America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 496 Verification Methods for Crazy Fans

With the arrival of the new weekend, the traditional North American summer movie season is about to begin, with major studios releasing movies in droves. "John Wick" ended its brief three-week reign at the top of the box office, and "Fast & Furious 4" took the new box office crown.

However, the film grossed $1.65 million in North America and $2.55 million worldwide, both of which are currently ranked number one on the 2009 annual list.

Given the scale of "John Wick," it's certainly not going to hold onto this position for long, as the upcoming summer blockbuster season will see a string of popular sequels such as Transformers 2, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and Ice Age 3.

In late April, Marcus's memoir, "The Lonely Survivor," was published by Random House.

Martin, Chad, Menez, and others all participated in the starting ceremony to boost morale.

They voluntarily gave up their positions, refused media interviews, and placed Marcus in the center.

Marcus tearfully recounted Operation Red Arrow and declared that he would donate all proceeds from the sale of his memoir to the American Legion.

As for the revenue from adaptations, that's a matter for the future and is naturally not included here.

After a brief appearance to cheer him on, Martin went to the back lounge.

Chad said, "I saw the script for Nolan's new film at Menez's place, but I didn't understand what he wrote."

Menez replied, "Actually, I didn't understand it either."

The script, presented in words, is far more abstract than the film's visuals. If Martin hadn't seen the movie before, he would have been completely lost when he first read the script.

He said, "It's a story about a dream."

Menez scratched his head: "A dream within a dream, it's all so confusing."

Martin reminded him, "You're a supporting actor with a very significant role, so make sure you understand anything you don't understand as soon as possible..."

Menez nodded repeatedly and said, "I've been meeting up with Emma recently; she's been explaining the script to me."

Martin was speechless.

Because standing in front of him was Mr. Menez, and there was also Emma Thomas, who was like a cheat code.

Chad then interjected, "In the second sequel, I plan to increase the interaction between your character and Menez's character, creating more chemistry between you and making your scenes more interesting."

Martin said, "Okay."

Chad called Martin to the window to talk about the sequel.

Mene was about to follow when Bruce stopped her.

"Is something the matter?" he asked.

Bruce lowered his voice and said, "How about a trip to Cannes, France, in the middle of next month?"

Menez suddenly realized, "Cannes Film Festival? Right, the boss's 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' is having its world premiere at Cannes, I definitely have to go!"

"This film will be entered in the competition section."

Although not a qualified celebrity manager, Bruce does some things quietly: "The chair of this year's jury is veteran French actress Isabelle Huppert."

Upon hearing the name, Mennet immediately recognized the person in his mind, his eyes lighting up: "I know her. She's exceptionally talented, possesses a classical beauty, is known as the most beautiful French Rose, and is the highest-ranking actress in the French entertainment industry."

He considered Isabelle Huppert's age: "She's my most admired artistic muse!"

Bruce said, "We'll go to Cannes together then."

Menez nodded repeatedly: "I'm going to see my artistic goddess!"

The two chatted quietly for a while, then the door to the lounge opened from the outside, and Marcus swayed in like an inflated balloon.

He wiped the sweat from his brow, opened his ice-cold soda, took a big gulp, and said, "I'd rather face the Afghan guerrillas than these reporters again!"

Chad turned around and comforted him, "You'll get used to it."

Martin knew that Marcus might face a more complicated situation in the future as the political landscape changed, so he said, "From now on, don't answer any questions from the media without a professional PR person and agent present."

Marcus, still shaken by the recent barrage of questions from the media, said, "I'll never forget that."

Martin nodded and continued, "Once the memoir adaptation is approved and released, even more reporters will surround you. Just get used to it."

Marcus, showing great interest in the memoir adaptation, asked, "Is the adaptation project ready to be approved?"

"Thomas is looking for a suitable director," Martin explained briefly. "The project's production budget is around $4000 million. The South Koreans have already agreed to invest in this war film, and if all goes well, it will be released in North American theaters in 2011."

This is a film adapted from his own life story, and Marcus wanted to see it on the big screen as soon as possible. Now that his memoir has been released and the film is about to be greenlit, his greatest wish has been fulfilled.

Martin's studio has essentially finalized distribution details with Warner Bros. and will hire Akiva Goldsman, recommended by Daniel, as the project's producer. Goldman's recent notable works include "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" and "I Am Legend".

As for the director, Thomas relayed the feedback to WMC, who are helping to find a suitable director.

Marcus took a short break before going out for a book signing.

Martin and the others were about to leave.

