Chapter 488 - Crossing the $300 Million Mark

Rob certainly believed in his own talent, but he was unsure of the reason she had sought him out. Was it to show off or did she genuinely want him to join?

If it was for show, it didn't seem to match her rumored personality. But if she truly wanted him to join, he had some doubts. If it were him, he wouldn't want someone heavily involved with the script to come into the production and start calling the shots.

In her presence, he was just a newcomer in the film industry. She had worked on many blockbuster movies, but he only had some achievements in Broadway and Hollywood. Did he really have something to offer that could assist her? It wasn't that he underestimated himself; in the film industry, his stature was indeed quite small.

After losing the script this time, he had considered taking on a job as a television director, but who would want to direct a TV series if they had the opportunity to make a movie? The difference between the two was substantial.

"Mr. Marshall, I've learned about you. I know that this script originated from your hands. As for Broadway, I don't know much, having only been there a couple of times with my family. To make 'Chicago' a success, I need someone with a better understanding of Broadway. So, in my eyes, you're the best choice."

Laila looked directly at him. "Of course, I can find others who understand Broadway like you do, but do you really want me to do that? Do you truly want this movie to be made without your involvement?"

With a cunning smile, she continued, "Don't underestimate the role of an associate director. Mr. Marshall, I've seen the shows you've assisted with, and I can tell you have a great talent for staging and coordination. You'd certainly be a suitable movie director. You know, I'm not one for making sequels, but if our collaboration satisfies me, I can give you a chance to direct 'Pirates of the Caribbean 2.'"

"Pirates of the Caribbean?" Rob's eyes widened. He was well aware of the movie that had been in theaters for a month and its impressive box office performance, as well as its remarkable potential. He was willing to stake everything on it: if he could direct it...

Even though she hadn't given him a definitive answer, the prospect of having an opportunity like that was incredibly attractive. If this news got out, numerous filmmakers, far more prominent than himself, would be scrambling for the opportunity.

"I hope you can deliver on your promise, I need a fair chance!" Rob extended his hand earnestly.

Laila shook his hand with a sly smile. "Of course, I can include that in the contract. And I swear on the honor of the Moran family that as long as you meet my expectations, the director's role for 'Pirates of the Caribbean 2' is yours."

Rob nodded, and his eyes no longer displayed the disappointment from earlier. Instead, they radiated a renewed enthusiasm. "Looking forward to our collaboration!"

He needed this opportunity, and he was confident he could meet her expectations!

Satisfied with his answer, Laila had the contract delivered to him the following day, officially bringing him on board the production. With that, her responsibilities were fulfilled, and the rest would be handled by Disney.

As for the actors, she didn't have too many requirements. She mainly provided suggestions to the casting director, and her main requirement was... eye-catching looks. As a visually oriented individual, she believed that a lack of dance skills or overacting was acceptable, as she was willing to coach the actors. In a musical, even if the acting was slightly subpar, proper editing could compensate for it.

Therefore, the most important aspect was their appearance. She didn't demand stunning beauty, nor did she expect excellent dancing skills, but she didn't want people who looked completely out of place in her film. With so many options in Hollywood, there were plenty of good-looking people who could also dance. Why not make her fans happy by offering eye candy?

However, when Disney handed her the list of selected actors, she was surprised to see a very familiar name.

"Roy, when did you audition? And you passed the first round? Why didn't I know you could dance?" She asked him with a puzzled expression when she called him to her office.

Roy had just come from the training room downstairs, and his chest and back were marked with sweat. He wiped the sweat off his forehead with a towel and said, "I auditioned a few days ago. The first round went smoothly. I've learned kung fu, vocals, and dance. Did you think I wouldn't learn to dance? Don't forget that you hired those teachers for me in the first place."

He answered her questions one by one, leaving Laila rather speechless.

She had indeed forgotten that she once hired a dance teacher for him. At that time, she had wanted him to become a more well-rounded actor. She thought he might use the training at some point, even if just a little knowledge would give him an edge when selecting movie roles. She didn't expect him to utilize it now, though.

"Why didn't I know you were interested in 'Chicago'?"

Roy raised an eyebrow. "Would you have recommended me if you had known?"

"Of course, it would have saved you from multiple rounds of auditions. I could have put you directly on the final list."

Roy patted her head with his hand and said, "Don't underestimate your boyfriend. I'm a genius, and I don't need your help to secure the role I want."

Laila couldn't help but sigh. It seemed like she was dealing with male pride here.

"Well, if that's how you feel, then give it your best shot," she said. What else could she say? She found this kind of baseless male pride quite boring. With connections and skills, what he had learned before was of no use anyway.

Roy smiled, clearly not wanting to say too much before achieving success. He changed the subject, saying, "Did you read today's newspaper? The North American box office for the movie has exceeded $300 Million."

It was a record-breaking box office achievement, and if you factored in other countries, a global box office of $400 Million was certainly possible, and even $500 Million wasn't out of the question. Roy wondered how those who had previously mocked the "$300 Million Director" would react to the news. Perhaps his words would come back to haunt them.

"Has it already reached $300 million?" Laila hadn't been paying attention, so she was slightly surprised, but she wasn't overly concerned. Achieving such a box office had been well within her expectations, so she was only momentarily surprised and didn't pay too much attention to it.

However, Roy saw her indifference differently. Did she no longer care about such achievements? It seemed like he would need to work harder to catch up to her. He couldn't let her stay ahead of him forever.