Chapter 357: Competition Begins

Warner Studios, with the secret code name "Rory's First Kiss" project, is just starting its preparations. The crew has set up shop in a gray office building.

Thomas, driving an electric car, picked up Martin and then Louise on the way to the set.

Martin inquired, "Is the joint investment meeting for the project over?"

Louise replied, "It's pretty much a done deal. The production budget is set at $180 million. Warner Bros. is handling distribution, and DC Comics and Legendary Pictures will jointly produce it. There are some smaller companies involved too, along with Nolan and his wife contributing to the investment."

She emphasized, "The project has a 3-year window period, starting from the North American film release. Warner has to secure all online and offline copyrights."

Martin asked a crucial question, "Did Warner Pictures also invest?"

Louise confirmed, "Their investment is similar to Pacific Pictures, and they're primarily focused on the new Terminator."

As they arrived at the gray office building in the battery car, Louise, Martin, and Thomas disembarked.

Louise, a significant member of the crew, held considerable authority, second only to Charles Rowan representing Warner Bros. and Orlin, the DC Comics director.

Martin had arranged a meeting with Nolan through Emma Thomas.

As they entered the building, Mene approached Martin quietly and said, "I managed to sneak onto the crew."

Surprised, Martin asked, "As an actor?"

Mene nodded, "I auditioned yesterday and snagged a critical supporting role. Today, I'm here to discuss the contract."

Martin advised, "Keep a close eye on what's happening within the crew."

Mene assured him, "Boss, I've got it covered. There are several key department heads on the crew, all experienced women over 40."

Bruce joined them, leading Mene to chat privately.

Louise ushered Martin into a reception room, where they waited for Mr. and Mrs. Nolan.

Upon their arrival, Martin extended his hand to Nolan, and they quickly got down to business.

Nolan inquired, "You and Emma talked about this project. You mentioned the clown is the primary character?"

Martin replied directly, "The script gives me that impression. This character is unique and multi-dimensional. It's not your typical villain. I believe the clown in the script resembles the two protagonists in 'The Wire.'"

This information had come from Mene.

Nolan nodded in agreement, "Yes, when Jonathan and I wrote the script, 'The Wire' duel between the two heroes had a significant influence." He looked at Martin differently, appreciating every word from the young actor.

In Nolan's eyes, the Joker was the linchpin of the movie. Batman played a supporting role, and the Joker was elevated to great importance. Nolan needed an actor who could carry this complex role.

Nolan considered for a moment and said, "Martin, I understand your position. We'll wait for my call and proceed with the makeup audition."

Martin knew the meeting had concluded, so he shook Nolan's hand and said, "I look forward to working with you, this remarkable director."

As Martin and his group left, Nolan turned to his wife, questioning Martin's flattering words, "Remarkable director? He's quite the talker."

Emma defended Martin, "He has an excellent reputation in the industry, and he's very committed."

Nolan realized, "He's also quite capable of stirring up trouble."

Given the film's significance, Nolan wouldn't make a hasty decision. He concluded, "We should contact other candidates as well."

After lunch and some paperwork, Nolan received a notice, and Christian Bale came to the studio. Warner Bros. and DC Comics had learned from past Batman casting mishaps, so they invited Bale to reprise the role of Bruce Wayne.

Bale's agent was in the final stages of negotiation with the crew.

Nolan had a great relationship with Bale and asked him directly, "Is the contract settled?"

Bale replied cheerfully, "The highest I've ever been paid for a film is $15 million."

Nolan encouraged him, "Get back to training and be in the best shape possible."

Bale, known for his physical dedication, assured, "I've already started bulking up." He had come for another reason and inquired, "I heard the crew is casting for the Joker. Any suitable actors in mind?"

Nolan confirmed this and asked, "Do you have someone in mind?"

Bale spoke highly of Heath Ledger, the star of "Brokeback Mountain." Hugh Jackman had also recommended Ledger, which didn't surprise Nolan.

