Chapter 305: Both Swords for Free

"Magic Warrior's production team invited you to be the female lead?"

Hearing the answer given by Charlize Theron, Murphy frowned slightly, as this was different from the information he had gathered from CAA. According to CAA, Charlize Theron had been in touch with the long-delayed "Northern Winds" production team, seeking the female lead role there. He had prepared for this before he came.

This left Murphy somewhat unprepared, but his mind quickly began to work.

Charlize Theron briefly adjusted her short blonde hair and looked at Murphy, speaking honestly that the role of Amy in "Magic Warrior" was far more attractive than its female lead, who was merely a decorative figure, not requiring much effort, and inherently unappealing.

The lack of appeal in the role did not mean the production team lacked appeal. The salary offered by the "Magic Warrior" production team was the highest she had ever received, an irresistible figure. She didn't ruin her image by playing Erin Vonos just for an Oscar statuette, but also for the huge increase in personal value after winning the Oscar.

Her previous salaries were around three million dollars, and she had spent heavily in the last award season's public relations, including having Roger Ebert declare that not giving her the Best Actress Oscar would be the Academy's biggest scandal, which had been costly.

Winning the Best Actress Oscar made those expenses worthwhile, but it had emptied her pockets. To maintain the appearance of an Oscar-winning actress and sustain a glamorous lifestyle required substantial funds, for which she had even taken a loan from the bank. Now, she urgently needed to earn back the money spent on the Oscars and even more.

After a brief silence from Charlize Theron, Murphy didn't speak either; he was considering how to persuade this South African gem.

Although Amy's role wasn't exclusively for her, Murphy thought Charlize Theron was the most suitable among the available actresses in a short time, and her salary was relatively low.

Why would she lean towards "Magic Warrior" instead of "Gone Girl"?

This was the question Murphy was pondering. From her past film choices, Charlize Theron's judgment in selecting films wasn't very good. If not for her striking appearance and presence in fashion, she would have faded into obscurity long ago. What was "Magic Warrior" anyway? It was a notorious flop. Didn't she realize this at all?

Moreover, Charlize Theron had told him the director was a woman, and to date, no female director had led a major commercial success in Hollywood.

Didn't Charlize Theron see this, nor her agent?

Before coming here, Murphy had done enough research. Charlize Theron had fired her first agent, who had introduced her to Hollywood because she couldn't shake off her decorative image. It was her current agent who had strongly persuaded her to take the role in "Devil Wears Prada," which led to her Oscar glory.

Such an agent couldn't be short-sighted. Bill Rossi's information was that her agent preferred "Gone Girl," but Charlize Theron herself was more inclined towards "Magic Warrior."

Murphy shook his head imperceptibly. Apart from not having a "local registration," Charlize Theron was not inferior to some top Hollywood actresses but had always been semi-popular. Apart from "Devil Wears Prada," she had no significant works in the past, present, or foreseeable future, which only highlighted one thing.

Her eye for selecting films did not match her beauty.

Honestly, during their brief interaction, Murphy had a very good impression of Charlize Theron. She seemed very open, with a natural power that was bright, beautiful, and awe-inspiring.

With a supermodel-like figure and a sculptural face, calling her "Hollywood's Venus" was no exaggeration. It's no wonder Stephen Hawking once said in an interview show that even in an infinite number of parallel universes, you wouldn't likely date Charlize Theron…

But these qualities had nothing to do with selecting films and roles.

Exaggeratingly, Charlize Theron was also a victim of the "Oscar Winner's Curse." Why does the "Oscar Winner's Curse" exist? Ignoring the audience's perspective and focusing solely on the actors, a key reason is that after winning the Best Actress Oscar, these peak-career actresses often accept roles and scripts they previously wouldn't consider.

Like Julia Roberts, who unexpectedly joined a purely male film as a supporting actress, what could have persuaded her to do so?

The answer is obvious, and this situation could be applied to Charlize Theron.

In just a few seconds, Murphy had a clear analysis and judgment.

