Chapter 271: Addams Family Values

In West Hollywood, at the Chateau Marmont Hotel, Arthur and Jennifer Connelly stepped out of the elevator and bumped into Sean Penn and Al Pacino, both wearing hats.

Having recently won the Oscar for Best Actor, Al Pacino was in high spirits. Al Pacino and Sean Penn had co-starred in the gangster film Carlito's Way not long ago and now ran into each other at the hotel party.

"Arthur, Jennifer, let's grab a drink sometime," Sean Penn suggested.

Al Pacino smiled, "Well, Sean and I have to go out for a bit. See you later, you two!"

Jennifer Connelly smiled and replied, "Bye-bye!"

After all, Jennifer had worked with Al Pacino in last year's film Scent of a Woman.

Arthur took Jennifer Connelly to the party area. "Let's go grab a drink. We're here to relax!"

The Chateau Marmont is well-known for its privacy, making it a favorite spot for many celebrities to party and unwind. Hollywood's rich kids loved flaunting their wealth here.

They had just run into Pamela Anderson, one of the lead actresses from Baywatch, and a former Playboy cover model and sex symbol.

The show Baywatch, which aired last year, catapulted Pamela Anderson, the blond bombshell who mesmerized a generation of American teenagers, to fame.

In a few years, she and her husband, Tommy Lee, a tattoo-loving, hard-drinking drummer for a heavy metal band, would become regulars in American tabloids. Their sex tape scandal would make her a pioneer for future stars like Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian.

Soon, Arthur and Jennifer Connelly spotted Barry Sonnenfeld, the director of The Addams Family.

Arthur had specifically brought Connelly to discuss the Addams Family Values project with Barry Sonnenfeld.

Last year, Arthur had rejected the original script for Addams Family Values and had it rewritten to include a new character, a sexy and beautiful young nanny. Arthur thought Jennifer Connelly would be perfect for the role.

"The sequel's story should still revolve around the Addams Family's castle, focusing on family conflicts," Arthur said. "Adding new characters is the right idea," he continued, having reviewed the initial script, which lacked comedic elements.

Barry Sonnenfeld considered this and then asked, "Arthur, are you saying we should continue with the gothic absurd comedy style?"

Arthur nodded, "Yes, this style is niche and likely won't become mainstream, but we should continue to pursue the blend of weirdness and warmth. We'll increase the budget for Addams Family Values by at least 30%."

After all, the 1991 release of The Addams Family turned a $30 million investment into more than a hundred million in North American box office, along with $80 million in international sales.

The sequel, initially scheduled for release this year, had its script rewritten at Arthur's behest.

"I understand. I'll submit the final script as soon as possible," Barry Sonnenfeld promised. He had directed a romance film last year and was now fully focused on preparing for Addams Family Values.

Once Barry Sonnenfeld left, Jennifer Connelly took a sip of her drink. "Do I really fit this style?"

Arthur smiled, running his hand along her thigh. "The nanny in Addams Family Values is a sexy, venomous woman who enters the Addams' castle to swindle them. She doesn't fit in with the bizarre Addams Family. Don't you have confidence in your looks and figure?"

Jennifer Connelly shook her head. "I'm worried I don't have the comedic touch."

"Don't worry," Arthur reassured her. "You have comedy experience from Mrs. Doubtfire. You can do it. Besides, in Addams Family Values, the audience will probably focus more on your beauty and figure."

Galactic Studios planned to release Addams Family Values next year.

"I understand. I'll prepare well," Jennifer Connelly assured. She had scripts on hand but followed Arthur's advice not to take on low-budget indie films.

She preferred heartwarming stories in family comedies or romances.

"Don't worry. Scent of a Woman's $63 million North American box office plus $70 million international is a sign of success. Your tango scene in the film captivated the audience and boosted your popularity. And with your participation in this summer's Mrs. Doubtfire, the exposure will help.

Joining the Addams Family Values cast will benefit the movie. The original cast isn't particularly famous. The Addams Family is fundamentally a gothic, bizarre comic; it's the exaggerated styling and makeup that attract people."

As Arthur spoke, he noticed Frank Mancuso Jr., who had recently taken over as MGM's new president, walking toward him.

*****

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