[Chapter 276: Stimulated]
In a mansion in the Beverly Hills, Australian wildman Mel Gibson, gripping a cigar, bleary-eyed and clad in a bathrobe, sat down on a lounge chair by the pool outside. Gibson knocked his rough hand against his head and looked up, asking, "Almost forgot, that bastard has a new movie out. I heard the midnight screenings are doing well. How did it do the opening weekend?"
His friend and assistant, while eating breakfast, handed over the newspaper he had just grabbed from the mailbox at the door. "I just picked it up, take a look yourself. But Mel, I suggest you quit thinking about Corleone. He's a movie studio boss, let's not get too tied up in this..."
Mel was filled with rage. "No way, that bastard's ruined several of my films! Some young street punk, what makes him think he can? I don't believe he'd lucky every time... what the fuck. What is this? Even some cheap martial arts flick can be accepted by those arrogant Americans?"
The assistant leaned in curiously, "What's the box office?"
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"33 million, pretty strong!" Jackie Chan's eyes widened, grinning happily as he exclaimed.
Released on the 18th, with no strong competitors at the same time, Cameron Diaz's There's Something About Mary had been steady for 11 weeks and still pulled in five million at the box office, ranking third this weekend. Renee Zellweger and Meryl Streep's 30-million budget indie film, One True Thing, only made six million in its three-day opening weekend. September was definitely not a prime release period.
Rush Hour opened in 2638 theaters and pulled in a whopping 33 million, towering over the competition!
Agent Bruce rubbed his balding head excitedly, "I don't think anyone expected the film to pull in such a huge amount opening weekend. The hardest part? The critics also gave good reviews. Roger Ebert praised you two! Unfortunately, Rotten Tomatoes gave it only a 60% fresh rating, a bit borderline. But don't worry, Jackie, 30 million isn't the end. I'm already contacting the distributor to ramp up the marketing and to get you spots on Tonight Show and others."
"I thought about it, Charlie thought about it too. He's been encouraging and has faith that Rush Hour would do great," Jackie said.
"Oh yes, a remarkable guy," Bruce said, peeking out the window. "Let's get moving, the reporters are waiting outside. We'll do a quick interview, then head to Corleone's company to discuss the next promotional plan. Also, Jackie, it's time to talk about the actor contracts for the second movie."
When a movie succeeds, countless people rush to share the profits. Actors are no exception. Previously, the Lion Corleone series films relied on horror plots with signature iron whip cowboy characters, all special effects makeup; who played who did not really matter. This time, Corleone will have both happiness and headaches -- actor salary negotiations for Rush Hour 2 will be tough.
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But for now, none of that matters! In its second week, Rush Hour pulled in 21 million, retaining the weekend box office crown, and the total box office reached 64 million! No doubt, it would easily surpass 100 million in North America.
The Hollywood insiders were shocked and jumping up and down. Counting Good Will Hunting, this year Lion Corleone had four films in the top ten yearly box office!
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Fox President Tom Rothman, staring at the data in his office, muttered in surprise, "What the fuck, this company's only been around 2 or 3 years, and their North American market share is already surpassing one of the big six!"
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On the winding green lawn, Roy swung his golf club, watching the ball fly. Opposite him, Michael Eisner with a baseball cap, leaning on his club, not paying much attention to the game, smiled and said, "Just two years, did you ever imagine that guy would have four North American 100-million films back-to-back?"
"Definitely not. I really regret partnering with his damn Horror Theme Park company. But what can you do? Don't worry too much; it's only been a year. New Line did well this year too, so what?"
"You want to say it's just luck? Don't forget, most of his works can be developed into sequels. More importantly, don't tell me you didn't know about the development rights for Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter," Eisner mocked.
"I know!" Roy stopped what he was doing, his face darkened. "What do you plan to do? We don't have good ways to limit him right now! By the way, if I'm not mistaken, you are Disney's Chairman and CEO, aren't you?"
Eisner was furious! It was all this old guy's fault for foolishly partnering with someone over the horror park; otherwise, the Wrong Turn series wouldn't be so successful. Without Wrong Turn's success, things would have gotten easier.
Eisner wanted to slap the old man. As Disney's partner, he always stirred up troubles for power struggles, pulling in outsiders with ambiguous attitudes. Eisner had also heard about some dealings between Roy and Bobby's mother's family.
Roy dodged worrying about these troubles and continued playing with his club, quietly saying, "Do your thing. I can't help you, and Kirk Kerkorian won't backstab Charlie either. That old guy really admires Charlie and they have some private collaborations. Overall, company management is your problem!"
Eisner sneered twice and turned to leave, "Don't think you can stay out of this. You played a big role in Corleone's rise. Everyone knows it. I'll bring it up in the board and talk to Warner and Paramount as well. I'll get Lion Corleone's international distribution and the pirate project we're cooperating on sorted as soon as possible. Roy, I hope nothing unexpected happens."
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Rush Hour was like a fourth fire, making the big six cry wolf! Although the movie itself occupied less profit in the industry chain, especially at the box office part, it was still a crucial element, the basis of everything.
Too bad, Lion Corleone now was not easily killed by the big six even if they united and chose to hurt their own interests painfully. More precisely, there was no effective way left.
In Weta Digital in Wellington, New Zealand, Charlie smiled as he held the phone. "Oh, thanks, Kirk. They must be hopping mad, but there's nothing I can do. Michael is negotiating Lion Corleone's distribution rights with them. Hope you can help more and keep those guys from causing trouble. Okay, thank you! About the MGM-United Artists deal, Kirk, I've thought it through seriously. None of our board directors or shareholders would agree to it right now."
*****
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