Chapter 360: Kicked Off The List

Inside Legendary Pictures' conference room, a gathering of key crew producers, including renowned figures like Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas, had convened to discuss their next steps.

Among those in attendance was Howard, representing the Firefighter Fund Insurance Company. This company played a crucial role in the Hollywood film industry, acting as the film's completion guarantee for the crew. This guarantee was a linchpin in attracting investors from all corners of the world. It ensured that the film could be completed, and if an accident occurred on set, the insurance company even had the authority to step in, taking over the crew and arranging for the film's production.

Failing to complete production incurred significant costs, so in the early stages of crew preparation, the guarantor worked diligently to eliminate any potential issues.

As the meeting progressed, Howard remained silent, understanding that his role was to secure the film's completion, not to interfere with the creative discussions.

Charles Rowan, who was leading the meeting, swiftly delved into a pivotal aspect of the film: the casting of the Joker.

"The film is like a clash of two pirates, and the role of the clown is of utmost importance," Charles Rowan declared as he stood at the head of the conference table. He continued, "Currently, we have several actors who have passed our initial selection." He introduced each of them one by one, stating, "Martin Davis, the highly popular young actor with strong commercial appeal; Robin Williams, an Oscar-winning actor with a versatile range; Adrian Burrow Dee, an Oscar-winning Best Actor from recent years; Heath Ledger, representing the young actors' realm, boasting a decade of industry experience..." The projection screen displayed each actor's details as he spoke.

Charles Rowan continued, "The crew will send audition invitations to these actors."

Nolan added, "The final decision will be made after the makeup audition."

Warner Bros. and DC Comics expressed their support for Nolan's decision.

However, another producer voiced doubts, stating, "Heath Ledger might not be a suitable choice."

Alan Horn from Warner Pictures interrupted, asserting, "Heath Ledger is a talented actor. His brooding demeanor suits the role well. Hollywood has always maintained a distinction between personal life and work. As long as the character and the film are exceptional, private matters are irrelevant."

Louise, who had remained silent, glanced at her watch, having received a succinct text message: "It's done." She knew that the cunning Martin had plotted to eliminate his most significant rival before entering the metaphorical boxing ring.

In the lounge adjacent to the conference room, Howard's assistant, Phil, received a call from someone identifying themselves as a Firefighter Fund employee. The caller urged him to immediately check TMZ, as it had implications for the company's collaboration with Warner.

Phil swiftly opened his laptop, connected it to the nearby network cable, and navigated to the TMZ website. The top of the homepage featured news and videos.

After a quick perusal, confirming the content's relevance to the company's projects, he hurried out of the lounge and gently knocked on the conference room door.

Company regulations dictated that in such situations, the relevant person in charge must be informed promptly.

The conference room door swung open, temporarily halting the ongoing meeting.

Phil apologized and quickly approached Howard, leaning in to whisper, "Something's happened. It concerns the cast and crew selection, and TMZ..."

He conveyed the information succinctly and swiftly.

Howard nodded and motioned for him to find a temporary seat. He straightened his tie, rested his arms on the conference table, and stated, "Something significant has transpired. I suggest we temporarily suspend this meeting and review the TMZ report. It directly relates to the crew's future work."

Charles Rowan instructed an assistant, "Project it onto the screen."

The assistant swiftly followed orders, displaying TMZ's homepage on the screen.

The entire conference room was captivated by the mention of Heath Ledger's name.

Alan Horn wore a faint frown, sensing that the news might not be favorable.

Nolan appeared concerned.

Emma Thomas couldn't help but recall Heath Ledger's past controversies.

The success or failure of this film was pivotal to their careers. Failure might mean no chance for a comeback.

Charles Rowan directed, "Open the report."

The news unfurled, featuring three videos, all starring Heath Ledger. The most recent video was dated for today.

All those present in the room understood the gravity of the situation. In Hollywood, a quick glance conveyed much. Their gazes barely met, yet the mood was palpable.

Howard's responsibility was to manage risks. As he watched the video, he pondered and later stated, "Heath Ledger previously worked on a film in Brookly, New York. His behavior then posed risks to others' safety, and I didn't oppose it initially, believing he had changed. However, the current circumstances don't appear promising."

Howard concluded, "For the safety of the crew, I have reason to suspect that Heath Ledger might endanger other actors. If we proceed with Heath Ledger, it could jeopardize the film's completion."

