Chapter 255: The Premiere of The Lord of the Rings

Since Martin already knew the standard answer, he naturally wouldn't blindly follow the trend of discussing pro-war rhetoric.

He pondered and replied, "I'm in favor of fighting terrorism, but I think this war is pointless."

"We can't end this war quickly, as the White House claims. The Georgians on the border with Afghanistan couldn't do it, so how could we across the Pacific?"

"This war will be like a black hole, relentlessly consuming America's resources, finances, and manpower."

"Mr. Martin, does that mean you disagree with the White House's decisions? What do you think should be done to win this anti-terrorism war?" The host, possibly a pro-war supporter or intentionally trying to provoke, asked another question.

Martin gave her a quick glance and smiled, "I'm just an ordinary American right now. Ask me again when I become the President of the United States!"

His humorous response caused laughter in the room.

After answering the question, Martin didn't linger and walked into the Hollywood Huaxia Grand Theatre.

A fat man immediately approached him.

"Haha, Martin, you finally showed up. Have you seen the final cut? What do you think?"

"Of course, I've seen it, Peter. I have to say... you did an amazing job. I'm absolutely certain that after this series, you'll become a top Hollywood director."

Peter Jackson laughed enthusiastically. "Really? Hearing that from you gives me even more confidence!"

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring premiered on December 19, which felt a bit rushed. Next summer's blockbuster season would have been a better choice.

But Peter Jackson couldn't wait, neither could Warner Brothers, and Martin was getting impatient too.

Moreover, they all had full confidence in the film.

The Christmas season was a good slot for release, and it would even make it in time for the Oscars in March. Peter Jackson hoped for an Oscar win, dreaming of becoming the second James Cameron.

To be honest, the night before the film's release, he even took out a recording of the 70th Academy Awards and repeatedly watched James Cameron holding his Oscar and shouting, "I'm the king of the world!"—blushing and exhilarated, even more thrilling than watching adult films.

He almost wished he could take his place.

However, Martin knew that The Fellowship of the Ring would only end up with a bunch of nominations and a few minor technical awards. Peter would be disappointed.

The Oscars were not particularly kind to this New Zealand director.

Peter Jackson and Martin chatted.

"By the way, Martin, I heard you've renegotiated the rights to The Lord of the Rings with the organization that handles Tolkien's estate."

"Yes, mainly for the sequels. I didn't want to leave any loopholes that could cause trouble later."

Although he said it was for the sequels, Martin was actually thinking ahead to avoid the troubles from the original timeline.

When something is unknown, no one pays attention. But once it becomes a hit, trouble follows.

In the original timeline, after the film's success, the Tolkien Estate sued Warner Brothers for extra infringement on The Lord of the Rings rights, leading to a lawsuit that lasted nearly five years.

The lawsuit stemmed from Tolkien's heirs claiming Warner Brothers violated their 1969 contract by using The Lord of the Rings images in games and advertisements outside the films, seeking $80 million in damages.

Warner Brothers, on the other hand, argued that they had paid the heirs millions in royalties, denying wrongdoing and counter-suing.

After five years of legal wrangling, Warner Brothers ended up paying more money and reaching a settlement with the Tolkien Estate, though the specific terms and amounts were kept confidential.

Martin didn't want to leave that problem hanging, so before the movie's release, he went to the Tolkien Estate to renegotiate the contract.

The new contract clearly outlined ownership issues regarding sequels and spin-off products, sealing off any chance of a dispute after the film's success.

Peter Jackson didn't think that much about it, focusing directly on the "sequel" Martin had mentioned.

"A sequel? What are you planning to film?"

"I haven't decided yet, but it will likely focus on the perspective of the Hobbits, maybe a prequel."

"A prequel? So, you're thinking of Bilbo Baggins' adventures?"

"Exactly, that's the idea for now."

Peter Jackson stroked his big beard. "Actually, I think instead of a Hobbit sequel, it'd be better to make a Legolas sequel. After all, Legolas is really popular."

Martin shook his head, smiling. "I've thought about it, but Legolas doesn't have much of a storyline in the original book. There isn't enough material to make a whole film."

"Well, that actually gives us more freedom to be creative," Peter Jackson saw it as a good thing.

Martin said, "I'll think about it some more!"

After finishing the conversation with Peter Jackson, Martin walked over to Liv Tyler, his glass in hand, greeting old and new friends along the way.

"Director Ridley Scott, hello. When is Black Hawk Down releasing?"

"February next year? Alright, I'll be at the premiere."

"Mr. Robert Zemeckis, I love the Back to the Future series. Oh, and Forrest Gump—a true classic."

"Russell, long time no see! Is your new film with Ron Howard, A Beautiful Mind, coming out the day after tomorrow?"

"Well, looks like we'll have to fight it out (referring to the films)."

Russell Crowe and Martin had met several times, and Nicole Kidman had introduced Martin to the Australian group a long time ago.

They were pretty familiar with each other, so they spoke without hesitation.

Russell Crowe joked, "Fight? Not happening! I can't compete with America's heroes. I watched your video with the bank robbers, and you were amazing."

After some pleasantries, Martin approached Liv Tyler.

The elven princess was chatting with a beautiful, well-built woman.

Was that Jennifer Aniston? How did she get here?

"Hello, Ms. Aniston," Martin greeted politely.

When Jennifer Aniston saw Martin approach, she wisely bid farewell.

Curious, Martin asked, "Do you know her? What were you talking about?"

"We've met a few times, but we're not very close," Liv Tyler replied. "I feel like her target wasn't me, but you."

Martin was surprised. "Then why did she leave?"

Liv Tyler laughed. "It's a little game of 'let's pretend to let go and reel in.'"