America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 259 First Consecutive Championships

As time went on, more and more people watched "Wanted," making it more difficult to control public opinion, and the film's reputation inevitably declined.

IMDB's rating has fallen below 8.

Many negative reviews and aggressive advertorials have also begun to emerge.

After all, with new films being released one after another, competitors also need market space to profit.

The various hype and marketing strategies, including those involving Martin and Jolie, were all aimed at attracting audiences to theaters as much as possible during the opening weekend, and their performance inevitably weakened afterward.

On the second weekend of November, Wanted's box office dropped by nearly 60%, but the $27.2 million gross was enough to secure its second consecutive week at the top of the North American box office charts!

"Derailment," which had a large-scale premiere this weekend, only grossed $1221 million in its opening weekend, ranking second at the box office.

Hollywood producers have also come to realize the reality that Clive Owen's commercial appeal is mediocre, and Jennifer Aniston is equally unable to carry a film's box office on her own.

It seems that the audience's perception of Aniston is still based on Rachel, and they haven't yet shaken off the memory of the ended Friends series.

Martin Scorsese achieved his fourth North American box office number one, and for the first time, he achieved consecutive number one finishes.

Ten days after its North American release, The Wanted movie grossed over $100 million, just as expected, reaching a staggering $1.16 million!

Meanwhile, the film was released in overseas markets such as Western Europe, South Korea, Australia, and Mexico. Like most Hollywood films, once it does well at the North American box office, it also performs well at the overseas box office.

In its first week overseas, it earned $4860 million.

With two consecutive films starring Martin Scorsese grossing over $100 million at the North American box office, Scorsese's popularity soared.

Martin easily passed the fourth-level client threshold in WMA's internal client rating system, and was internally defined as a famous movie star.

"Congratulations, Martin, another box office champion."

In the meeting room of Coca-Cola's Los Angeles branch, Justin shook hands with Martin with great enthusiasm: "You're at the forefront of Hollywood's post-80s generation of actors."

Martin humbly stated, "Compared to Natalie Portman, Keira Knightley, Hayden Christensen, and Elijah Wood, I'm still quite far behind."

Justin laughed and said, "In Coca-Cola's evaluation, you are the most valuable one among the younger generation."

Martin said, "For me, Coca-Cola is irreplaceable."

The two exchanged pleasantries and visited Coca-Cola's Los Angeles branch together.

A photographer followed behind to film the entire process, which was also part of the promotional campaign.

Martin wasn't being modest. Putting aside acting skills, if we're just talking about box office numbers, those people definitely rank ahead of him.

Even a single film could easily surpass all of his work.

Justin asked, "I heard your next project will also be set in a modern world?"

Martin simply stated, "It's a story that takes place in modern-day New York."

He'd already bought the novel's rights, so he got a copy of *The Dark Realm* from Bruce, gave it to Justin, and tentatively asked, "Interested in continuing GG sponsorship?"

The outstanding box office performance of "Wanted" gave Coca-Cola even more confidence in Martin. Justin said directly, "I've communicated with the higher-ups, and as long as the background and subject matter are suitable, Coca-Cola will continue to provide GG sponsorship."

Martin laughed and said, "With you guys standing behind me, I can talk to any Hollywood company about projects with complete confidence."

This isn't just polite talk; it's part of his strength.

Justin laughed and said, "In Hollywood, you can tell everyone that Coca-Cola fully supports Martin Davis!"

Afterwards, someone took Martin to the rooftop to sample Coca-Cola's new beverage, a bottled cocktail developed in Atlanta.

Thomas, who arrived later, spoke with Justin privately. He said directly, "According to our endorsement agreement, if a film starring Martin grosses over $100 million at the North American box office, he will automatically receive a $1 million incentive."

Justin said, "Of course, the bonus should arrive in your account no later than this month."

He abruptly changed the subject, tentatively stating, "The Atlanta headquarters wants to renew Martin's endorsement contract for another two years."

"Martin's meaning is very clear: we are strategic partners, and that will never change." Thomas remained calm and composed: "But our contract has only been signed for six months, so there's no need to rush. Let's talk again next year."

Justin thought for a moment and said, "Let's talk about it next year."

Success can make cooperation more pleasant and steadfast.

In the afternoon, after leaving the Coca-Cola branch, Thomas and Martin rode in the same car and briefly explained the situation.

Martin agreed with his strategy: "No rush to extend the contract, let's wait until next year."

Thomas added, "Several brands, including BOSS, are in contact with the company, hoping to become their spokesperson for GG."

Martin, considering long-term development, said: "We can choose one or two high-end brands, and forget about the ordinary ones."

Thomas agreed: "You're not a comedian who takes the toilet humor route. The brands you endorse must match your own image, or at least not lower your own standards."

He opened his briefcase and took out a receipt: "The serialized articles in the World News Daily have all ended."

