Chapter 219 – That's Show Business
At the iconic Sunset Marquis Hotel in West Hollywood, a lavish celebration was underway for the runaway success of Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Producer Richard Curtis, director Mike Newell, and stars Hugh Grant and Sophie Marceau were all in attendance, basking in the glow of a phenomenon few had predicted.
The numbers were staggering—$50 million in North America and over $200 million overseas, bringing the global total to $250 million. The film's distinctly British wit had introduced audiences worldwide to the charm and commercial power of the English romantic comedy.
---
Aaron raised his glass and gently clinked it against Sophie's.
"Fanfan has opened in France, hasn't it?"
"It has," Sophie replied, unable to hide her excitement. "Both the reviews and the box office have been strong."
Two consecutive hits had catapulted her career into another orbit. Unlike the lighthearted tone of Four Weddings and a Funeral, Fanfan was a refined French romance—critically acclaimed and widely admired within European cinema circles.
"Congratulations," Aaron said, brushing a kiss against her cheek. "Right now, you're the biggest female star in Europe."
Sophie arched an eyebrow playfully. "And compared to Nicole Kidman?"
Aaron shrugged. "She's Australian. Not exactly a European actress. Tell me—who in Europe can rival your popularity at the moment?"
He ticked off names casually. "Isabelle Adjani? Catherine Deneuve? Isabelle Huppert? Not in terms of current momentum."
"Really?" she asked, amused.
"Absolutely. Tonight is yours. Go enjoy it," Aaron said with a smile, giving her waist a playful squeeze before letting her drift back into the crowd.
---
If anyone had benefited most from the film's success, though, it was Hugh Grant. With his charming awkwardness and effortless humor, he had become an overnight sensation.
Still, Aaron's real focus wasn't the actors—it was Richard Curtis.
Curtis had adapted the screenplay himself, and his instinct for romantic comedy was razor-sharp. Aaron valued that kind of talent.
He had already instructed Don Steel to sound Curtis out about any new ideas he might be developing. In fact, Aaron had made up his mind: when the time was right, he would entrust another romantic gem—Notting Hill—to Curtis as well.
That was how the industry worked.
One hit changed everything. One script could define a decade.
And Aaron intended to stay several moves ahead.
As for the leads, Aaron's plan was simple—cast Hugh Grant and Nicole Kidman. Two stars with undeniable name recognition. The pairing alone would guarantee attention.
Not long after, a dazzling, fashionably dressed Elizabeth Hurley approached him, radiating confidence.
"Aaron, where are we going tonight?"
Aaron's lips twitched. "Didn't you arrive with Hugh?"
Was she really going to make this that obvious? Stunning as she looked tonight, this was… bold.
Elizabeth smiled faintly. "Are you scared? That's not how you used to be."
Aaron shook his head. "What's going on between you and Hugh?"
"What's going on?" She took a sip of champagne. "We're basically one announcement away from breaking up. Isn't that how things usually work in this industry?"
Aaron understood immediately. Long-distance schedules, constant filming, different career trajectories—breakups were practically routine in show business.
"I see," he said calmly. "How's Forrest Gump coming along?"
Since the film was directed by Robert Zemeckis, Aaron hadn't been overly concerned about production. He'd heard no reports of trouble.
"It's going smoothly," Elizabeth replied. "Zemeckis and Tom Hanks work beautifully together. Most of my scenes are done—maybe another week or two."
As the film's female lead, her role wasn't present in every scene, but she was undeniably central to the story.
Aaron nodded. He was genuinely looking forward to Forrest Gump. He was also keeping an eye on The Shawshank Redemption—produced by Castle Rock Entertainment and distributed by Columbia Pictures—as well as Pulp Fiction and Interview with the Vampire. Next year's slate was shaping up to be exceptional.
Elizabeth glanced toward Hugh Grant, who was surrounded by admirers.
"Doesn't matter if it's a man or a woman," she said softly. "Anyone who works in your films seems to become famous overnight."
She drained her glass and lowered her voice. "Aaron… I'll be waiting in the third-floor restroom."
Aaron studied her for a moment. She was undeniably at her peak—beauty, figure, presence. It was no mystery why he hadn't turned her away before.
"Get a room," he said quietly. "Wait for me there."
She gave a small nod and left without hesitation.
---
Aaron then made his way over to Hugh Grant, raising a glass.
"You've become the dream man of half the world's women."
Hugh shook his head modestly. "I should be thanking you. Your eye for material made all the difference. The success of Four Weddings and a Funeral is largely thanks to you."
Aaron laughed. "You're an Oxford graduate. Good looks, good build, natural charm—you were bound to succeed. Even if I hadn't picked it up, someone would have invested in Richard Curtis's script."
Among Britain's new generation of leading men, Hugh stood out. Veterans like Anthony Hopkins, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Jeremy Irons were formidable talents—but more dramatic, more selective, often older.
"Go enjoy it," Aaron said, patting Hugh's shoulder. "Tonight belongs to you."
---
As he stepped away, Aaron's mind drifted to Kate Beckinsale, whom he had met at Cannes. Another Oxford student—soon transferring to study in France. He was still considering her for Legends of the Fall, directed by Edward Zwick. The male lead he had in mind, Brad Pitt, was still tied up filming Interview with the Vampire.
Then there was The Mask, starring Jim Carrey. The project still lacked a striking, glamorous female lead.
Director Chuck Russell wanted someone with runway presence. His first choice had been Anna Nicole Smith—a recent Playboy cover model and Playmate of the Year.
Unfortunately, she was already committed to Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult at Paramount Pictures.
Show business was like that.
Opportunities collided. Timing decided everything.
And Aaron intended to make sure he never missed the right one.