Hollywood What If

[I'm back and I want to say Happy New Year to everyone. Thanks for all the support. I was busy over Christmas and New Year, so I can't update... Definitely not because of my laziness]. 

[Anyway, shout out to Leonardo N, Toros S, zwarrior0596, Tibokas, Arka B and Phil!]

Hollywood What If Chapter 150

The Truman Show was released last month and its performance was strong. Especially since Jim Carrey was the protagonist. 

After all, the 90s were Jim Carrey's era. 

"Of course I understand where you're coming from. I saw Brianna Evans' audition and she is a talented actress. Still, we should give others a chance to get the role."

Brad Grey smiled.

The Truman Show was owned by none other than Paramount, and the profits from the film were promising. Though he could not deny that the film was largely carried by Jim Carrey. His box office appeal was amazing. 

As of July 31, The Truman Show had grossed more than $122 million at the North American box office. 

"Haha, people say you have a good eye for picking movies. Two of the projects you recommended are successful."

"You know, I'm just lucky."

"Maybe, but give us your opinion once in a while. Hell, we can send you the scripts just to get your opinion on whether it's a hit or a flop." Brad teased. 

"..."

Kazir kept his calm expression. 

:Lately, people are contacting me about so many projects. They want my opinion.'

Jack Black, Pedro Pascal and even Salvatore Barlowe were pestering him these days.

Kazir didn't tell them what to do and let them decide for themselves. He decided to let fate take its course. 

'... Or maybe I'm just biased.'

He helped Reese Witherspoon because of their relationship. 

He helped Brianna Evans because he was amazed by her talent. He felt it was a waste to let a talented woman rot in the theater acting. 

As for Viggo Mortensen, he just gave him a push to accept the role that was meant for him. Kazir Grey liked the Lord of the Rings franchise and he recognized only one person as Aragorn and that was Viggo Mortensen. 

As for the other actors, he knew that most of them would have a successful career and there was no point in helping them. They would become superstars sooner or later. 

"That explains a lot, because you are also a good director. You can tell if the movie will be good or bad. Ah, now that I remember, can you read this for a few minutes?

Brad Grey pulled a script from under the table and handed it to Kazir. 

"This is a movie we are going to release in 1999 or early 2000. It's already been approved by the higher-ups. It's our major project for next year. Gary Marshall is the director of the film. He is the one who introduced us to the project."

Kazir opened the script and narrowed his eyes when he read the title. 

"Runaway Bride?"

"That's right."

Brad Grey nodded. 

'Damn, they really mean it.'

Of course Kazir recognized the movie. And of course he knew who Gary Marshall was. 

'Gary Marshall is the director of Pretty Woman, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.'

To make it more interesting, Runaway Bride also starred Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. 

'This is the second time the three veteran performers have worked together, and the result is expected. Runaway Bride is one of the top 10 box office hits of 1999.'

The fact that CEO Brad Grey had Kazir read the script was truly amazing. He could not believe that he had reached the point where he could read heavily invested screenplays like Runaway Bride. 

"Hm... it looks promising. If Brianna Evans can't pass the audition for Meet The Parents, how about you give her this role instead?"

Honestly, he wanted Reese Witherspoon to take the role, but she was too young for the part. She would definitely be rejected. 

"Haha, Kazir, you are being greedy."

"I know."

There was no need to hide it. 

"How about this, I will let Brianna Evans go straight into the final round of auditions."

"That's good."

Now that Kazir had given the script a good review, Brad Grey felt the movie had a good chance at the box office. He even wants Brianna Evans to star in it. 

:If I'm not mistaken, the production cost of Runaway Bride was $70 million because of the salaries of Richard Gere and Julia Roberts.'

Both of them were superstars who had many fans all over the world. It was understandable that their salaries were huge. 

Anyway, let's look at it from a different perspective. Brianna can keep up with her talent.

The last time he saw the woman, she was bubbly and lovable. Almost different from what he saw during the filming of Taken. 

She can change into different roles. Like a chameleon.

"Now... Let's talk about the real purpose of this meeting."

The mood turned serious. 

"Paramount doesn't have a schedule for September. John Wick will be released that month."

"I understand." Kazir nodded. 

September was not a good schedule compared to summer season, Halloween and Christmas. 

Still, Paramount was not stupid enough to put important resources into a movie that was not theirs. Especially when the profit they could get was only 25% of the box office. 

"September is already good. I don't have a problem with it."

"That's good to hear. Don't worry, we'll do what's in the contract. We will invest $3 million in the first promotion. We will adjust the promotion budget based on the performance of John Wick."

They both knew that John Wick was different from Taken. Taken was a miracle that rode the trend and made buckets of money. But John Wick was a pure popcorn action movie.

'Hell, the movie was rated R, which was not good for business.' Even Brad Grey thinks that John Wick's performance was average at best. Maybe it would be a miracle if the movie made more than $200 million worldwide. 

Unless something unexpected happens. 

The two Greys shook hands after the meeting. They both used each other, and there was nothing wrong with that. It was a win-win situation anyway. 

+++++

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