America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 564 No Trouble, No Warner

"The number of victims who have reported the incident to the police has reached 90, and it's not difficult to exceed 100."

On the way to Warner Bros. Studios, Thomas told Martin the latest news: "This doesn't even include famous actresses like Gwyneth Paltrow and Nicole Kidman who didn't call the police."

Martin said softly, "They won't call the police, and they won't admit that Harvey got her. They'll just say they were harassed."

Bruce interjected, "Having slept with a rapist and someone so disgusting, I doubt they'd even want to think about it."

Thomas steered the conversation back on track: "With the Academy's statement, Harvey is officially dead in the industry."

"That's not enough." Martin wouldn't give Harvey a chance to make a comeback: "He must go to jail, and stay there for ten years!"

Thomas asked, "Why not twenty years?"

Martin said, "He'll most likely die in there in twenty years. If he keeps talking nonsense and doesn't care about anything, it will be detrimental to us. It's better to leave him some hope."

Because of the time constraints, he vaguely remembered that a certain billionaire who committed suicide seemed to be involved with Harvey.

Martin never intended to get involved in such a mess.

Cases of people being shot eight times in the back and having their deaths ruled as suicides are not uncommon in the United States.

Thomas roughly guessed what Martin meant and said, "Ten years out of touch with society, and you'll be useless when you come back out."

Bruce added, "Georgina Chapman will divorce him and divide his assets, there will be subsequent civil lawsuits for compensation, and he'll be betrayed by his own brother. When he gets out, he'll just be an ordinary person."

Martin said, "After Harvey is sentenced, have someone bring him something."

Thomas asked in surprise, "You're going to give him a gift?"

Martin said directly, "Can't I just give him soap?"

Bruce, recalling the immense sacrifices he made against Jody to take down Harvey, said, "I'm going to send him soap with mentholated oil!"

Martin said, "Go to Chinatown and have someone make it for you. If you pay enough, double the amount of Tiger Balm is no problem."

Thomas then said, "Brad Pitt and the Affleck brothers are about to go to trial."

Martin nodded slightly and asked Bruce, "When will Mene be back?"

"He finished filming with Isabelle Huppert and is currently vacationing in the Caribbean." Bruce has been in contact with Menez more: "He'll be coming to Los Angeles in December. From what Menez said, Huppert seems to be staying in Los Angeles for a while to see how things work out during Oscar season."

Martin said, "Elizabeth will be back in a few days. Let her throw a party to welcome Isabelle to Los Angeles, since she's someone Menez brought back."

Upon arriving at Warner Bros. Studios, Thomas went to Warner Bros. Tower, while Martin and Bruce went into the Gone Girl studio.

David Fincher's projects are always meticulously crafted, and casting for this film is only in its final stages.

In the lobby, Léa Seydoux found Martin, flashed a smile revealing her small bunny teeth, and said, "The crew just gave me a reply; I got a major role."

Martin asked, "Which character?"

Léa Seydoux said, "Margot Dunn, Nick's sister."

Martin smiled and nodded: "Congratulations. This role has quite a few scenes. Once you get into Hollywood, things will be easier later on."

Léa Seydoux's last role in Quentin Tarantino's "Shameless" was that of Harvey Weinstein, who exploited her and ultimately made her just a farmer's daughter, one of his three daughters.

Generosity is always relative.

Compared to Harvey, Martin was incredibly generous.

Léa Seydoux asked softly, "Shall we find a place to talk properly tonight?"

"I'm afraid it won't work tonight. I have things to do tonight." Martin had already made plans with Charlize yesterday to go to her house for drinks tonight, so he had to decline Léa Seydoux's offer.

He thought for a moment and said, "Okay, wait for my call tomorrow."

The studio's lobby was bustling with people, and many eyes were drawn to this area. Léa Seydoux, having achieved her goal, smiled and said, "Whatever your schedule, I'm available."

"I'm going in," Martin said, heading towards the film analysis room.

Léa Seydoux watched Martin leave. She had come with her agent to discuss contract matters with the production team and had stayed in the lobby to wait for Martin.

Hollywood has its xenophobic tendencies, and being associated with Martin means she'll have less trouble on set.

In the audition room, director David Fincher and author Gillian Flynn arrived almost simultaneously with Martin. The three exchanged a few words and then watched the audition video of the female lead together.

Because Martin had been keeping an eye on Harvey's situation these past few days, he didn't attend the third audition for the film.

Only four actresses participated in the third round of auditions: Natalie Portman, Emily Blunt, Charlize Theron, and Scarlett Janssen.

The combination of Martin and David Fincher makes the project incredibly appealing.

After watching the audition videos one by one, Martin asked Gillian Flynn, "You're the original author, who best fits your character of the magical Amy from the books?"

