America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 849 The Pledge of Allegiance

The script was not yet available to outsiders. After Thomas contacted them, Carlton Cuth and his agent agreed to talk to Thomas first.

Whether or not a deal can be reached boils down to the issue of copyright fees.

Carlton Cuth is not a new screenwriter, but a top-tier screenwriter client of the WMA. Although he is not a top screenwriter, his scripts are not something that can be acquired for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Martin is willing to spend money on this; the licensing fee will not exceed two million US dollars, and Thomas can make the decision.

Thomas also glanced at the script and offered a word of advice: "Martin, if you were to play the male lead, many things would need to be adjusted. Your age isn't suitable for playing an adult father."

Martin thought for a moment and said, "When we talk about copyright, you can discuss the script and character modifications together, and make adjustments based on my situation."

Thomas replied, "Normally, screenwriters wouldn't refuse."

While Martin Scorsese is considered relatively meticulous, many film companies, after buying the script rights, don't care about the original author's ideas and change them however they want.

Even producers, directors, and leading actors—anyone with enough influence can interfere with the script, leaving the screenwriter with no choice but to listen.

"You take charge of the negotiations." At this point, Martin suddenly remembered Ryan Reynolds, whom Scarlett Janssen had mentioned yesterday.

The reason this bastard approached Michelle Blaine and did all those despicable things was to impress the Fox executives and get Deadpool's character to be developed into a standalone film.

Ryan Reynolds is already in jail, and his ex-wife Scarlett Johansson will continue to torment him; his chances of starring in Deadpool are over.

With the spirit of not wasting resources, Martin said to Thomas, "Go and contact 20th Century Fox, with the target being Deadpool from X-Men, and see if you can get the rights to adapt it into a movie."

Thomas frankly stated, "It's extremely difficult. The X-Men series is one of Fox's flagship film series. Disney and Marvel have tried to buy back the rights to X-Men and Fantastic Four several times, but Fox has rejected them all."

Martin knew it would be difficult, and said, "Let's give it a try. A joint production is fine, but if it doesn't work out... then forget it."

Thomas said, "Okay, I'll get in touch with Fox."

More than half an hour later, Carlton Cuth and his agent came over. Martin did not show up, but asked Thomas to talk to them first.

Because Martin's offer was not low, and the WMA was keen to facilitate the deal, the talks went smoothly, and a preliminary agreement was reached that afternoon. Davis Studios bought the rights to the script of "San Andreas," also known as "San Andreas," for $150 million.

At the same time, screenwriter Carlton Cuth agreed to make appropriate modifications to the script and character settings based on Martin's actual situation.

Martin is actually quite interested in the rights to some of the older films in Warner Bros.' film library, but previous events have made him hesitant, so he's waiting to see what Daniel does first.

He's not in a hurry; he can wait until the Joker movie is released.

Martin still had some reservations about the Warner Bros. team.

The following day, after both parties agreed on all the terms, Martin, on behalf of David Studios, signed an agreement with Carlton Cuth for the rights to San Andreas, with a buyout price of $150 million.

According to the agreement, Carlton Cuth needs to revise the script, and the revisions must be completed by August of next year.

…………

A separate visiting room in a California state prison.

Ordinary prisoners and their families do not enjoy this kind of treatment, but the person who came today is not an ordinary person. He is rich and famous, and has always been a supporter of the Democratic Party. He also has connections in the political arena.

Ryan Reynolds, his face bruised and battered, was strapped to a chair. Looking at Scarlett Janssen across from him, he asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I heard you're not doing well. After all, we were once husband and wife, so I brought you some things." Scarlett handed the things she brought to the guard, giving him a suggestive look: "Can I speak with him alone for a while?"

The guard glanced into the bag and said, "It can't be too long. I'll be right at the door. Call me immediately if anything happens."

Scarlett nodded: "No problem."

Once the guard left, she took out a cigarette, lit it, took a deep drag, and blew the smoke towards Ryan Reynolds.

Smoke billowed in his face, and with his hands bound, Ryan Reynolds could do nothing but shout, "Give me a cigarette."