As they exited the shopping plaza, a shout suddenly rang out from across the street.

"Martin, I love you!"

"The eternal Coca-Cola God of War!"

"Martin, I want to have your baby!"

A dozen or so beautiful girls in wedding dresses ran out from the crowd and blocked Martin and his group's path.

Bruce quickly stepped in front of Martin and said to Martin behind him, "It's them again!"

Martin recognized the girls and waved, saying, "I love you all too."

The girls gathered around.

Martin once again granted their wish for autographs, and was reluctantly dragged away by Bruce.

The two work well together, with one focusing on pampering the fans.

Martin is the good guy, so Bruce should be the bad guy.

The girls in wedding dresses chased Martin's car for dozens of meters before stopping.

One of them said, "Martin is great, it's just that the bodyguard was awful, he forcibly dragged Martin away."

"That's right! That's right!" said the one who spoke quickly. "Martin loves us, and we love Martin, but there are many obstacles in the way."

Elsa, leading the group, remained steadfast: "Nothing can stop our love for Martin!"

He blurted out, "Acting Commander, you're absolutely right!"

Hearing this, Elsa became unhappy: "I'll say it again, Tony is no longer the captain, I'm your captain now!"

Another person asked, "When is Tony coming back? I can't reach her by phone."

"The phone is still not being answered!"

"I hope nothing bad has happened to Toni?"

Hearing these people still reminiscing about the old commander, Elsa could only say, "Tony has some family matters to attend to and needs to go back for a while. She'll be back soon."

During her time as captain, Elsa hoped that Tony would never come back.

As long as Toni doesn't come back, Elsa believes she will become the new leader over time.

As the car drove away, Martin straightened his clothes and said, "Fortunately, they weren't completely insane."

Bruce agreed: "In America, a truly qualified fanatic must assassinate the President of the United States to prove it!"

Menez continued, "I remember when Obama first took office, he visited Martin in the hospital." Because of their similar skin color, he made the sign of the cross on his chest: "God help him, he'll be alright."

Martin said, "Don't worry, I'm neither Manson nor Jodie Foster, and the fans aren't that crazy."

Chad joked, "You're right, they just want to have a baby for you, they don't have any bad intentions."

Menne and Bruce burst into laughter.

Martin had no concept of children, but thinking of the Nicholson family's children who sponged off their parents, Lorraine seemed to be the most successful one, so he quickly shook his head: "Kids are too scary, I'm not ready yet."

Menez said, "If Celine Dion could give me a child, the future would be absolutely wonderful."

Bruce, who was driving, asked, "How much property does she own?"

Menez thought for a moment and said, "It's definitely worth several hundred million."

Chad said with a hint of envy, "If I had your skills, why would I be a director? It's tiring and stressful."

The group chatted idly as they entered Warner Bros. Studios.

Chad returned to the John Wick studio alone, while Martin and the other two went to Nolan's office and received the filming schedule for the previous month from Emma Thomas.

Unlike in the past, because Morocco offered generous tax rebates and subsidies, the filming location was set up in Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Africa." Except for some outdoor scenes, all studio scenes were filmed at Atlas Studios.

After the Oscars ceremony, Nolan took the entire crew to Morocco to make final preparations for filming.

This also means that Martin will be spending a long time in Africa for the foreseeable future.

Fortunately, Morocco is one of the most politically stable countries in Africa and one of Hollywood's favorite overseas filming locations. The Moroccan authorities attach great importance to overseas film crews that come to shoot, and even send professional security teams to ensure the safety of the crews during filming.

Martin also planned his itinerary accordingly, first going to France to attend the Cannes Film Festival, and then going directly from France to Morocco after the Cannes Film Festival.

The new project will officially begin filming in late May.

Martin's work schedule for the second half of the year is basically confirmed; he will be joining the cast of "Gone Girl".

Davis Studios and Louise's Pacific Film Productions have jointly established the Gone Girl Studios, with Louise taking full charge of the project and currently handling matters such as the novel's publication.

David Fincher also signed a directing contract with Gone Girls Studio, officially confirming his role in directing the project.

Before Martin Scorsese left Los Angeles, he specifically called David Fincher and Gillian Flynn together for a chat. The three shared a high degree of agreement on their creative philosophies, with the only remaining differences being on minor details.

Gillian Flynn had previously worked as a screenwriter, and after consulting with Martin Scorsese, David Fincher simply had Gillian, the original author, adapt the screenplay herself.

To resolve these issues, in mid-May, Martin and David Fincher joined the crew and flew to Paris.

(End of this chapter)