This was an agreement reached when Martin was awarded the medal in Washington. The News of the World invited Martin to write 10 articles, each for a fee of $12.

Martin could say it's not a problem; he could even make the dead seem alive.

But writing was not within his capabilities, so it ultimately fell to Thomas.

"The manuscript is well-written; I've read some of it." Martin offered timely encouragement: "I'll personally pay you for the manuscript."

Thomas had done the work and was entitled to be paid, so he didn't mince words: "You have my account."

Midway through the journey, Bruce stopped in Century City, dropped Thomas off, and then returned to the Coty neighborhood.

As soon as Martin opened the door, a neighbor came to visit.

Jones and his daughter arrived.

Martin invited the two into the living room and asked, "What brings you here today?"

Jones put down the gift, a uniquely shaped metal sculpture: "We're neighbors, of course we should visit each other more often."

Martin smiled and said, "I've been too busy lately with my movie coming out. I'll invite everyone out for drinks sometime when I have more time."

Jenna Jones set down a wrapped gift box and said, "You're too kind, Martin. The wanted poster was from my first Hollywood premiere; I was so excited I didn't know what to do..."

Jones stopped talking and instead let her daughter talk to Martin.

Jenna added, "That movie was so cool, everyone around me was talking about the arc bullets and the adrenaline rush."

Her eyes fell on Martin's waist: "Especially the concept of an adrenaline rush, where people move faster, experience greater impact, and become more sensitive..."

Martin couldn't understand what she meant. It must be that Jenna had misunderstood something, rather than him misinterpreting it.

Sure enough, Jenna continued, "Martin, I think this film is perfect for Saint Valley to adapt. It'll be an adrenaline rush, with the male and female leads locked in a chaotic battle."

Martin understood: "Are you planning to film a Saint Valley version of the wanted poster?"

Jenna came here today for this very purpose, and nodded with a smile: "Yes, I plan to direct and also play the lead role."

Martin doesn't reject these ideas; Hollywood's adaptations of Saint Graham's films are all too common.

Jenna didn't finish her sentence: "I intend to use the same movie title and similar poster and plot design, instead of something ambiguous."

Many Hollywood films adapted by Saint-Gobain don't buy the rights, and the resulting effects aren't even good enough for cosplay.

Jenna, ambitious and resourceful, said, "So, I wanted to ask if you could grant me authorization?"

"Licensing is no problem." Martin wasn't in the charity business. "Jenna, the copyright revenue from the wanted poster involves multiple companies. Go to Warner Bros.' Pacific Pictures and talk to the person in charge, Louise Meyer, about licensing."

Bruce cooperated seamlessly, taking Louise's assistant's business card.

Jenna took it and quickly said, "Thank you."

Mr. Jones then spoke up, saying, "Martin, you are a good neighbor who communicates well."

Martin didn't mince words: "I heard you know a lot of important people at the California Institute of the Arts?"

Jones immediately understood what was going on: "If it's a letter of recommendation, just come to me, it's a simple matter."

Martin smiled and said, "I will definitely pay you a visit then."

Lily will definitely be going to university in California; the California Institute of the Arts has a suitable major for her.

Jones and his daughter did not stay long and soon said goodbye and left.

On the coffee table in the living room, there was still an unopened gift box.

When Martin returned with the gift box, he removed the ribbon tied into a bow, revealing a beautifully packaged collection of discs inside. The most eye-catching disc was undoubtedly the one featuring the female lead, Jenna.

The film titles are all artistic titles like "War of the Beasts" and "The Best Couple".

Bruce came over, picked up a card, and said, "This is the first time I've ever seen someone come to my door with a gift like this."

Martin pushed everything to Bruce: "Old Bruce, it's yours, enjoy it."

Bruce accepted it without hesitation: "I'll give it to Mene later." But then he thought it wasn't appropriate: "The leading lady is too young for Mene."

Menez used her persuasive skills to win over Scorsese's go-to casting director and has already landed a new role.

Bruce's phone rang. He answered it, said a few words, and looked at Martin: "The goods from Australia have arrived."

Martin stepped out of the villa first: "They've finally arrived."

A truck was parked at the entrance, and two employees unloaded several wooden crates. After Bruce paid for them, they carried them to the storeroom next to the garage.

Martin pried open the crates and inspected them one by one; each crate contained saltwater crocodile fang pendants.

Bruce, tearing apart the largest cargo container, said, "Won't Australia's crocodiles go extinct because of us?"

Martin casually remarked, "That place is sparsely populated and doesn't have any large carnivores, so it probably won't happen."

Inside the box Bruce opened, besides the feet of an Australian bison, there were also the bones of a saltwater crocodile.

Martin glanced at it and said, "Send both boxes to Atlanta for Lily Carter. Remember to include a note reminding her that I need a similar number of the finished carvings."

Bruce was certain that this guy was no human being.

(End of this chapter)