Chapter 390: Reuniting with Cameron

Hollywood Lake Park, in Nicole Kidman's villa bedroom.

"Okay, I got it," Arthur said early in the morning, lying in bed as he put down the phone and let out a contented sigh.

The view of Hollywood Lake Park could be seen from the window.

Nicole Kidman, with her head rested on Arthur's chest, asked, "Still not getting up?"

"Yeah, it's time to get up," Arthur caressed Nicole Kidman in his arms. "Are you heading to New York?"

"Yup, going for a UNICEF charity event. And I also have a photoshoot for Vogue magazine to be on the cover of the Australian edition."

Nicole Kidman propped herself up and smiled at Arthur, "Otherwise, I'm worried I won't be able to get out of bed for a few days!"

Arthur raised his hand, "I'm just meeting your demands. You kept saying, 'Baby, I want more.'"

"Hmm," Nicole Kidman kissed Arthur on the chest, "Feels like I can't be without you, every time is an ultimate pleasure. All this time, I was worried you'd be fed up with me?"

"I'm not like that!" Arthur said while patting her, "Just wait, I'll make sure you become an Oscar-winning actress..."

Meanwhile, Forrest Gump had surpassed The Lion King.

To date, Forrest Gump's North American box office reached 330 million dollars, while The Lion King stood at 313 millions dollars.

However, in the international market, Disney's The Lion King had the upper hand, having reached 656 million dollars overseas.

Forrest Gump's international box office only reached 300 million dollars!

Forrest Gump had made a deep impact in America, and its portrayal of American spirit became a cultural benchmark.

The Lion King represented the pinnacle of Disney's 2D hand-drawn animation.

The Hollywood power trio - Jeffrey Katzenberg, Steven Spielberg, and David Geffen - who formed DreamWorks, continued to draw attention!

Also, Galaxy, now an official MPAA member, finally joined Hollywood's top players, staking their claim legitimately.

West Hollywood's Chateau Marmont, Arthur and Frank Mancuso were discussing the movie Species. As a cult version of Alien, it was clear that this Species was capitalizing on the Alien IP with a unique take!

A blend of sci-fi, horror, thriller, and erotica, it was originally an MGM project, though perfectly suited for Orion's production.

Arthur initially paid it little mind, but a 35-million-dollar budget raised his eyebrows.

"Looks like the creators have some ideas!" Arthur noted the creature design, obviously crafted with effort.

Two years ago, Alien 3 had a production cost of 50 million dollars!

Frank Mancuso explained, "The creature designer also worked on Alien!"

"Alright then, the story's decent, and if made well, could rake in profits from the video and pay-TV markets," Arthur didn't oppose Species's production, as preparations were nearly complete.

Frank Mancuso nodded, "We're currently casting the lead actress, planning to start shooting next month!"

Species required a sexy, alluring young woman. After all, the movie heavily relied on attractive women to grab attention.

Arthur asked about another project, "How's Get Shorty's production going?"

"Quite well. Barry Sonnenfeld already directed two Addams Family films and can definitely handle Get Shorty," Frank Mancuso responded.

Barry Sonnenfeld initially worked as a cinematographer and was a Coen Brothers' peer. He shot their debut, Blood Simple.

Following that, he shot Raising Arizona by the Coen Brothers, Rob Reiner's When Harry Met Sally..., and Misery. The Addams Family was his directorial debut.

Although Addams Family Values underperformed with only about 60 million dollars in North American box office, Barry Sonnenfeld's talent was still recognized. His recommendation even influenced the Coen Brothers' new film, Fargo.

After wrapping up with Frank Mancuso, Arthur headed to the hotel's bar for a drink.

"Mr. Smith, remember me?" A beautiful woman suddenly appeared beside Arthur at the bar.

"I'm Cameron Diaz. We met at a party once." Now 22, Cameron Diaz looked even more alluring than she did two years ago; her blonde hair and blue eyes accentuated by a low-cut dress highlighting her curvaceous figure.

Arthur smiled, "Oh, really?"

He handed her a drink, "Still modeling?"

Last year, Galaxy had Elizabeth Hurley cast as the lead in The Mask. No casting calls were held, and the project that launched Cameron Diaz's career in the previous life didn't involve her at all this time.

"I'm transitioning to acting, but despite many auditions, I haven't landed a role," Cameron Diaz's eyes sparkled as she looked at Arthur.

Currently, Cameron Diaz was just a small-time model, while Arthur Smith was a famous Hollywood mogul.

"Transitioning to acting?" Arthur regarded Cameron Diaz; her facial features were appealing, full of youth, and her body was sultry and desirable.

"You've got the right attributes; you should have a shot in Hollywood!"

Cameron Diaz smiled and leaned closer, pressing her voluptuous chest against Arthur's arm, "Orion, under Galaxy, is developing a thriller called Species. They need a twenty-something sexy girl to play the alien. Arthur, do you think I'd be suitable?"

She downed her drink in one gulp.

Arthur sized her up again. Cameron Diaz currently had no fame, didn't mind showing skin in a film, and seemed quite fitting.

Cameron Diaz took Arthur's hand and placed it on her thigh, "Can you give me a chance? Or perhaps, you could assess my performance as an audition."

Arthur drew his hand back, "Species is a 35-million-dollar investment! It requires actresses who can exude sensuality..."

*****

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