Chapter 740: Make Life living Hell!

In today's cutthroat North American film industry, staging a comeback for a movie that initially tanked requires not just a stellar reputation but also a hefty dose of luck.

Pulling off a resurgence akin to "The Lone Ranger" feels like going in the circles of hell.

The film, much like its star Johnny Depp, possesses a certain allure in the right circumstances. Yet, once removed from its niche, it's labeled as "unwatchable."

After a disastrous opening day at the box office, Depp faced a barrage of criticism. Media outlets pounced on the opportunity to tear him down for sensational headlines.

Adding to the turmoil, the media dredged up past controversies, including River Phoenix's tragic death at Depp's bar in 1993. Allegations flew that Depp had supplied Phoenix with excessive drugs, amplifying the negative spotlight.

In times of prosperity, stars are heralded for their virtues, with even struggles like addiction spun as valiant battles against personal demons.

Conversely, stars in decline find themselves besieged by villains, where even minor transgressions are magnified by the media's lens.

While Depp still commands a loyal fanbase, relentless media scrutiny has eroded his popularity, a reality starkly reflected in "The Lone Ranger."

By the film's second day, Saturday, box office receipts plummeted to a mere $6.58 million.

Despite a surprising weekend resurgence, "The Lone Ranger" only managed a paltry $18.55 million in total box office earnings, sending shockwaves through Hollywood.

It was a dismal spectacle, raising doubts about the feasibility of future mega-budget projects exceeding $200 million.

Yet, amidst the chaos, some found solace in witnessing Hollywood's elite, like the embattled Ellison family, facing adversity.

Subsequently, Cinemascore's lukewarm average rating of C mirrored that of "Transcendence," predicting a modest North American box office haul of around $40 million.

  ...

In Burbank, within the confines of Davis Studios, Martin's office buzzed with jubilation. Nicholson reclined on the sofa, his weathered face breaking into a triumphant grin. "Our Depp redemption campaign, months in the making, has finally paid off!"

"Cheers, gentlemen!" Martin exclaimed, pouring three glasses of champagne and passing them to Nicholson and Leonardo in turn. "To this monumental victory!"

With glasses raised, the trio toasted to their hard-earned success.

Leonardo lowered his wine glass, a contemplative expression crossing his face. "You know, guys, I used to feel a pang of sadness whenever I saw other big-name stars' films flop. But why does this situation now bring me joy?"

He slapped his forehead lightly, a realization dawning. "It's you two rascals, isn't it? You've corrupted me, turning me from a saint into a scoundrel!"

"Saint? You?" Martin chuckled, revealing a glimpse of his rough past. "Back in '98, James Cameron famously called you a no-good scoundrel, Leo!"

Nicholson nodded knowingly. "I remember that well. He had a point."

Leonardo squirmed, caught off guard by the revelation. Quickly shifting gears, he redirected the conversation. "So, what's the deal with 'The Lone Ranger'? Is it bleeding money?"

Martin nodded knowingly. "Megan Ellison's Annapurna Pictures snagged it from Disney for a cool $80 million, plus some undisclosed post-production royalties. My studio was in on the bidding war."

Nicholson frowned at Martin's deft maneuvering. "You sly dog, driving up the price like that."

Martin smirked, knowing he didn't need to play coy with his best friends. "I'm not sure what Megan Ellison's angle is. Maybe she sees it as the next 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise. Annapurna didn't factor the acquisition cost into the production budget."

Leonardo grinned, tapping the sofa's armrest. "That's music to my ears."

Martin pressed on. "As for 'The Lone Ranger,' its initial budget was $200 million, but Depp's involvement bumped it up to $250 million. Marketing, handled jointly by Annapurna and Warner Pictures, cost a whopping $150 million, with Annapurna footing half the bill."

Nicholson pieced it together. "Megan Ellison's been betting big on this series long before the first film hit screens. That's some serious confidence."

Leonardo added matter-of-factly, "Well, when your dad's worth $30 billion and infamous for his arrogance, confidence probably runs in the family."

Martin passed around the champagne to Leonardo and Nicholson. "During filming in Death Valley National Park, Megan Ellison clashed fiercely with Depp. The tension was palpable, but for the sake of the film's future, she bit her tongue."

Leonardo interjected, "You know what they say: the longer you hold in your anger, the more explosive it'll be when it finally erupts."

"Even if Megan doesn't blow, we'll make sure to light the fuse," Nicholson growled, his tone icy. "Depp thinks he can scheme a car accident? He forgets Martin's under my protection."