Gillian Flynn, who had personally witnessed the third audition, said without hesitation, "Charlize Theron and Scarlett Janssen are both good, but Scarlett Janssen is too short."

Martin looked at David Fincher.

David Fincher agrees with Gillian Flynn: "Charlize Theron is the best fit."

Martin nodded and said, "Then let's choose Charlize Theron."

The three agreed and there was nothing more to say. David Fincher called over a production manager and asked him to call Charlize's agent.

With the female lead cast confirmed, the pre-production preparations for "Gone Girl" are almost complete.

Martin asked, "When do we officially start filming?"

David Fincher said, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button will be released soon, and I need to do some publicity and public relations with the crew. Filming won't start until February at the earliest."

Martin understands the Oscar obsession many people have, after all, his biggest obsession with the Oscars is his best friend, so he said, "Sure, my schedule is fine."

David Fincher jokingly remarked, "Prepare to be a jerk."

Martin couldn't help but laugh: "Too easy."

As the two left the film analysis room and headed to the office, they encountered Daniel coming out of the producer's office.

The latter called out to Martin, "Let's chat for a bit."

Martin asked, "Has the copyright issue for The Hobbit been resolved?"

"It's basically settled," Daniel said. "Bob Weinstein is much easier to talk to than Harvey. He accepted Warner's $800 million offer and took the initiative to end this entanglement."

Martin smiled and said, "Congratulations, you've overcome the biggest obstacle to getting the project approved."

Daniel said, "Without that jerk Harvey, a lot of things are much easier to solve." He then changed the subject, "By the way, do you have time? Let's go to Warner together. Barry Mayer was talking about you this morning and wants to have a good chat with you."

Martin wouldn't refuse such an invitation: "Of course I have time."

The two left the studio and went to the Warner Building together.

In his office on the top floor, Martin met Barry Mayer.

The two sides inevitably talked about Harvey, and this coordinated attack can be said to be the key to Harvey's downfall.

Barry Mayer was also astonished by the power Martin was capable of unleashing.

He thought Martin would rely more on Warner, but before Warner could really exert its strength, the wave of public opinion was already surging, and Harvey couldn't even fight back, he was out of contact.

All Warner Bros. has to do is step on him hard and crush him, so that Harvey has no chance to recover.

Daniel mentioned something: "Warner Bros. is currently organizing its old film library and intends to remake some movies. I'll give you a list another day; you can take a look if you're interested in remaking them."

This is a win-win situation. Martin has always had a good eye for film selection. Barry Mayer said, "If you see an older film you like, just talk to Daniel directly, and Warner Bros. will cooperate with you."

Martin wouldn't refuse such a kind offer, saying, "No problem. After you've compiled the list, give me a list of films, preferably with plot summaries."

Daniel agreed.

As he left, Martin told Bruce to remember this and ask Daniel for it another day.

Warner Bros.' film library might contain some works worth remaking.

After all, there are successful precedents. Will Smith's "I Am Legend" is a remake and secondary creation of an old film in Warner Bros.' film library.

There are too few people in Hollywood who are truly making original films, and directors like Christopher Nolan will only become fewer and fewer in the future.

Martin was on his way back to Beverly Hills when he received a phone call from Louise.

"I just got a little inside information about Warner from my father, and it's only circulating in a very small circle right now," Louise said quickly. "Because it involves my collaboration with Warner, my father called me specifically."

Martin's Davis Studio, which also works with Warner, asked, "What news? Warner can't be declaring bankruptcy, can it?"

Louise said, "There are people within Time Warner who want to make changes to Warner Bros.' management."

Martin understood what she meant: "Barry Mayer and Alan Horn are stepping down?"

"It might involve fierce internal power struggles within a large company." Louise's father's information was also rather vague: "Let's not get involved and just wait and see."

Martin, lacking the connections to get involved in Warner's internal affairs, said, "I'll listen to you and see how things go."

Warner Bros. currently holds the top spot in Hollywood's performance, with projects like the Lord of the Rings series and the Harry Potter series achieving phenomenal box office and merchandise sales.

But it wouldn't be surprising if they changed coaches.

After all, Warner Music wouldn't exist without its ups and downs.

Martin originally intended to go directly to Charlize's place, but on the way he received calls from Julie and Aniston, inviting him to meet at their usual spot.

These two individuals have been actively involved in the recent Harvey Gate incident, frequently making statements in the media and influencing the direction of entertainment through their status as opinion leaders of the #MeToo movement. They have made significant contributions.

Martin is a man of conscience; it's impossible for him to forget his old mistress just because he has a new lover.

He immediately went to the hotel, alone to attend the meeting.

When it got dark, we left the hotel and headed to Charlize's house.

Who can understand the hardships of being a man!

(End of this chapter)