Following the colossal success of "Unstoppable," Ronald was now firmly established as a visionary in Hollywood. With his first ACU film a proven juggernaut, the major studios, though still hesitant to hand over iconic superheroes, were now more eager than ever to collaborate.
Roland in after party meet tom cruise and nicole Kidman.
Roland knows two of them divorce in 2001,
Tom and nicole talked about second ACU movie .
Tom liked Ronald because he can shoot action movies.
Ronald used this leverage. He had meetings with Amy Pascal from Sony and a representative from Warner Bros., discussing potential superhero projects like Spider-Man and Superman. While the discussions were promising, Ronald sensed they weren't ready to fully commit. Unfazed, he shifted his focus back to his own cinematic universe.
He called Jared and Paul to his office. "The big studio deals will come," Ronald stated, "but for now, we build our own empire. The second ACU movie, which I'm calling Sigma, will be even bigger. For the lead, I want Arnold Schwarzenegger."
Jared's eyes widened. "Arnold? His fee alone will be $25 million!"
Paul, though calculating the cost, nodded. "It's a challenge, but achievable, Ronald. His star power is undeniable."
"Exactly," Ronald affirmed. "Sigma needs a legend. It's an over-the-top action movie." He explained Arnold would play a mercenary who hunts other killers. For the heroine he send audition to nicole and some other actresses .
Nicole after audition meet his office he knows why she is here .
They have sex like crazy. Ronald thinking One down. He also like to fulfill his dream about actresses.
He secured Nicole Kidman for $3 million, adding gravitas. For the villain, he cast Robert De Niro for $10 million. The film's overall budget was set at a staggering $150 million.
Production for "Sigma" began. It took a demanding one full year to complete filming, as Ronald pushed for intricate action sequences and commanding performances from his all-star cast. He directed Arnold through massive explosive set pieces, watched De Niro craft a chilling villain, and saw Nicole Kidman bring unexpected depth to her action role.
During shooting Ronald and nicole have good night routine .
During one particularly elaborate sequence, which involved a high-speed chase culminating in a massive explosion, Robert De Niro, in full villain costume, watched as Arnold, covered in fake grime and sweat, effortlessly walked away from the pyrotechnics.
De Niro, known for his subtle intensity, turned to Arnold. "You actually enjoy this, don't you?" he drawled, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Arnold, wiping his brow, flashed his signature smirk. "It's a job, Bobby. But yes, sometimes... It's fun to blow things up. Especially when I don't have to clean it up."
De Niro chuckled, a rare sound on set from him. "Always the showman." He then walked off to prepare for his next scene, leaving Arnold to converse briefly with Ronald about the next shot. Ronald admired how these legends, despite their different styles, respected each other's craft.
Ronald talk to Robert about which time film he want do .
Robert says he doesn't like being villain movies.
After filming, Ronald immediately contacted Amy Pascal at Sony, requesting a top-tier action editor for "Sigma." Their relationship was in a "honeymoon period" due to the prior successes. For the extensive special effects, he once again partnered with Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). After three months of intense post-production, "Sigma" was complete.
The final budget for "Sigma," including an aggressive $50 million marketing spend, totaled $200 million. Ronald was acutely aware that without his more $400 million fortune in share market investments, funding such an ambitious independent project would have been impossible.
For promotion, Ronald went for maximum impact: airing the "Sigma" ad during the 1999 Super Bowl. The ad, packed with close-quarters combat, spectacular gunfights, and the combined star power of Arnold, De Niro, and Kidman, created an immediate sensation. It was a pioneering moment for an R-rated action movie to launch on such a prime-time national stage.
He also Ronald had fun on set who is greatest bodybuilder all time.
The movie's premiere at the iconic Chinese Theatre was a dazzling event, drawing Hollywood's elite. Robert De Niro and Arnold Schwarzenegger's presence ensured a media frenzy.
For support to the film many actors directors and came.
He also met Kate Winslet. James Cameron
Everyone congratulated Ronald on the film's sheer scale and intensity.
"Sigma" was released in April 1999, strategically avoiding major May blockbusters. Its opening weekend brought in $27 million, a solid start.
But for Arnold Schwarzenegger movie this amount low.
So in office Ronald was not good mood .
Word-of-mouth spread like wildfire, backed by an impressive 'A' CinemaScore. Within one month, it had already grossed $100 million in North America. Sony quickly launched its worldwide release. Over the next two months, "Sigma" accumulated $170 million in North America and $140 million overseas. After a four-month theatrical run, the movie's total worldwide gross soared to an astounding $510 million. Ronald knows in some time movie gonna cross 550 million .
Ronald was ecstatic. He knew "Sigma" was a colossal hit, cementing the ACU's place in cinema history. His direct share from the box office reached approximately $180 million, covering his substantial production and marketing costs. More importantly, he anticipated massive profits from TV rights and home video, DVD sales.
He can earn 200 million from this movie.
But it will take some time for DVD sales.
ensuring a monumental financial success for Ronald Smith .
His was fan of predator so he always work with Arnold Schwarzenegger that dream is fulfilled.