He slammed the sofa's armrest. "Damn Depp. I'm going to make this one count until he can't recognize himself!"

Martin raised his hands in agreement. "I've got two schemes in the works. One involves a little help from Musk out in Silicon Valley. Turns out he's taken quite a fancy to Depp's wife, Amber Heard."

"Talk about having good taste!" Nicholson quipped, lifting the weighty wine bottle.

Leonardo interjected with a mischievous grin, "Aren't you worried about being dragged into his bed?"

Nicholson shot a glance at Martin. "I thought you were going to handle this personally, but it seems someone beat you to it."

Duo furrowed his brow. "You, the expert in stealing other men's wives, didn't make a move? That's hardly scientific!"

Martin bristled. "Because I'm a mathematician. I solve equations, not entanglements..."

Leonardo's expression shifted abruptly. "I've misjudged you! Martin Davis, the paragon of virtue, pursuing women with the utmost integrity, and stealing wives in the most upright manner!"

Martin playfully flicked Leonardo's cheek with his middle finger.

Nicholson interjected sternly, "We're discussing how to mess with people, can you two focus?"

Martin and Leonardo straightened up, the levity dissipating.

Nicholson turned to Martin. "What's the next move?"

Martin leaned back, swirling his wine glass. "We need to provoke Megan Ellison directly, make her unleash all her pent-up frustration and anger at Depp. Let him feel the wrath of a billionaire princess."

He took a sip of champagne. "Meanwhile, Musk will push Amber Heard to divorce Depp. Without a prenup, Depp's in for a rough ride..."

Nicholson slapped his thigh in annoyance. "I should've had Lorraine cozy up to Depp."

Martin and Leonardo exchanged exasperated glances at their boss's antics.

"Depp's got a hefty fortune, and Amber stands to cash in on a divorce," Nicholson continued.

Martin chuckled darkly. "And Musk, that schemer, is all too eager to play this game. Orchestrating Amber Heard's descent into victimhood."

Nicholson nodded approvingly. "Just the outcome we're aiming for. The bastards we know are as devious as we are."

Leonardo chimed in with a smirk. "Depp's living the high life. The three of us are watching him, Megan Ellison's got her eye on him, and now even Tesla's Musk is in the mix. He should be thanking us for the attention."

Martin glanced at Leonardo. "Why don't you give Depp a call?"

"Who's going to rile up Megan Ellison?" Nicholson jumped in eagerly. "I've got plenty of experience with these kinds of shenanigans..."

Martin, reveling in the situation he'd orchestrated, asserted, "Megan Ellison snatched this project from me, so I'll handle this personally. It'll have the greatest impact."

Leonardo didn't want to miss out on the fun. "A few years back, Megan Ellison asked for my autograph and a photo, claiming to be a fan. She'll appreciate the irony of her idol turning against her."

The trio fell into a momentary silence, each itching for action.

Opportunities like this were rare indeed.

As the ringleader of the trio, Nicholson laid down the final decree: "We'll go together and play it by ear. It's fair and sensible. Those who stay behind can still catch the show from the sidelines."

Leonardo nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a plan."

"Agreed," Martin chimed in after a moment of contemplation. "Our priority now is to gather intel on Megan Ellison's whereabouts and intentions."

Nicholson, ever the eager beaver, asserted confidently, "Leave it to me."

  ...

Annapurna Pictures, President's Office.

Megan Ellison sat motionless in the boss's chair for over half an hour.

The latest box office report for "The Lone Ranger" lay on her desk, its figures casting a daunting shadow over her.

With a North American box office gross of only $18.55 million over the opening weekend, the numbers seemed to mock her, daring her to confront the reality of failure.

After pouring her heart and soul, along with considerable resources and confidence, into the project, its dismal reception felt like a dagger through her ambitions. Even as the daughter of the eccentric Larry Ellison, even with a billionaire father at her back, the sting of such a colossal flop cut deep.

She could stomach the failure of "Transcendence" before; after all, setbacks are par for the course in entrepreneurship. But the repeat failure of "The Lone Ranger" left her baffled.

With a production budget soaring to $250 million, fully bankrolled, and with heavyweight talents like producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski at the helm, alongside Hollywood icon Johnny Depp in the lead role, the ingredients for success seemed foolproof.

These were the same minds behind the triumphant "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, and coupled with her own savvy investment prowess, success should have been assured.

Yet, the film had crashed and burned, leaving nothing but disappointment and questions in its wake.