Charles Rowan turned to Alan Horn, his colleague, silently hoping he would make a wise decision.

Alan Horn remained silent, as if the situation had no bearing on him.

Due to Bale's request, and with Alan Horn's cautious stance, Charles Rowan and Orlin, the director of DC Comics, quickly reached a consensus. Charles declared, "We will rescind Heath Ledger's audition invitation. He is not a suitable fit for this crew." Emma Thomas immediately concurred, saying, "I agree."

Nolan, while silently reflecting on Bell's promise, didn't voice any objections, and thus, Heath Ledger was removed from the audition list.

After the meeting concluded, Howard approached Charles Rowan for a brief conversation.

Charles assured, "The crew's handling of this matter was not thorough enough. I guarantee such an incident won't occur again." Howard emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, "Charles, we've worked together many times, but this time the budget is quite substantial – a production cost of $180 million. If an accident occurs halfway through, even with actor replacements, the losses could run into the tens of millions. It would spell disaster for both of us."

Charles pledged, "Don't worry, the crew will select the most suitable actor."

Feeling the pressure, Howard stressed, "I hope the actors chosen by the crew not only possess remarkable acting skills but also demonstrate dedication and professional ethics."

Charles agreed to these expectations.

Howard left Legendary Pictures, immediately communicating with his superiors about the situation and proposing that Heath Ledger be temporarily blacklisted by the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, which underwrote completion guarantees for nearly 80% of Hollywood film projects.

...

The news that Heath Ledger was excluded from the audition for the film reached Martin promptly.

In his suite at the Four Seasons Hotel, Martin set down his phone, picked up a glass of wine, and allowed it to flow into his mouth, with the wine escaping from the corners of his lips, reminiscent of blood.

A playing card slipped from his grasp.

Martin used his nails to puncture the card, creating holes that cast a devilish shadow against the white playing card. The dark holes represented the devil's features.

Red wine dripped from the corners of Martin's mouth.

Tick tock! Tick tock -

The wine fell on the devil's face, staining it with a large, blood-red mouth.

Bruce involuntarily took a step back, wondering if Martin's mind was filled not with rubbish but with human blood.

"Haha..." Martin wiped away the wine stain casually, his lips stained blood-red. "Bruce, we've achieved our first goal and eliminated the most significant threat straightforwardly!"

Bruce couldn't help but comment, "We've been too audacious. He was a symbol of righteousness, and everything he did seemed like divine justice."

Martin grinned, unapologetic and carefree. All the burdens that had been weighing on him were now discarded. He remarked, "We didn't do anything; we merely pushed from behind."

Bruce pointed out, "Yes, if Heath Ledger didn't have serious problems, he wouldn't have been removed from the audition list."

"But I'm delighted with this outcome," Martin declared, jubilant. "This profound sense of comfort is something I've never experienced before."

Bruce couldn't resist asking, "You won't get too immersed in the drama and become a real-life villain, will you?"

Martin laughed, replying, "Impossible! I'm just savoring all this. The relaxation I feel, unburdened in both mind and body, is utterly charming."

Bruce's phone rang, and he picked it up. It was Thomas on the line.

After a brief discussion about the film project, Bruce hung up and quickly informed Martin, "David Fincher personally called Thomas and indicated that the audition for 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' won't take place until the second half of the year. He hopes you can wait for the crew and audition at that time."

Martin agreed, "No problem."

Lately, he had cast aside many restraints, and his words flowed naturally, "Let the crew know that I'm not particularly fond of Cate Blanchett."

Recent news indicated that the crew of "Benjamin" was considering inviting Cate Blanchett to audition for the lead role.

Bruce took note of Martin's preference and assured him, "Thomas will relay this message."

He added, "The title of Rory's first kiss has been changed and is now officially 'The Dark Knight.' In three weeks, the audition for the Joker will take place, and the crew will send you a formal invitation."

"Very good," Martin acknowledged. "As per my request, find a stylist and costume designer who are absolutely reliable."

Bruce confirmed, "Thomas is already on the lookout."

Martin emphasized, "Time flies, and it's time to take the next step. Remind that fool Leo next week."

Bruce understood the intention, asking, "To make sure everyone on the crew recognizes your efforts?"