Scarlett took out a cigarette and placed it in front of Ryan Reynolds, but didn't give it to him.

Ryan was craving cigarettes and felt terrible all over.

Scarlett asked, "It's very uncomfortable, very painful, isn't it? I felt the same way when we got divorced!"

Ryan said, "You said you'd send me things so I could have a better time here!"

Because of behind-the-scenes maneuvering by Fox News and many left-wing organizations, he was given a very unusual cell in the state prison. Not only did he sleep next to the toilet, but he was also frequently beaten.

He had been beaten so badly recently that he pinned his hopes on Scarlett really coming to help him and agreed to meet her.

It was quite obvious that Ryan had overthought things and underestimated how terrifying an ex-wife could be.

"I heard you're having a very uncomfortable time in your cell." Scarlett put a cigarette in Ryan's mouth and lit it with a lighter, as if she had just been teasing him.

Ryan said, "I'll be grateful to you for the rest of my life for helping me change cells."

Scarlett looked at Ryan for a moment before saying, "Okay, I'll switch them for you. Remember what you said."

Ryan breathed a sigh of relief. For the first time since the divorce, he felt that Scarlett was a good person, and sincerely said, "Thank you."

Scarlett thought for a moment and then said, "To make your life more comfortable in the future, I will try to find a way to send some gifts to your new roommate through the prison administration."

Ryan nodded repeatedly, wondering why he hadn't noticed Scarlett's good qualities before.

Unfortunately, he had no future in Hollywood and could no longer be with Scarlett.

Before entering, Ryan thought it would be very difficult inside, but after entering, he found that it was even more difficult than he had imagined.

He left with hope in his heart.

Scarlett came out, met up with her assistant, got into the car, took out her phone and made a call. After the other end answered, she said, "I'll need your help with the cell transfer."

The person on the other end was very direct: "Miss Jensen, please rest assured, Ryan Reynolds' new cell and cellmates have been selected according to your requirements. They are all the most aggressive gay men in the state prison."

"Great." Scarlett, the ex-wife, smiled happily. "I've prepared some gifts for them, mainly soap and the like. Could you deliver them to them for me?"

The person on the other end laughed, "I understand, we'll do as Miss Jason requests."

Scarlett hung up the phone, feeling inexplicably relieved. Most ex-wives harbor an unvented resentment towards their ex-husbands.

"Drive back to Los Angeles." She became even more excited and simply took out her phone to call Martin: "Come out and have some fun. I'll be waiting for you at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel."

Martin on the other end agreed.

Scarlett was seriously considering how to make Martin even more excited so she could reward herself properly.

This is a very complex topic, so let's go to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel first and give Martin a warm welcome.

…………

Victory Square, Kyiv.

Thousands of people gathered here, and countless cameras and video cameras were pointed at the short man standing on the high platform in front of the monument in the square.

"Support Alexandrovic!"

I don't know who shouted the first time, but then countless people followed suit.

"Alexandrovich!"

"Alexandrovich!"

The unified shouts were deafening, drawing the attention of all the media reporters present.

This national hero has an astonishingly high level of public appeal!

Alexandrovich stood on the high platform and waved to the audience.

The public responded even more enthusiastically.

Today's rally is also a press conference, where Alexandrovich and his Servant of the People party officially announced their participation in next year's general election.

Thanks to the publicity generated by media outlets such as 1+1 TV, the rally caused a sensation.

Alexandrovich, holding his wife Olina's hand, bowed together toward the crowd.

His approachable image is also one of his key selling points.

On the top floor of a hotel on one side of the square, seven or eight people stood by the railing, gazing at the center of the square.

Among them, the director of 1+1 TV station, Rebrov, was with an old man with gray hair.

"I never imagined that he would gain such influence in just two years." The old man's name was Igor, chairman of the Priwatt Group, and he had also served as governor of a state. "A book called 'Servant of the People' and a rescue operation for women and children made him the most prestigious person in the country."