"It's really a pity not to work with such an outstanding actress as you," Murphy sighed heavily, appearing extremely regretful. "I was actually thinking about collaborating during the next award season. Twentieth Century Fox would have given me full support, and you have the experience..."

He shook his head. "Such a pity."

Charlize Theron's gaze flickered, but Murphy didn't stop there, saying, "Bill had recommended many people to me, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, but I rejected them. They're not the type of actresses I like."

Charlize Theron had heard about these and had refrained from auditioning because of them. Preparing for an audition required a lot of effort, but competing against actresses like Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman would likely render that effort futile...

Now it seemed that Murphy had rejected them.

"Sally, you mentioned 'Magic Warrior' before," Murphy continued. "The female lead there is definitely just a figurehead."

This was evident, and Charlize Theron had no need to deny it, nodding slightly, "Indeed."

"How many years did it take you to shed the figurehead image?" Murphy stared at her. "Why would you want to go back to square one?"

"I…" Charlize Theron seemed at a loss for words.

To escape the figurehead label, she had fired her first agent, who had been good to her. Would it be worth it to revert?

"You mentioned the film's director is a woman? Up to now, no female director in Hollywood has achieved a notable success in the commercial film sector," Murphy simply stated the facts. "You might face a huge risk, and a failure would inevitably impact the lead actor."

Murphy pointed at himself, "My first five films were all successful, both at the box office and in reviews!"

Charlize Theron's contemplation deepened, and even if she didn't speak, Murphy could see that this South African gem was more hesitant than before.

Murphy added weight to his argument, "Sally, you won the Best Actress Oscar, and there has been skepticism, claiming it wasn't a victory for your acting but rather some clever maneuvering to please the Academy voters. These doubts are ludicrous but also hurtful. If your next film fails, such voices will become overwhelming. Do you want to see that happen? Don't you want to smack those troublemakers with a role and a film that fully showcases your acting skills?"

Charlize Theron bit her lip lightly.

"Indeed, 'Gone Girl' has limited investment and can't offer you a salary as high as 'Magic Warrior'," Murphy knew his previous words could only make Charlize Theron waver; the real key lay here. "But Sally,

 please consider, does your income really only depend on your salary?"

Before Charlize Theron could respond, Murphy continued, "Your participation in a successful film with significant character impact will continue to solidify and enhance your position in Hollywood. The endorsement deals you can secure will be more lucrative! Sally, you are a star; your works and roles are the foundation of everything."

He smiled confidently, "'Magic Warrior' might boost your financial income in the short term, but 'Gone Girl' will support your entire acting career!"

Even in a situation like Charlize Theron's, she couldn't possibly be as financially desperate as someone like Nicolas Cage, right?

"Murphy, you make a lot of sense," Charlize Theron felt somewhat flustered, feeling inadequate and wanting to find a quiet place to think it over. "Can you give me a few days? I need to think about this."

"Of course." Murphy pulled out his and Bill Rossi's business cards, handing them to Charlize Theron. "You can call either of these numbers anytime."

Charlize Theron took the cards, carefully placing them in her bag, then bid farewell and left.

Watching the South African gem depart, Murphy thought for a moment before pulling out his phone to call Bill Rossi, instructing him to continue contacting Charlize Theron's agent and her entourage. A multi-pronged approach was always best.

Just after hanging up with Bill Rossi, Murphy's phone suddenly rang, displaying a number that made him frown—it was Natalie Portman calling.

He hesitated for a moment before deciding not to answer and hung up directly.

"Fu@#k!"

Not far from Century City, in the Hilton Hotel, Natalie Portman put away her phone and forcefully pounded the sofa. From cleverly securing the role of Mathilda to convincing George Lucas to cast her as Queen Amidala, she had always been unstoppable, never being rejected like this before.

"Not answering the phone? I can come to find you!"

Involving her career and future, she wasn't easy to give up, "Words are not the only weapon a woman has; there's another between the legs. Every woman should learn to use it. Once mastered, men will become like foolish medieval knights, becoming your swords, and both swords are free!"

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