Chapter 85: Nicole's Next Steps

In Italy, Venice, Arthur had come directly from Australia, while Amy Pascal and the rest of the crew had arrived earlier.

Arthur knew what had happened in Hollywood. Nicole Kidman had gained significant media attention while promoting Days of Thunder with Tom Cruise. Now, the promotion for To Die For, invested in by Galaxy, had also gained traction. Since it involved Arthur Smith, the producer of several films, Orion Pictures and Columbia TriStar had also leveraged the opportunity to promote Sleeping with the Enemy and Arthur's other projects.

"Amy, do you think it's necessary to stir things up like this?" Arthur asked, somewhat exasperated, as he discussed using Nicole Kidman's rumored romance for promotion with Amy Pascal in their Venice Holiday Hotel.

Amy Pascal smiled, "Isn't it great now? Tom Cruise personally responded to the rumors. You've taken a woman from the famous Tom Cruise.

Originally, the only selling point for Sleeping with the Enemy was Meg Ryan. Hugh Grant might be known in the UK, but not elsewhere. You were behind the scenes, even though you had a small role.

Now, people are digging up your information from Sleepless in Seattle, American Pie, and Sleeping with the Enemy, all your scripts. A young film producer who can connect to Tom Cruise; it's a promotional point at least!"

Arthur took a drag from his cigarette. "Everyone benefited, but the movie companies sacrificed Nicole Kidman. She's my friend."

Amy Pascal stood up and patted Arthur on the shoulder. "Arthur, can you honestly say you didn't cast her in To Die For for her publicity?"

"Now, isn't it good? To Die For is known to many people. Nicole Kidman lost the chance to date Tom Cruise, but she's now known in Hollywood too; that's a gain!"

Of course, compared to the gains, the loss of a potential relationship with Tom Cruise was significant for Nicole Kidman. But almost everyone else had benefited from this situation, and no one cared about a newcomer from Australia.

"Tom Cruise got divorced. Maybe they were talking about marriage, and then..." Arthur felt a pang of sympathy for Nicole Kidman.

Amy Pascal was stunned. "Tom Cruise wants to marry Nicole Kidman, a newcomer actress from Australia?"

"Don't be silly, Arthur. Tom Cruise never said they were dating. There are plenty of pretty girls who want to be with Tom Cruise; she'd have to wait in line."

"With the current buzz, start filming To Die For as soon as possible. Columbia TriStar has already talked to Village Roadshow about handling North American distribution. If you want to compensate her, shoot To Die For well and help her establish herself in Hollywood!"

"Compensation?" Arthur shook his head. She missed out on being Mrs. Cruise. But it seemed no one believed Tom Cruise would marry Nicole Kidman anyway.

"Nicole Kidman only played a trophy role in Days of Thunder. Its box office is only around $80 million in North America and $70 million overseas. The reviews aren't great.

Sleepless in Seattle grossed over $100 million in North America and $100 million overseas. Ghost grossed over $100 million in North America and over $200 million overseas.

You just need to create a script that will propel her to stardom and make her a top Hollywood actress!"

Arthur put out his cigarette. "It's not that easy to write such a script. Disney's Pretty Woman has been out for half a month, received good reviews, and grossed over $50 million in North America. There were three hit romance films this year. Who knows how many romance projects will be greenlit next?"

Amy Pascal reminded, "Get ready for the premiere. Sleeping with the Enemy has garnered quite a bit of attention."

From Australia to Italy, Arthur returned to the US in mid-September.

At night, in Long Beach, Arthur arrived at Nicole Kidman's home.

"Came back from Australia?" Arthur asked.

"Yes, finished filming Flirting. Now, I'm not involved with Tom Cruise. Will To Die For still cast me?" Nicole Kidman asked calmly. She had returned once before, but Tom Cruise was out of reach.

Nicole Kidman, now calm, knew she could only rely on Arthur.

"You were always the leading lady," Arthur said, sitting on the couch. "Hollywood works like this, putting profit first. You became the scapegoat. Were you really at the point of discussing marriage?"

Nicole Kidman shook her head. "I don't know if he was serious, but Tom Cruise's team made me sign many contracts and agreements about what I could and couldn't do while dating, but we hadn't reached a prenuptial agreement. Maybe the media was right; I shouldn't have had such fantasies."

"But," Nicole Kidman suddenly raised her voice, "what did I do wrong? I came to Hollywood alone at 22, and I faced harassment at every audition.

What could I do? I just wanted to survive in Hollywood. If Tom Cruise appreciated my beauty, why couldn't I seize the opportunity?

The media accused me of using my body to advance, but they didn't mention that producers and directors don't see actresses, especially newcomers, as people.

I just wanted protection. What did I do wrong? And you, you slept with me too! You're just like the others, but worse. You use your youth and good looks to make beautiful actresses willingly comply."

Arthur let Nicole Kidman vent. He could tell which parts of her rant were true and which were false. Seeking protection was real, but the desire to rise quickly was likely stronger.

"In the future, I can guarantee you won't be harassed by others. You should trust that I'll soon have the power and confidence to ensure that," Arthur said, rubbing his forehead.

"Is it true that you are no longer the female lead in Tom Cruise's big project, Far and Away?"

Nicole Kidman's surprise was evident. "My agent informed me I'm no longer being considered."

Arthur sighed. "Are you really willing to be just an eye candy? Even if you marry Tom Cruise, you'd only be a Mrs. Cruise."

Arthur placed his hands on Nicole Kidman's shoulders and looked into her eyes. "Tell me, what's your dream? Do you want to be known as Nicole Kidman or Mrs. Cruise?"

"Far and Away is similar to Days of Thunder. Are you really content to come all the way from Australia just to be a pretty trophy?"

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.