Rebrov said, "When I first met Alexandrovich, he was still a bit naive, but the presence of Martin Davis, a national hero of America, helped him mature quickly."

Igor said with some regret, "It's a pity I didn't get to meet Martin Davis last time I was in London."

Rebrov believes the group's leader is overemphasizing this: "While Martin Davis carries the title of a national hero in America and boasts a billion-dollar fortune, he is essentially still a celebrity..."

Igor raised his hand to interrupt him: "You don't know enough. When I was in London, I specifically sent someone to America to investigate Martin Davis. The wealth he controls is no less than mine. You should know what that money represents in a place like America. Also, his influence over the entire United States and even the Western world is enormous."

Rebrov nodded vigorously and asked, "We fully support Alexandrovich?"

Igor certainly wanted to run for office himself, but his reputation was so bad and he was under sanctions from the United States and other Western countries. He had no choice but to choose a suitable proxy, but the candidates were themselves oligarchs who were direct competitors to him.

He had no other suitable candidate besides Alexandrovich.

Igor said, "Just like I discussed with Alexandrovich, we should fully support Yata. If he succeeds, we can weaken our competitors and use him to ease relations with the United States..."

Like all oligarchs, he was essentially a fence-sitter, favoring whichever side was more advantageous.

Rebrov knew that it wasn't appropriate for his boss to personally intervene, which was why he had told him so much. He immediately replied, "I will communicate with Alexandrovich."

Igor nodded: "Don't let him get out of our control."

Rebrov replied, "Yes."

Igor left.

Rebrov saw the Alexandrovich couple descend from the platform in the square, and the crowd automatically split into two rows to see them off.

This national actor has won the hearts of the people by playing presidents who outwit oligarchs and corrupt politicians and dedicate themselves to the country's revival in films and television dramas.

In addition to his efforts to rescue women and children, he will have unparalleled influence in this country for a long time to come.

Furthermore, he will certainly receive support from some Western groups.

If the Privat Group gives it a push from behind, its chances of success are quite high.

After seeing the couple get into the car, Rebrov dialed Alexandrovich's number and they arranged to meet that evening.

In the moving car, Alexandrovich hung up the phone. Once the car was far from the city center, he asked the driver to stop and said to Olina, "Let's get out and take a walk. It's been a long time since we've gone for a walk together."

It was unusually cold in Kyiv in December, so Olina quickly wrapped a scarf around his neck.

The two got out of the car and walked along the empty road.

Olina said, "The Privat Group has provided us with tremendous support."

Alexandrovich glanced back at the car: "That's why there are some things I don't dare say in front of the driver."

Olina, knowing her husband well, asked in a low voice, "Are you worried about becoming a puppet placed in the public eye by Igor?"

Alexandrovich said, "His money and resources are not given away for free; if I am elected, I will certainly repay them."

Olina said, "Isn't that how it is all over the world?"

"Actually, I have an idea," Alexandrovich said slowly, "I had it when the Privat Group first started supporting me."

Olena looked at him curiously.

Alexandrovich smiled and said, "I haven't mentioned it to anyone. I've been thinking about it on my own, and my ideas are gradually maturing, but the pressure is also immense."

Olina hopes to become First Lady: "I'm willing to help you share the burden."

Alexandrovich lowered his voice: "Igor's relationship with the East is ambiguous, and he is increasingly being rejected by the Western world. If I become his agent, will we really have to side with the East in the future? All our efforts in America over the past few years will be in vain."

He had already made up his mind: "If I can truly seize power, I plan to use Igor and the Privat Group as a pledge of allegiance, find a way to dismantle them, and hand over the Privat Group to Martin to operate. Martin has a certain influence in Washington, high prestige, and political allies. With such a large sum of money in hand, he will surely be able to build a bridge for us to communicate smoothly with the United States."

Olina fully supported the idea: "Your idea is correct, but it will be difficult to implement."

Alexandrovich took her hand and continued walking: "Since I left Kyiv to go to Paris to see Martin, what has been the easiest thing I've ever done?"

(End of this chapter)