America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 360, Chapter 358: Little Liu and Sister Ao, they can't stop being sisters now.

A new week begins, September has arrived.

Transformers 2 achieved another box office success, living up to expectations and tying Star Wars Episode III.

With a slight margin of a few million dollars, it surpassed its opponent and temporarily took the throne as this year's highest-grossing film.

The film has been showing for a month now, and its large-scale screenings in North America will continue for at least another two weeks.

The number of screenings will gradually decrease, but it's certain that they will continue to be shown for another month.

With such a great momentum, it's bound to push for more. If "Transformers 1" didn't break $10 billion at the box office, this one definitely has to.

The Meg has also officially been released in more than 2000 theaters.

The number may seem small, not even half of the total in the US, but considering the subject matter and production team, it's already a privilege.

Many of MGM's own smaller-scale investments also receive this treatment.

But if the audience likes it, they'll upgrade the cabin immediately.

Since it's not a big-budget production and doesn't feature any big-name stars, there won't be a premiere.

As I said before, the production team will be coming to the US to promote the film, and we'll have to see how things unfold.

Therefore, celebrities like Jason Statham and Xu Jinglei attended the premiere in China, and the promotional momentum there was enormous, almost comparable to that of the heroes of yesteryear.

The leadership attached great importance to it, with Lao Han and people from the Central Propaganda Department participating, indicating high expectations for the film.

Chen Xing, representing MGM, also attended the event.

With the first week's box office results in, it's fair to say that this is a result that everyone is quite satisfied with.

"The Meg" grossed $3340 million in 2330 theaters, making it the third highest-grossing film this week.

Judging from the audience's feedback, it can be considered to have received a passing grade.

While it may not be entirely groundbreaking, it's an interesting commercial monster movie that has won over quite a few moviegoers.

The champion was "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," with the brilliant director Tim Burton and Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, making it a very strong box office draw.

In short: I may not be able to beat Transformers, but can't I beat you?

The runner-up was naturally "Transformers 2", with $3570 million, a little more than "The Meg".

After receiving the number, Lao Han laughed for a full three minutes on the phone, feeling ten years younger.

"Great, great, that's wonderful! My heart can finally be at ease. This huge weight has been hanging over me for so long."

"What? You don't seem to trust me much," Eric joked.

Old Han was straightforward and said, "Actually, there is a bit of that. After all, you are a world-class screenwriter and director, and you only produce a shark movie."

"I don't see anything particularly outstanding about this script. This is what we discussed behind your back."

"But now I'm convinced. Not only did it do well at the North American box office, it also did quite well at the Chinese box office, although the response wasn't as strong as in North America."

"But the main purpose of our film is to make money overseas. 1 US dollar is equal to 8 RMB, which is almost 3 million RMB in China. That's great."

"I was praising you at dinner yesterday, calling you a great director and screenwriter. Your work is truly extraordinary."

Eric laughed heartily: "Now that they've seen the money and the results, their position is even more secure, right?"

Old Han smiled broadly as well: "By the way, since the box office is doing so well, should we expand the scale next week?"

"Yes, I've arranged everything. I'll increase the number of theaters by a thousand, and I'll also have the lead actors, director, and other staff come over to do some promotional work."

"This is an opportunity; whether I can make a name for myself in Hollywood depends on my own abilities."

"Don't worry, I'll bring up anything that will help with the box office, even if you don't."

"Also, if you have time, come over and visit for a few days. Lately, you, the world's richest man, have been making a lot of big moves."

"After acquiring Lucasfilm and Warner Bros., we've been so busy, let's relax a bit and also think about what to make next."

Eric stopped laughing: "I think the last sentence is the real purpose, but bro, I'm just starting out. The rest of the process still needs to be discussed with the person in charge."

"I can't always be in the spotlight. If all else fails, we'll make 'The Meg 2'."

Old Han naturally understood that it was better to rely on oneself than on others.

Even Steven Spielberg, the world's most renowned director, would have to bow down and act subservient to Eric Cooper, and helping him once would already be considered a gesture of goodwill.

"I know you're busy, so you don't need to do it yourself. Just review the script and give me your feedback."

