Chapter 567: Box Office!

The glitz and glamour of the Hollywood circle harbored its fair share of quirks and idiosyncrasies. Amidst the star-studded gathering, Tom Cruise's cake was less renowned than Martin's iconic statue, an observation that neither Martin nor Elizabeth saw fit to remark upon.

The premiere boasted a multitude of guests, prompting an itinerary that diverged from the usual direct path to the screening room. Instead, Martin and Elizabeth found themselves stepping into the VIP haven.

Louise, ever the go-getter, seized the opportunity to discuss a recent advertisement that Pacific Pictures had just secured.

Meanwhile, Martin sought out Daniel, a collaborator of several years and a trusted confidant. They had nurtured a strong rapport over time, and Martin wasted no time in diving into a pressing question, "Rumors are swirling about impending personnel changes at Warner Bros. Is there any truth to it?"

Daniel, not one to mince words, confirmed, "You're quite well-informed. Around the New Year, a new CEO will assume office. It won't be long before Barry Meyer may step down as chairman, leaving the new CEO potentially wearing both hats."

Martin, who had a long history with Warner Bros., held a vested interest. "Who's the heir apparent?"

With a meaningful glance, Daniel signaled, "Here comes the answer."

Martin noticed a stranger approaching from the front left. This man, in his fifties, displayed a blend of black and white hair atop a typical East Asian visage.

A casual assessment led Martin to conclude that he was Japanese, yet they had never crossed paths before.

The visitor halted a couple of meters away, prompting Daniel's introduction, "Meet Kevin Tsujihara, recently transitioned from Time Warner, formerly an executive at Warner Bros."

He turned towards Martin, offering, "And this is Martin Davis, our national hero."

Kevin Tsujihara remained still, flashing a warm smile at Martin.

Taking the initiative, Martin stepped forward, extending his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Tsujihara."

Kevin Tsujihara returned the sentiment, "I've heard your name mentioned frequently in New York, and meeting you in person exceeds my expectations."

As Martin exchanged pleasantries, his mind began to sift through fragments of memory. He vaguely recalled encountering Kevin Tsujihara's name in Warner Bros. news during his previous life, post-2010.

After a bit of conversation, Kevin Tsujihara, still smiling, shared, "We could have crossed paths a few years earlier, but better late than never. I've been highly impressed by the numerous collaborations you've had with Warner."

Martin remained gracious, saying, "I hope we'll have the opportunity to collaborate in the future."

With a nod, Kevin Tsujihara excused himself, finding reason to mingle elsewhere.

Once the crowd dispersed, Daniel turned to Martin. "I'll have the team send you the list of old film libraries as soon as possible. While Barry Meyer and Alan Horn are still in their roles, we can ascertain their preferences. If there are any films you wish to remake, get the ball rolling."

A hint of unease crept into Martin's thoughts. "Do the newcomers harbor any reservations about me?"

Daniel cautioned, "It's too early to tell. The changing of the guard has unleashed intense power struggles throughout the Time Warner Group. If you're familiar with politics, you know that some battles aren't won with merit and performance, but with allegiance."

This was a scenario Martin had witnessed time and again, both in his past life and in the present. Daniel concluded, "Given my close working relationship with Warner Bros. over the years and my strong personal rapport with Barry Meyer, I'll do my best to keep you in the loop."

Amidst the glittering ambiance of the event, Daniel leaned in and remarked, "Naturally, you find yourself pitted against Kevin Tsujihara. To secure the top position in this personnel struggle, you'll need to prove your mettle to the board of directors and shareholders of the parent company, delivering fresh results."

Martin's expression soured slightly. "These things are nothing but a headache."

Daniel offered a knowing nod. "Indeed, wherever there are people, there will be conflicts. Our skirmishes are minor compared to the internal strife Disney faced in recent years."

"I hope for a smooth resolution," Martin replied, keeping an eye on Kevin Tsujihara. Yet, when it came to the internal politics at Warner Bros., he couldn't place full trust in Daniel.

For matters such as these, it was often wisest to observe and evaluate from the sidelines.

Martin shifted his focus to Kevin Tsujihara, noting little besides a hint of arrogance.

"Director, over here! He's here!" A girl, around fifteen or sixteen, broke away from the crowd. She beckoned to the portly man following her. "My teacher is right ahead."

Peter Jackson chimed in, "No wonder you performed so admirably. Seems I've found an excellent mentor."

Saoirse Ronan beamed, her eyes narrowing playfully. "My teacher has taught me many things."

Things like how to spook wild ducks, how to send shivers down the spines of people, and how to handle less-than-friendly adversaries.

While not explicitly taught through words or actions, Saoirse felt she'd absorbed plenty through media reports.

Approaching Martin, she stood up and gave a slight bow. "Teacher."

Martin responded, "As you grow up, you needn't take your childhood jests so seriously."

Saoirse persisted, "No, you'll always be my teacher."

Martin didn't indulge in further banter. Instead, he greeted the portly man who had approached and shook his hand. "Hello, Peter." With genuine enthusiasm, he added, "The 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy is my all-time favorite."

