Chapter 694: Can’t Hold the Box Office

Inside the opulent Grumman Theater in bustling Hollywood, the air buzzed with anticipation for the premiere of "Dark places," a blockbuster billed as one of Warner Bros.'s top five most expensive films of the year. Although notable figures like Kevin Tsujihara were absent, the venue was teeming with executives from distribution and production companies, eagerly awaiting the screening.

Jon Berg, Warner Bros.'s representative, took early initiative in the VIP room, greeting guests with practiced charm. Despite his outward joviality, a weighty concern gnawed at him. This year's lineup of releases had been a mixed bag—successes like "Harry Potter 9" contrasted sharply with flops like "Gods and Kings," leaving him anxious about the fate of "Dark Places."

As he mingled, Jon couldn't shake the memory of past disappointments, especially those associated with Martin Davis, whose involvement in the disastrous "Gods and Kings" had left a bitter taste. So when Martin unexpectedly entered the room, Jon's facade faltered, a scowl betraying his frustration.

"Who invited him?" Jon muttered to his colleague Daniel, who shook his head in denial.

Martin, seemingly oblivious to Jon's disdain, approached with calculated politeness. Despite Jon's inner turmoil, he forced a strained smile and exchanged obligatory greetings.

Their interaction was cut short by the arrival of Emma Watson, a beacon of charm and grace. Jon seized the opportunity to divert his attention, welcoming her warmly as "our magical princess."

Meanwhile, Martin proceeded to engage in conversation with Gillian Flynn, leaving Jon to ponder their connection. As Jon exchanged pleasantries with Emma's father, his mind churned with unease, wondering about the past ties between Martin and Gillian.

It was MacDonald who initially snagged the project from Martin," Daniel whispered, glancing over at Jon Berg, whose heart suddenly fluttered with unease.

"True," Jon replied, his mind whirling. "But who can guarantee a movie's success or failure before its release?"

Meanwhile, Martin found himself face to face with Susan Downey, his old friend from Hollywood's early days.

"Hi, Susan," Martin greeted warmly, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

Susan, now Susan Downey after her marriage, returned the greeting with a hug. "You're looking better than ever," she remarked fondly.

Martin chuckled. "Well, love seems to be a good moisturizer."

Robert Downey Jr. chimed in playfully, "Hey, hey, watch out for stealing a husband's wife right in front of him."

Martin laughed, waving off the comment. "Wouldn't dare, especially not Iron Man's wife."

Susan rolled her eyes at her husband's antics. "Oh please, Robert, spare us your jokes."

Robert shook Martin's hand warmly. "Remember when we had dinner in Australia after 'House of Wax'? You were just starting out then."

Martin nodded, a hint of seriousness in his eyes. "Seems like a lifetime ago."

Susan interjected, "Choices, Martin. You've got so many. Unlike poor Robert here, stuck in his Iron Man suit."

Robert shrugged good-naturedly. "Eh, could be worse. At least I get a decent paycheck."

Martin glanced over at Robert. "Your paycheck might catch up with mine after a few more sequels."

Robert smirked knowingly. "Your road's wider than mine, mate. If I ever leave Iron Man, I'll be lucky to get half the salary."

As they continued their banter, Martin noticed Natalie Portman and Ari Emmanuel nearby, preparing to greet them. But his attention was suddenly drawn to Emma Watson, whose icy stare bore into him with undisguised disdain.

Unperturbed by Emma's attitude, Martin turned his focus to Natalie, unaware of the brewing tension. However, Emma's resentment simmered beneath her composed exterior, fueled by her rivalry with Saoirse Ronan, whom she believed Martin supported.

Caught in the middle of Hollywood's politics, Emma's disdainful gaze lingered, unnoticed by Martin as he engaged with Natalie. Nearby, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, ever observant, couldn't help but notice Emma's demeanor and inquired, "What's up, Emma?"

Emma Watson signaled discreetly with her eyes, conveying her suspicions to her companions. "That man," she murmured, nodding towards Martin, "is Sylvia Saoirse Ronan's mentor. He's the reason she dares to challenge me."

Rupert, ever the loyal supporter, piped up, "Messing with you means they're picking a fight with all three of us!"

Daniel, the voice of reason, intervened, "Let's not jump to conclusions. Taking on all three of us together won't faze him."

"Isn't Martin American?" Emma inquired, furrowing her brow in thought.

Rupert nodded enthusiastically. "Yep, a good ol' Southern boy from Atlanta."

Emma mulled it over. "But Saoirse is Irish, spent most of her time in England. How did they get so close?"

Rupert, always ready with a juicy theory, speculated, "Maybe they had an affair!"

Emma nodded, considering the implications. "Saoirse was underage at the time. The age of consent is 18 here. And there's quite the age gap between her and Martin."

Daniel interjected, "What's your plan?"

Emma's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I'm thinking of getting a discreet camera. If I catch Saoirse and Martin together... Wouldn't it be thrilling to see the teacher and student at odds?"

Rupert offered, "I'll handle the purchase."

Daniel cautioned, "Just be careful."

Emma nodded assuredly. "Of course, I have a trustworthy errand runner."

Rupert's warning interrupted their conversation. "Someone's approaching..."

The trio fell silent, wary of prying ears.

Meanwhile, Martin exchanged pleasantries with Natalie Portman, wishing her success with her upcoming film. He then engaged in conversation with Ari Emmanuel.

Ari remarked, "This film is a crucial one for Nat, her first since winning the Best Actress Oscar. If it performs well, she'll solidify her status as a top-tier star, paving the way for even greater roles in the future."

Martin nodded in agreement. "I wish her the best of luck."

Ari added, "Let's hope she avoids the Oscar curse. Sandra Bullock managed to maintain her success after winning."

Martin offered words of encouragement, though uncertainty lingered. He was unfamiliar with "Dark Places," its source material, or its renowned author, Gillian Flynn.

As the audience filed into the premiere theater, Martin and the other guests took their seats. The anticipation was palpable, especially considering the success of the novel "Dark Places" was based on and Gillian Flynn's involvement in the adaptation.

However, as the film unfolded, it became evident that something was amiss. Despite the success of "Gone Girl," "Dark Place" lacked its predecessor's gripping pace and compelling characters. Natalie Portman's performance failed to carry the weight of the film, leaving everyone involved questioning its marketability and impact.