"That's no problem."

"Like I said, come over for a few days when you have some free time. You can bring as many girlfriends as you like here, there won't be any paparazzi taking pictures anyway."

"I'm not so sure. Are you sure about my face?"

After hanging up the phone, Eric was often annoyed by the paparazzi.

It's better in Los Angeles, since it's my own territory.

I think it would be better to buy an island, develop it properly, and put all kinds of facilities in place.

From now on, it will be used specifically for family and close friends to go on vacation. I can't exactly use an electronic satellite just to secretly film me.

Eric from the cast and crew of "Juno" came to visit the set today.

As the big boss, the company has too many projects, and he considers holding a meeting for them to be a key project.

It's been a long time since I've visited the set of "Sharknado" like I used to.

Of course, the reason for visiting the set was simple: Elizabeth was the lead actress, Crystal was the supporting actress, and Andrea was the director.

If she's not his woman, she's either been with his old cronies and they have a close relationship.

The male lead is Andrew Garfield, who is well-suited for this kind of student role.

Moreover, it can be considered a warm-up before filming "The Amazing Spider-Man," and increasing fame and exposure can help with box office success.

The first person to spot him was Chloe Moretz, a child star who had become somewhat famous since playing Yun in "The Hunger Games".

Yun was handpicked by Eric, and this time, she was also handpicked by Eric for a supporting role, and she's partnering with Xiao Liu again. The young girl is very happy.

She ran to Eric's side in a few steps, her little face beaming with joy: "Mr. Cooper, what brings you here?"

"I've come to see you. How's it going on set? Are you settling in well?"

"Yes, everyone has been very kind to me. Thank you for letting me play this role."

Eric patted her little head: "Your parents told you to say that, didn't they?"

"Hehe." The little girl smiled shyly.

Within a few words exchanged between the two, everyone noticed Eric's presence.

Just as they finished filming a scene, Andrea called for a pause, and several people gathered around.

"Andrew, you look good, you've gotten stronger."

Garfield nodded quickly: "I've been working out a lot lately, and I read Spider-Man comics whenever I have time."

"Great, young people should work harder, you'll become famous soon."

"Thank you, director. I will do as you say."

"Arnold, how are you feeling?"

Andrea still had that signature amiable smile: "Very good. Compared to 'Mean Girls,' I still prefer this kind of emotionally driven film. You know I like subtlety."

"That's right, that's why I chose you to be the assistant director of 'Blue Is the Warmest Color'."

"I hope you put more effort into this film, 'Juno.' I plan to release it during the Christmas season and try to get it an Oscar."

After chatting for a while, Eric and Elizabeth entered the lounge one after the other when no one was looking.

He looked at Elizabeth, who had deliberately put on a fake belly, and with her small face, she looked exactly like an underage pregnant woman.

"Now you're truly an Earth, baby."

"Yes, but it's also a way to experience pregnancy in advance and prepare for when we actually have a baby."

"You should wait until you're a bit older, preferably after you're 20, it will be better for your health."

"But I want to have it after I'm an adult, then we won't need to use protection."

"Honey, if we have a child, you won't be able to enjoy life like your peers; you'll have many restrictions."

"But I love you, and after making this movie, I really want a baby of our own."

Faced with the girl's deep affection, the two couldn't help but kiss.

Just then, Xiao Liu sneaked in, startling both girls, who were unaware of each other's presence.

However, since Eric dared to do it, he was confident he could handle it.

Of all his women, Elizabeth was undoubtedly the most tolerant, the easiest to please, and the most brainless.

Elizabeth always obeys Eric's every word, making her the Shuang'er type, much like Wei Xiaobao.

Since being introduced to Judy a few days ago, Xiao Liu has realized that he underestimated Eric's kidney function.

But having already submitted to the other party, wanting to leave is wishful thinking.

Besides, I'm a newcomer, how could I possibly push my seniors away?

There's no other way but to lower the bar further.

Inside the lounge, the two were quickly taken control of by Eric.

When you're completely exposed to each other, you can't help but want to be sisters.

(End of this chapter)