Chapter 184: Going a Bit Too Far
"By the way," Paula Wagner said suddenly,
"I heard that Dawnlight Pictures has signed a licensing agreement with Marvel for Spider-Man. Are you planning to make a live-action Spider-Man film?"
Aaron nodded. "That's the idea. That's why I acquired the shell company 21st Century Films in the first place."
"As for the specifics," he added, "we'll have to wait until the script is finished."
Paula smiled. "Early on, Marvel actually hoped Tom would play Spider-Man. We were approached about it."
Aaron raised an eyebrow.
"Tom Cruise as Peter Parker?"
Honestly, the idea wasn't far-fetched. A younger Tom Cruise would have fit the role quite well.
"On another note," Aaron continued, looking at Paula,
"Warner Bros. doesn't seem very satisfied with the box office performance of Batman Returns, do they?"
Batman Returns had been released during the summer blockbuster season that year.
"That's right," Paula replied.
"They're not happy. The film only made about $260 million worldwide, which is significantly lower than the first installment."
"And the production budget alone was around $80 million," she continued,
"with marketing costs included, the total investment exceeded $150 million."
"Warner's dissatisfaction was inevitable," Paula said calmly.
"They've already decided to replace the director. Tim Burton, who directed the first two films, will stay on only as a producer."
Paula was clearly well informed. Warner Bros. had already begun searching for a new director for the third Batman film.
Aaron actually found it hard to judge.
Batman had been excellent, but the sequel, Batman Returns, felt like director Tim Burton had gone a bit too far—too dark, too gloomy, almost excessive.
That said, if there was one undeniable highlight, it was Michelle Pfeiffer's portrayal of the seductive Catwoman—without question the film's most memorable element.
"Warner Bros. has been doing very well this year," Aaron continued.
"Putting Batman Returns aside, Lethal Weapon 3 pulled in $320 million worldwide."
"Steven Seagal's action film Under Siege also grossed $150 million globally."
"And especially The Bodyguard, which opened last month. The reviews weren't great, but the box office keeps climbing."
Aaron wasn't surprised that Warner Bros. was heavily invested in action films, but what really caught his attention was The Bodyguard, the action-romance starring Kevin Costner and pop icon Whitney Houston.
So far, the film had surpassed $75 million domestically, with overseas box office already exceeding $150 million.
Paula Wagner shot Aaron a sideways glance.
"Warner Bros. is huge, sure—but Dawnlight Pictures isn't exactly small anymore."
"You had massive hits with Indecent Proposal and Sleepless in Seattle, and now The Crying Game, Scent of a Woman, and Schindler's List are all pushing for awards."
Aaron merely smiled.
Who said films like The Crying Game, Scent of a Woman, or Schindler's List were only good for awards?
They made money too—just not overnight. Prestige films thrived on long theatrical runs.
As for the Christmas season, the top performers were clearly 20th Century Fox's family comedy Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Disney's animated feature Aladdin.
Both had opened in mid-to-late November.
Home Alone 2 had already crossed $120 million domestically, while Aladdin had surpassed $80 million.
Before long, Monica Bellucci arrived at the Charlie Hotel and found Aaron.
She had just wrapped her part in Philadelphia, returned to Los Angeles, and had also shot promotional photos for Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Aaron wrapped an arm around her waist.
"Not heading back to Italy?"
"No," she replied softly. "It's Christmas—do you want me to stay with you?"
"Of course," Aaron said, kissing her.
Later, in the lounge area, Aaron ran into Robert Downey Jr. and his newlywed model wife, Deborah Falconer.
Downey had only recently split from Sarah Jessica Parker before marrying Deborah.
"Good evening, Aaron," Downey greeted him warmly.
"Good evening," Aaron replied. "You were excellent in Chaplin."
Aaron had returned to the U.S. just as Chaplin was released. Downey's portrayal of Charlie Chaplin had been widely praised.
"Thank you. I've always hoped we might work together someday."
Aaron smiled politely.
"Perhaps. Excuse me for a moment."
He had no real interest in collaborating with someone so deeply addicted.
Johnny Depp and Keanu Reeves had their issues too—but at least they stayed professional on set.
Downey, on the other hand, was already far gone.
That one incident Aaron had witnessed in a restroom years ago had left a lasting impression.
Monica linked her arm with Aaron's as they left the hotel and headed home.
"I've seen Chaplin as well," she said. "Downey's performance really was outstanding."
Aaron instructed the driver to head straight to his Bel Air villa.
"He has real talent," Aaron said, leaning back and casually resting his hand on Monica's thigh.
"What he did in Chaplin deserves recognition."
"Otherwise he wouldn't have been nominated for Best Actor (Drama) at the Golden Globes."
Monica nestled into his arms and kissed his cheek.
Aaron's hand slid naturally to her waist.
Once back at the villa, they wasted no time heading into the bathroom.
Monica slipped out of her lingerie, revealing her lush, sensual figure.
As steam filled the room, Aaron's thoughts briefly drifted to something else entirely—
The Franklin Templeton fund's attempt to acquire Victoria's Secret still hadn't produced any results.
He had no idea how talks between Charles Johnson and Les Wexner were progressing.
Victoria's Secret's future was enormous.
It seemed he'd need to personally meet Wexner sooner rather than later.
Under the warm spray of the shower, Monica pulled Aaron into a deep kiss.
Feeling her curves against him, he responded just as intensely.
"By the way," Monica said afterward, catching her breath,
"I'll need to return to Italy after New Year's to shoot a Vogue cover."
"That's fine," Aaron replied, brushing back her wet hair.
"You're based in Hollywood now anyway."