Chapter 673: A Fight!

As darkness fell, both film crews remained idle, their work temporarily suspended. The tension was palpable on the set as representatives from the Actors Guild, Directors Guild, and Producers Union worked overnight to coordinate the situation.

Martin, Louise, and Ridley Scott were deep in discussions, applying pressure to resolve the issue. Meanwhile, Jerry Bruckheimer and Megan Ellison were frantically coordinating over the phone, trying to salvage the situation.

In stark contrast, director Gore Verbinski savored his meal, secretly hoping for Johnny Depp's downfall, wishing he'd never have to work with him again. Even the crew of "The Lone Ranger" shared similar sentiments, longing for Depp's swift departure.

Depp's recent controversies had tainted his reputation, leaving many wishing for his swift exit from the industry. In the afternoon, FBI agents descended upon the Death Valley set, arresting Hodgson and Sanchez, signaling a turning point in the saga.

As the legal ramifications unfolded, Megan Ellison voiced her concerns, wondering if Martin Davis orchestrated the chaos for revenge. Jerry Bruckheimer reassured her, emphasizing the severity of the situation and Depp's precarious behavior.

Megan's frustration peaked as she demanded action against Depp's erratic behavior. Jerry, understanding the complexities of Hollywood politics, vowed to intervene.

With tensions simmering, Jerry arranged to meet Martin Davis, hoping to diffuse the situation. Upon arriving at Martin's RV, Jerry immediately noticed the striking resemblance to Depp's own abode.

Seated under a sun umbrella, Martin poured Jerry a cup of tea as they discussed the misunderstanding that led to the chaos. Jerry, a seasoned producer, appealed to Martin's professionalism, urging him to put aside any animosity towards Depp for the sake of the project.

Despite the strained atmosphere, Jerry made it clear that finishing the film was paramount, even if it meant owing Martin a favor. Reluctantly, Martin conceded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences of Depp's actions.

Martin chuckled self-deprecatingly, his tone laced with bitterness. "Thanks to Depp's associates, my crew had to shut down. It's not just me affected, Ridley's whole crew got hit too. I'm just one of the many victims here. All I'm asking is for Depp to swallow his pride, publicly apologize to my crew, and let bygones be bygones."

"Alright," Jerry rose from his seat, extending his hand to Martin. "You'll hear from me soon."

As Jerry exited, Martin's associate Bruce couldn't help but voice his skepticism. "You're really gonna let him off the hook just like that?"

Martin shrugged, his expression unreadable. "Jerry Bruckheimer's stepping in personally. It's only fair to give him a chance."

...

More than ten minutes later, Jerry entered Depp's RV, finding him nursing a bottle of wine. Motioning for the others to leave, Jerry poured himself a glass and joined Depp. "I need a favor."

Depp, with a drunken grin, belched. "Old friend, just say the word. If I can do it, it's done."

"For the sake of our crew, this film, and what went down last night, I need you to apologize to Martin Davis and his crew on 'The Martian'."

Depp shook his head defiantly. "I didn't do anything wrong."

Jerry pressed, "It's just us here. Did you make that call to the traffickers?"

After a moment's hesitation, Depp nodded. "Yeah, I messed with Hodgson."

Moved by a pang of remorse for Hodgson and his brother, Depp relented. "Alright, Jerry. For you, I'll swallow my pride and apologize."

"I'll make the arrangements. Just follow me in a bit," Jerry said, heading out to make a call.

Meanwhile, Depp's cronies questioned his motives. "Boss, are you really gonna apologize to Martin Davis? Hodgson got nabbed by the FBI!"

Depp smirked darkly. "Apologize? Hah... Hodgson's like a brother to me. Why would I apologize to the ones who got him nabbed by the FBI?"

"Get me another beer!" he barked.

As Jerry returned, he urged Depp to stop drinking and follow him to the set of "The Martian."

Approaching the crews, tension hung in the air. Martin, Louise, Ridley Scott, and others awaited their arrival, with onlookers from both crews gathering to witness the spectacle.

Louise whispered to Martin, "Are you really gonna accept Depp's apology?"

Martin hesitated, "If it's genuine."

As Jerry approached, Depp halted, stopping short of the group. An uneasy silence fell over the scene.

Martin's disapproval was evident as he signaled to Daddario to capture the moment on camera.

Depp's defiance reached a new low as he unbuttoned his belt and relieved himself in front of everyone, a crude gesture of contempt.

"This," Depp sneered, "is Uncle Depp's apology and gift to you sorry lot from 'The Martian' crew!"

To him, everyone on that set, including Martin Davis, was complicit in Hodgson's fate.

Jerry's gaze hardened as he turned to face Depp, his shock quickly giving way to seething anger. "That son of a..." His voice trailed off, barely containing his fury. In that moment, Jerry was consumed by the desire to lash out, to exact some form of justice on Depp.

Martin, like a coiled spring, trembled with suppressed rage, his fists clenched as if ready to pummel Depp into submission. Ridley, though elderly, moved with surprising speed, grabbing hold of Martin before he could launch himself at Depp, determined to prevent a potential tragedy.

Louise, already holding Martin back, threw her entire weight into restraining him, her eyes blazing with determination. She knew the consequences of Martin losing control, and she refused to let him succumb to his impulses.

Bruce, sensing Martin's intentions, sprang into action, charging towards Depp with a sense of purpose. Behind him, Martin's and Louise's bodyguards followed suit, a united front against Depp's disgraceful behavior.

The crew, fueled by righteous indignation, rallied behind Bruce and the bodyguards, their voices raised in defiance. "Take him down! Teach that scumbag a lesson!" Their cries echoed through the chaos, a chorus of condemnation.

As Depp and his cronies attempted to flee, they found their path blocked by Bruce and his formidable bodyguards. Despite their inebriation, Depp and his entourage were no match for the determined crew.

In a blur of movement, fists flew, and bodies collided as the crew exacted their revenge. Depp stumbled, disoriented, as blows rained down upon him, his arrogance crumbling in the face of their collective fury.

Bruce, though refraining from joining the brawl, issued commands to Martin's and Louise's bodyguards, directing their actions with precision. His words were like a rallying cry, spurring them on to greater heights of retribution.

Amidst the chaos, accusations flew, each one a damning indictment of Depp's reprehensible behavior. The scene devolved into a frenzy of righteous fury, a cathartic release of pent-up anger and frustration.

With the situation spiraling out of control, Megan Ellison rushed to intervene, accompanied by the crew's security personnel. Her voice cut through the din, commanding authority as she sought to restore order to the chaos.

In a desperate bid to quell the violence, the head of security fired three shots into the air, their deafening roar bringing a momentary hush to the scene. As the dust settled, Depp lay unconscious in a pool of his own making, a fitting end to his shameful display of arrogance and entitlement.