Chapter 170: James Cameron's Spider-Man

"Galaxy Orion is now in debt by billions of dollars. Aren't you worried at all?" Early in the morning, Nicole Kidman lay on Arthur's chest, feeling somewhat alarmed upon hearing about Galaxy's high debt.

Arthur stroked Nicole Kidman's smooth back, "What is there to worry about? By next year, we'll repay a hundred million-dollar loan, leaving just four hundred million. The annual interest payment is less than $30 million. It's no big deal."

Nicole Kidman looked intently at Arthur, "Galaxy Orion should be the leader among Hollywood independent movie companies now. You've not only acquired shares in a TV station but also in a chain cinema!"

Arthur chuckled, "Pretty much, although we releases fewer films, we win with quality."

"All right, it's time to get up!"

This year, Mario Kassar, the chairman of Carolco, has hit the jackpot with his investment in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, grossing $200 million in North America and over a billion worldwide.

Additionally, he has attracted four companies to inject hundreds of millions of dollars into Carolco Pictures!

Meanwhile, New Line has gobbled up a small company, Nielsen Entertainment, which had a deal with Castle Rock Entertainment.

Now, Arthur, in command of Galaxy Orion, has set his sights on one of the "Big Seven," MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer).

Unfortunately, MGM seems to have stalled in its film business!

Most notably, MGM's ace series, the James Bond franchise, is embroiled in a rights dispute. MGM-UA (United Artists) and producer Albert Broccoli, who owns half the rights to 007, are at odds.

Timothy Dalton starred in The Living Daylights in 1987, and License to Kill in 1989. Now, due to the legal battle, the 17th Bond movie is at a standstill.

Arthur knows Dalton's contract for a three-film, seven-year deal won't allow him to shoot this third film!

With the release of The Addams Family in 2,411 theaters in North America, it grossed $24.6 million in its first weekend, undoubtedly taking the top spot in box office sales.

In the second weekend, it grossed $21 million, becoming the most successful Thanksgiving film!

In early December, Arthur returned to Los Angeles.

"Menahem Golan approached Carolco Pictures wanting to develop Spider-Man?" Arthur looked at Stan Lee with a smile, "Is there a script?"

Menahem Golan's 21st Century Film Corporation's rights to Spider-Man are set to expire in January next year, what could he be working on now?

Stan Lee shook his head, "Not yet, but we know director James Cameron is interested in adapting Spider-Man!"

"James Cameron?" Arthur seemed to recall that this guy was indeed interested in Spider-Man, "What does that have to do with 21st Century Film Corporation? Starting next month, the adaptation rights for Spider-Man will belong to Galaxy.

James Cameron is a big shot now, his projects have large budgets. If the script is good, Galaxy can partner with Carolco to develop the Spider-Man film!"

Carolco will be the film investor, Galaxy Orion will handle the distribution, both parties will jointly produce, and Galaxy can also participate in part of the investment.

Arthur didn't mind; as long as Cameron could produce a good script, and with Carolco's deep pockets, development could go ahead.

"That's good," Stan Lee certainly hoped Cameron would direct, "I'll talk to Cameron about Spider-Man's history and journey, hoping it helps him in his scriptwriting."

As for Menahem Golan, Stan Lee had completely forgotten about him, with no intention of extending the Spider-Man adaptation rights with him.

After all, starting from 1992, the five-year adaptation rights had been sold to Galaxy.

After Stan Lee left, Arthur leaned back in his chair, wondering what kind of Spider-Man script James Cameron would come up with?

Carolco had just collaborated with Cameron on Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and now they have their eyes on Spider-Man. Interesting!

Arthur then left the company, drove to Santa Monica Beach, and met Monica Bellucci.

"So, when are you heading to the set of Bram Stoker's Dracula?" Arthur asked the alluring Monica Bellucci in an outdoor cafe at the Santa Monica Pier.

Monica Bellucci shook her head, "Not so soon. I'm in a small role, a cameo, with not many scenes. The shooting time is just three weeks."

This year, Monica Bellucci became the brand ambassador for the luxury brand L'Oreal Paris and attended many official brand events.

Arthur took a sip of coffee, feeling the sea breeze in his hair, "How do you find life here in America after a few months?"

"Very vibrant," Monica Bellucci said, smiling, "As a woman, I really like the vibrant lifestyle in America. However, compared to Europe, there are a lot of deliberate requirements concerning a woman's age and weight, especially in the entertainment industry."

Well, Monica Bellucci, being 27 years old and a voluptuous beauty, newly entered the film industry, Hollywood was indeed tough for her.

"Let's finish Bram Stoker's Dracula first and see how things go. You need time to adapt," Arthur said, stroking Monica Bellucci's cheek, "We can't just head back to Italy so quickly, can we? You also need to gain experience!"

No actor becomes a genius overnight; they grow and hone their craft through work and understanding, then improve their abilities.

Monica Bellucci nodded; she had only starred in two Italian films, both capitalizing on her beauty and figure!

Arthur said and stood up, "Let's go have a drink at the bar. The nightlife in Los Angeles is about to start."

"Okay," Monica Bellucci reached out, letting Arthur take her hand and leave Santa Monica Pier. The waves of the Pacific Ocean crashed against the shore as the setting sun painted Santa Monica Beach in a golden hue.

"No wonder this place is teeming with tourists, the scenery is indeed beautiful," Monica Bellucci praised.

Arthur wrapped his arm around her waist, "In the summer, the beach is packed with people!"

Quickly, Arthur drove his Mitsubishi 3000GT sports car with Monica Bellucci to a club in Beverly Hills.

*****

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