Chapter 784: Forcing Warner

In the opulent living room of Davis Manor, Lily sat hunched over a meticulously crafted workbench, her nimble fingers dancing across the smooth surface of a palm-sized piece of obsidian, her concentration unwavering as she brought her artistic vision to life.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth, draped comfortably across the expansive sofa, had her legs curled up as she deftly navigated her IPD, her attention split between the barrage of work emails flooding her inbox and the soothing presence of Martin beside her.

Martin, reclining leisurely with his head nestled against Elizabeth's plush thighs, pored over a file directory with studious intent, the weight of Thomas's recent revelations hanging heavy in the air.

Warner Pictures had entrusted Martin with a tantalizing script and film project, a gesture that hinted at great potential for his career. Nolan and Daniel's discussions with DC Films regarding the Joker's standalone film added another layer of intrigue to the already complex situation, leaving Martin to ponder the possibilities that lay ahead.

As he flipped through the catalog, his gaze fell upon a project that Warner Pictures was fervently advocating for: "Jupiter Ascending," a science fiction spectacle helmed by the enigmatic Wachowski siblings. Despite the studio's unwavering faith in the duo, Martin couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that lingered in the back of his mind.

The mention of Ridley Scott's enduring influence in Hollywood brought to mind Old Ray's latest endeavor, a historical epic centered around the last legal duel in France. Despite Martin's reservations about delving into the realm of costume dramas, he couldn't deny the allure of the project, especially with Will Smith expressing interest in the lead role of "Focus."

Yet, Martin's thoughts drifted to his past endeavors in supporting his son and navigating the treacherous waters of Shan Kang's film projects, a journey fraught with pitfalls and setbacks that had left him grappling with his place in the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood.

As he contemplated the projects lined up for him, Martin couldn't help but wonder if he was destined to remain a mere background character in the grand tapestry of Tinseltown, or if he had the power to rewrite his own narrative and reclaim his rightful place at the forefront of the industry.

Warner Pictures was gearing up to breathe new life into the iconic "Blade Runner," a science fiction masterpiece crafted by Ridley Scott. Despite its tumultuous beginnings and modest box office reception in the early 1980s, the film had matured over the decades into a revered classic within the genre, a testament to its enduring appeal and cultural significance.

Martin, lost in contemplation, absentmindedly reached for something nearby, prompting a sharp rebuke from Elizabeth, who stood nearby, her disapproval evident in her stern gaze. "Leave it alone, Martin," she chided, her voice carrying a note of warning.

Undeterred, Martin persisted, his desire for a distraction evident as he turned to Elizabeth with a request. "Can I have the mobile phone?" he asked, a hint of anticipation in his tone.

Elizabeth acquiesced, handing him the device before resuming her own tasks. Martin wasted no time in dialing Thomas's number, eager to secure early access to the script for the upcoming "Blade Runner" sequel.

Meanwhile, Lily, having completed her sketch, sauntered over to join the others, her playful demeanor adding a spark of levity to the room. Sensing Elizabeth's frustration, she interjected with a mischievous suggestion, "Let's play a game upstairs!"

Elizabeth, ever the voice of reason, intervened, ushering the trio upstairs with a gentle but firm hand. "No arguing, no wasting time," she insisted, her patience wearing thin as she guided them towards their next activity.

As they ascended the staircase, Lily couldn't resist teasing Martin with a playful jab, her laughter echoing through the hallway. "Tonight, Liz is our target," she declared, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

Meanwhile, in the bustling corridors of the Warner Building in Burbank, DC Films Co-Chairman Hamada burst into Kevin Tsujihara's office, urgency evident in his demeanor. After a brief wait, Kevin Tsujihara turned his attention to Hamada, his expression expectant as he inquired about the purpose of the visit.

Hamada wasted no time, launching into a discussion about a new project proposed by Daniel and Christopher Nolan, a standalone "Joker" film that promised to push the boundaries of the DC superhero universe.

The reverberations of the recent shooting incident had cast a shadow over Warner, leaving Kevin Tsujihara to closely monitor the unfolding developments with a mix of apprehension and strategic foresight. "The Joker's popularity is unparalleled, especially online. A standalone adaptation seems fitting," he mused, his gaze fixed on Hamada, who nodded in agreement.

"Nolan introduced a unique iteration of the Joker in 'The Dark Knight,' a departure from previous interpretations," Hamada elaborated, his tone reflective as he delved into the intricacies of the character's evolution.

"But why Martin Davis?" Kevin's voice betrayed a hint of frustration, his fingers drumming anxiously on the armrest of his chair.

"He's become synonymous with the role. Any deviation risks alienating fans," Hamada explained, his words tinged with caution.

"Martin Davis," Kevin muttered, his mind whirling with the complexities of the situation. "He's a headache."

"He's aligned himself with Nolan and Daniel on this," Hamada added, his expression grave. "And he's made it clear he won't settle for anyone else in the role."

Kevin's brow furrowed in contemplation, the weight of his responsibilities bearing down on him. "Delay for now. Let's see how serious they are about this," he decided, his tone decisive yet cautious.

"Understood," Hamada acknowledged, his gaze unwavering as he braced himself for the challenges that lay ahead.

As they navigated the tumultuous waters of Hollywood's shifting landscape, both men were acutely aware of the pressure weighing down on Warner, acutely attuned to the delicate balance of power and influence that defined their industry.

As Hamada departed, his mind wandered to the turbulent history between Paramount and Tom Cruise, a feud that had once threatened to engulf them in a bitter rivalry. Yet, despite their past conflicts, they had since reconciled, a testament to the fickle nature of Hollywood alliances driven by profit and performance.

Meanwhile, in the confines of his office, Kevin Tsujihara idly passed the time, the monotony of the day stretching before him. Glancing at the clock, he reached for his mobile phone, dialing a familiar number. "Where are you? Meet me at our usual spot for lunch," he instructed before ending the call.

Half an hour later, in a quaint restaurant in Burbank, the atmosphere shifted as the door swung open to reveal the striking figure of Charlotte Kirk, the young Australian actress whom Kevin had invited to join him for lunch.

As Kevin arrived shortly after, the air seemed to brighten in Charlotte's presence, her infectious charm easing his mood as they settled in for their meal.

Charlotte, adept at the art of conversation, wasted no time in steering the topic towards her career aspirations. "When will you help me find a role?" she inquired, her gaze fixed expectantly on Kevin.

Kevin, ever the diplomat, merely smiled in response, his thoughts already drifting towards potential opportunities for Charlotte within the Warner Bros. universe.

Sensing his hesitation, Charlotte pressed further, her expression a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. "I've heard rumors about the Justice League movie universe. Do I resemble Diana, the Wonder Woman?" she ventured, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Kevin chuckled softly at her enthusiasm, mentally noting the potential for Charlotte to embody a formidable female character within the DC cinematic universe.

"As for now, let's focus on Nolan's upcoming project," Kevin suggested, his tone indicating his willingness to support her career ambitions.

Charlotte nodded eagerly, her determination evident as she pledged to seize any opportunity presented to her. "Lead the way," she declared, eager to embark on the next stage of her Hollywood journey.

With their lunch concluded, Kevin offered a parting word of advice. "Let's leave separately, for appearances' sake," he advised, mindful of the delicate nature of their professional relationship.

As they parted ways outside the restaurant, each driven by their own ambitions, the stage was set for Charlotte to make her mark on the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood.