HWI 272

Hollywood What If Chapter 272

Two famous people sat across from each other and had a light conversation at first.

"The atmosphere in our country is very interesting. At first, we were at our lowest point after what happened in September, but now the government has started to spread propaganda. I saw on TV a lot of young men joining the military. Even Paramount Pictures got a message from one of the generals to make a sequel to Top Gun to encourage young men."

"What is their intention?" Kazir was quite curious because he knew there would be a sequel, but it would be at least 20 years before it happened. Unless Kazir caused another change in the timeline.

"No, Paramount Pictures is not interested. Besides, they need to hear my opinion on the matter. Unless they want to get rid of the whole cast and start a new franchise called 'Top Gun'. The government is just doing its best, even the economy is failing because of the bubble dot com burst".

"We will overcome this tragedy," Kazir muttered. At least for the next few decades, the United States would still stand and be recognized as the strongest country in the world.

"I hope so." Tom Cruise nodded.

A few seconds later, a maid approached the table and asked if Tom and Kazir wanted tea or coffee. Kazir went to Tom's house to talk to him about his plan.

Not surprisingly, Kazir did not see Nicole Kidman. He decided to keep his thoughts to himself and wait for Tom to tell the story. It was not his place to pry into his private life.

Tom sensed Kazir's curiosity and decided to admit it.

"If you're looking for Nicole, we're through. We divorced this year. Our agent is just waiting for the right time to announce it. You know, publicity and stuff."

In fact, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman divorced in 2001. There were a lot of factors to this divorce such as their relationship turning cold, social status, and even religion. Tom Cruise was a member of Scientology, after all.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's okay. Life is hard, but we have to move on and become a better person. Anyway, what's the reason why you want to come to my house all of a sudden? This is your second time here."

"Yes, my first time was when you invited me in 1995."

"That was a long time ago, six years."

The maid arrived and gave them their coffee and bread.

"We talked last time about the Academy Awards and our dreams of winning gold statues."

"Of course I remember. You want the Best Director Award, while I want the Best Actor Award."

"We both have our own desires, but our mission is basically the same, to get into the Oscars. So how about we work together this year?"

"Kazir, you know I was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards last year, I don't think the Academy is interested in nominating me this time."

"But there's nothing wrong with trying. What do you think, are you in?"

"I want to see the script first."

Tom Cruise was confident in Kazir's decision regarding script selection and filming, but he had to be sure first. Frankly, Tom Cruise was thrilled when he realized that Kazir wanted to work with him.

God knows how long he waited for Kazir to invite him to star in his movie. They had been friends for a long time, but Kazir never invited him to be in any of his movies, not even for a cameo. Well, his salary was too high for Grey Pictures to afford, so that was another factor.

"Here."

Kazir handed the script to Tom Cruise, and the actor seriously turned every page.

"I have two scripts I'm considering adapting and I've decided to go with this one. The other one is a group play and there's no particular protagonist, so I know you won't like it."

Black Hawk Down was about a group of U.S. Special Forces stranded in the middle of heavy firefights after two of their helicopters were shot down, trying to find their way out.

It was an amazing movie and was nominated for so many awards, but Tom Cruise is not going to have his one-man show in that kind of movie.

"I guess I should be grateful, huh?"

"You're my friend, let's just say I want to see a future where you win an Oscar and change the future I've been thinking about."

"I have no idea what you're talking about, but I'm interested," Tom chuckled.

In his opinion, Kazir was one of the biggest factors in Liam Neeson winning the Best Actor award a few years ago. Taken had very few emotional scenes, yet Liam Neeson won the award because of the impact it had on society - showing the truth about human trafficking. Hell, Brianna Evans had a more compelling scene than Liam Neeson in that movie.

But who cares, if Kazir did it last time, he could do it again.

"I know you have a plan. Tell me about it." Tom grinned, knowing that the script Kazir gave him could give him the one-man show he needed.

"Okay, it's nice to hear you're interested."

"Minority Report wraps up next month and I can focus all my attention on this project."

The two shook hands.

As for salary and contract, that was up to their agents and the producer. It was enough that they were both interested in working on this project. They both have their reasons and are inclined to work together.

Although there were some problems that Kazir had to deal with. This project currently has no producer because Harold Witsend will have two projects to take care of next year. Kazir may have to find someone else to fill the position.

For next year, Grey Pictures plans to release three films.

1.) Mr. and Mrs. Smith

2.) Bourne Supremacy

3.) The Revenant.

Two movies were part of the Continental Cinematic Universe, while the last one was not.

Another problem was the distributor for his three movies.

Well, Tom has a close relationship with Paramount Pictures, so The Revenant could be distributed by Paramount.

+++++

[Author's note: I have promised that Mr. and Mrs. Smith will be part of the CCU. However, the female lead will no longer be Angelina Jolie for obvious reasons. I prefer Naomi Watts or Jennifer Connelly because I like them. I can't promise that I'll focus as much on Mr. and Mrs. Smith, since Kazir's interest is currently on The Revenant. I may write two or three about Mr. and Mrs. Smith].

[Yeah, so who do you like better? Naomi Watts or Jennifer Connelly?]