plus, just yesterday, he'd flexed his connections to boost Miramax's old Hong Kong flick Drunken Master while stomping on Dunn's Saw. Word was, Disney's top brass had taken notice.
Martin sounded plastered, reeking of booze through the phone. "Harvey, that project… let's just drop it…"
Harvey chuckled. "Martin, hitting the bottle, huh? Haha, sounds like you're in a good mood."
"I… I'm busy… just letting you know, we're done," Martin slurred, tongue heavy.
Harvey's gut twitched, his brow furrowing. "Martin, done? What're you talking about?"
Martin snapped, "I'm saying Gangs of New York doesn't need your money!"
Harvey laughed it off. "Martin, you're wasted. Funny joke!"
"I'm not joking!"
"Huh? Martin, sober up, and we'll talk."
"No point!" Martin's tone sharpened. "I said it's over—it's over. No future talks!"
Harvey's voice dropped. "Martin, you know what you're saying? Without my cash, you'll never get Gangs of New York off the ground!"
"Maybe… maybe not," Martin smirked.
"No way!" Harvey shot back. "That movie's too niche for the mainstream. Your budget's insane—no studio's signing off on it."
Martin kept chuckling. "Harvey, you… you're so naive. I'm Martin—Martin Scorsese! My films? Someone's always gonna fund 'em."
Harvey's temper flared. How much had this guy drunk? He took a breath. "Fine, Martin. Even if someone bites, no one's coughing up $80 million!"
"$80 million? That's a lot?" Martin snorted dismissively.
"Martin!"
Harvey bristled—he could hear the mockery in his voice.
Martin giggled. "$120 million, Harvey! What can I do? Someone's throwing $120 million at me and guaranteeing Leonardo DiCaprio for the lead. Tell me, how do I say no?"
"$120 million? That's insane!" Harvey barked.
He'd been in the game 20+ years and trusted his instincts. Gangs of New York at $120 million? It'd flop hard!
"Harvey, you're behind the times. Hollywood's for the young now…" Martin's voice faded, like he was muttering to himself.
"Young?"
Harvey jolted. In Hollywood, "young" was practically a codename for one guy.
Dunn?
No way!
How could he dare drop $120 million on Gangs of New York? Was he nuts?
Harvey's mind reeled, panic hitting like the sky was caving in.
Sure enough, Martin piped up again. "Harvey, it's settled. Gangs of New York is with Dunn Films now. Let's… maybe work together some other time."
The line went dead with a "beep-beep." Harvey slumped back, drained, like a husk with no fight left.
Dunn!
It was him!
That bastard was everywhere!
Harvey gritted his teeth, fury exploding like a bomb in his chest, shredding him from the inside out…
Dunn, that jerk!