Bale cared for his friends and explained, "Heath Ledger's condition is under control. I can guarantee he won't cause any problems during filming. If needed, we can include specific clauses in the contract."

Nolan had known Bale for years and trusted him. If Bale vouched for Ledger, it meant something.

Bale added, "There have been countless actors who've taken a shot at that role. It's rare to find someone who hasn't." Nolan, with a decade of industry experience, knew this was true.

He continued, "The time in New York was quite an ordeal. I was there. Martin Davis and Aniston went overboard and nearly jeopardized Heath Ledger's career." Bale shared his perspective on the situation at that time, saying, "Heath and I share a unique understanding. If he acts opposite me, it'll be a significant bonus."

Just like Hugh Jackman in "The Prestige," Nolan recommended Bale the potential candidate. After pondering, he added, "Bring Heath Ledger to the set. I want to assess his condition in person."

Bale assured, "I'll call him right now and ask him to come from New York immediately."

Nolan emphasized, "As soon as possible."

Christian Bale bid farewell and left. While descending, he called Heath Ledger.

After the call, he sought out a production manager familiar with the crew and asked, "Regarding the role of the clown, which actors does the crew currently favor?" With the list of actors confirmed, Christian Bale could contact and persuade them to step aside, a strategy he had employed in the past.

The production manager responded, "Not entirely sure at the moment. This morning, Louise Meyer, one of the investors, brought Martin Davis and his agent to meet with Director Nolan. It's unclear what they discussed, but I suspect it's related to casting."

At the mention of Martin's name, Christian Bale's thoughts immediately turned to the Joker role.

Bruce Wayne was already set to play the role, leaving only a few suitable roles for Martin Davis in the cast.

Christian Bale harbored strong resentment towards Martin, stemming not only from the Heath Ledger incident but also the Pinewood Studios debacle.

A grown man ripping a sponge became a running joke in Hollywood, the United States, and even England. He knew people were laughing at Martin behind his back.

Bale recognized the role Martin played in that incident.

As he thought about Martin's cheerful and handsome face, he couldn't help feeling nauseous. Working on the same crew was a nightmare, and now he had to help Heath Ledger secure this role.

After parting ways with the production manager, Christian Bale contemplated how to limit Martin's access to the crew.

Meanwhile, Emma Thomas, who had been occupied throughout the day, left the crew's office building and met as planned at the onsite ice cream shop with Mene.

Mene ordered an excessively sweet ice cream.

As Emma savored her drink, the intense sweetness flooded her senses, and she felt a surge of happiness with a massive release of dopamine. She couldn't resist and gobbled most of it in one go.

Mene asked, "Emma, can my boss get that role?"

Emma explained, "It's not that simple. Our opinions matter, but we don't have the final say. I can only provide input. Ultimately, it depends on the results of the makeup audition. The project's investment is too substantial, and nobody can afford to take risks."

Mene praised his boss, "My boss's acting skills are exceptional. Even Nicholson and Scorsese have praised him."

Emma cautioned, "Tell him not to underestimate the competition; there are strong contenders."

Mene inquired, "Who else is vying for this role?"

Emma revealed some non-confidential information within the crew, "Christian Bale recommended Australian actor Heath Ledger, and some other companies or investors suggested their own candidates. It's expected that five or six people will participate in the final makeup audition."

Mene noted down the names Emma mentioned, particularly Heath Ledger. His boss had emphasized keeping a close watch on this individual.

After they finished their ice cream and arranged to indulge in sweets again tomorrow, Emma returned to the office building to meet her husband and conclude their workday.

Mene reached out to a female executive producer he had connections with, who was nearing 50 years old, and gleaned additional details.

The lead actor, Christian Bale, had already submitted Heath Ledger's information to the casting team.

Mene left Warner Studios and made his way to Davis Studio, where he met with Bruce and shared the latest information he had gathered.

"It's currently confirmed that Robin Williams, Josh Brolin, Jude Law, Heath Ledger, Paul Bettany, and Adrien Brody are interested in this role."