Peter Jackson seized the opportunity. "You may be interested to know that I'm preparing to shoot 'The Hobbit' trilogy. How about taking on a role?"

Martin played along, inquiring, "You don't expect me to play an orc, do you?"

"Why not?" Peter Jackson teased. "Apart from the well-established characters in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, you have the freedom to choose any role you fancy."

Martin chuckled, "A cameo could be fun, but starring might be a challenge with my schedule."

Without pressing the matter, Peter Jackson bid his farewells and moved on.

Saoirse lingered, expressing her desire, "I want to settle in Los Angeles."

Martin couldn't make such a decision for her. He replied honestly, "You should discuss this with your parents. If they agree, everything should work out."

Saoirse, with a clever glint in her eye, pointed out, "But you're my teacher."

Martin couldn't help but laugh. "I haven't taught you much."

"You've taught me plenty," Saoirse countered with a blink. "You've shown me how to navigate this industry, how to handle people."

Just as Elizabeth returned, Martin excused himself, saying, "We can chat more another day; I have other matters to attend to."

During Saoirse's time on the set of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," she had grown acquainted with Elizabeth, who portrayed Daisy. She reached out to hold Elizabeth's hand and engaged in conversation.

Soon, producer Kathleen Kennedy extended the invitation for everyone to enter the theater.

Martin and the rest of the crew awaited at the back.

The auditorium, designed for thousands, overflowed with attendees. When David Fincher and Kathleen Kennedy made their entrance alongside Martin and other creative minds, thunderous applause filled the air.

Following some customary media formalities, the eagerly anticipated premiere screening was about to commence.

Martin took his seat beside David Fincher.

In a hushed tone, Fincher reminded him, "There are several screenings scheduled afterward; don't forget to attend."

Amid the glittering lights and bustling chatter of Hollywood, Martin reflected on his recent Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor. He knew that securing another acting award would be a formidable challenge unless the character and social context exploded this time.

"I still want to aim for a nomination," Martin declared, determination in his voice. "I'll definitely put myself out there."

He understood that his current role, heavily reliant on CGI technology, didn't position him as a strong contender for Best Actor. Instead, he sought a different route. "I've discussed it with Catherine; we're allocating most of our crew resources for your Best Director bid."

David Fincher's confidence wavered. "Winning that award won't be easy."

Martin reassured him with a warm smile. "We'll give it our all."

In truth, Martin harbored doubts about David Fincher's chances, and part of the problem lay with himself.

Just last July, "The Hurt Locker," directed by Kathryn Bigelow, James Cameron's ex-wife, had made its North American debut. If Martin recalled correctly, Kathryn Bigelow had made history by becoming the first female Best Director Oscar winner.

The landscape for other directors now appeared even more challenging than in Martin's previous life. "Me Too" was making waves, the Harvey Weinstein scandal had ignited the women's movement, and actresses and female celebrities were rallying behind it. Prominent figures such as Jolie and Aniston planned an event, urging supporters to wear the "Me Too" fist logo at the Oscars. Many, including Martin, Leonardo, and Nicholson, had already responded.

In such an environment, "The Hurt Locker," both high in quality and politically correct, made Kathryn Bigelow the frontrunner.

David Fincher, Martin suspected, was well aware of the situation. As with the Nobel Prize, the Oscars weren't solely about merit but also about alliances.

The grand screen before them illuminated, and Martin and David Fincher fell silent, ready to witness the premiere.

The film had been showcased multiple times at the Cannes Film Festival, and Martin had even secured the Best Actor award there, building anticipation well before its release.

Presently, its IMDb score stood at an impressive 8.6, Rotten Tomatoes freshness at 88%, and an MTC overall score of 78.

David Fincher's previous film, "The Black Dahlia," had underperformed, and its current market appeal was rather modest.

Fortunately, Martin was in a stage akin to Will Smith in previous years. While a film's genre affected its box office performance, his star power significantly bolstered market appeal.

On its North American release day, "Benjamin" raked in $17.85 million, surpassing the previous week's "Weakness" and securing the top spot on the daily North American box office list.

With stellar reviews, the film's box office performance remained robust, amassing a weekend total of $46.68 million.

Martin once again claimed the North American box office throne.

Yet, this reign was short-lived, as the holiday season witnessed a surge of blockbuster releases.

James Cameron's "Avatar" made its debut.

Despite being an original masterpiece, its initial week's box office was formidable but not extraordinary, amassing $77.02 million in revenue.

Even the mighty James Cameron couldn't shatter the curse afflicting original, non-sequel movies, unable to breach the $100 million threshold during North American weekends.

Hollywood, prioritizing commercial success, often favored established franchises.

Though "Avatar" was a force to be reckoned with, the audience for "Benjamin" differed. The latter maintained a healthy trajectory, earning $26.85 million during its second weekend in North America.

Its North American box office tally reached $94.25 million.

Simultaneously, it netted nearly $60 million across 50 overseas countries and regions where it premiered.

The film's global box office comfortably surpassed the $150 million mark.