Chapter 647: The Lone Ranger!

After arranging an afternoon tea with Leonardo and Nicholson, Martin climbed into his car and headed home.

Midway, Nicholson's call interrupted his journey, requesting him to pick up a newspaper.

Bruce complied, pulling over to grab a copy. Martin's eyes scanned the Spanish-language publication, detailing a shooting incident in Tijuana—a sadly familiar occurrence with little hope of resolution.

Handing the paper to Bruce, Martin remarked, "News travels fast."

Bruce nodded knowingly. "Proof of task completion," he remarked, understanding the implied message.

Martin pondered for a moment before asking, "Does this paper have a wide circulation in Los Angeles?"

"It's decent," Bruce replied. "Given the sizable Mexican population, it's one of the more circulated Spanish papers, alongside the Chinese ones."

Contemplating the implications, Martin inquired further, "If you were Megan Ellison, how would you react to this?"

Bruce's response was swift, "Immediate hire of 24-hour personal security. No room for risks."

Martin chuckled, dismissing the caution. "You've always been the cautious type."

Minutes later, the trio convened at Nicholson's residence, where the butler served black tea and snacks in the sun-drenched garden.

Leonardo, also a film industry titan with Kailu Pictures, weighed in on Megan Ellison's potential reaction to the news.

Martin turned to him, seeking insight. "How would you interpret Megan's response as a fellow industry leader?"

Leonardo paused, contemplating the implications. "If Megan suspects our involvement, she'll likely double down on the scripts you passed on," he offered.

Nicholson interjected, referencing Annapurna Films' recent announcement of increased investment in "Seventh Son" and "Transcendence" as evidence of Megan's strategy.

Curious about Martin's rationale, Leonardo probed, "Why secure those scripts if you doubt their potential?"

Martin sighed, grappling with his uncertainty. "While the scripts are well-crafted, I fear they may not resonate with audiences as hoped," he admitted.

Leonardo's grip on Martin's leg tightened. "You're locking away scripts you doubt?" he chided, incredulous.

Nicholson, ever the provocateur, added, "Satan himself would refuse your foolhardiness!"

Leonardo, now intrigued, pressed Martin for elaboration. "Do you anticipate failure for these projects? Why?"

Martin sipped his tea thoughtfully before responding. "Hollywood's penchant for grand epics persists, but their success rate wanes. Look at 'The Lord of the Rings'—an exception, not the rule."

Leonardo nodded in agreement, vowing, "No more epics for me!"

Martin concluded, "As for 'Transcendence,' Depp's star power may eclipse the project's potential. His iconic role as Jack Sparrow casts a long shadow over his other endeavors."

As they bantered, Martin interjected, "These projects could still surprise us. No one can guarantee a film's success or failure before its release."

Leonardo, acknowledging Martin's track record, quipped, "Despite your penchant for courting trouble with married women, your judgment in business matters has proven sound."

Ignoring the compliment, Martin playfully flipped Leonardo off. "Coming from a track star who clocks 20 seconds in the hundred meters, I'll take that as a compliment."

Unfazed by the retort, Leonardo scrolled through his phone, dispatching a message: "Planning an Oscars after-party for Asian actresses. Bring in the married or engaged ones." The response came swiftly, praising his unconventional tastes.

Leonardo defended himself, "I'm not slandering, just stating facts."

Nicholson, always eager to provoke, chimed in, "Meghan must be thrilled, fleecing you like that. If you had another winning project, would she come crawling back?"

Leonardo grinned, "I love stirring up trouble."

Martin cautioned, "Don't make it too obvious. We need subtlety to reel them in."

Nicholson inquired, "Got any promising projects in mind?"

"Not yet," Martin admitted, caught off guard by recent events.

Nicholson proposed a plan, "You scout for projects, I'll lure them in."

Leonardo wanted in on the action, "And me?"

"Focus on winning awards," Martin advised. "If you lose Best Actor, Jack and I will ship you off to film with Pete in the San Francisco Valley."

With their meeting concluded, Martin pondered their conversation. Successful films were rare, but blockbusters that piqued investor interest were even scarcer.

Ridley Scott's epic films came to mind, but Martin sought something less conventional. Ridley had hinted at potential recommendations, but beyond his works, who else had a track record?

Two names surfaced: Robert Downey Jr. and Johnny Depp. Downey was a safe bet, but Depp was unpredictable.

Recalling Depp's filmography, Martin's thoughts settled on "The Lone Ranger," a quirky adaptation that might just fit the bill.

Dialing Thomas, Martin inquired about the TV series and its copyright holder, ABC. Thomas confirmed Disney's ownership post-ABC acquisition and suggested reaching out to Alan Horn.

Martin chuckled at the coincidence. "No need for that, Thomas. I'll give Alan a call myself."

Thomas emphasized the need for confidentiality regarding "Seventh Son" and "Transcendence."

After hanging up, Martin dialed Alan Horn's number, arranging a meeting at Horn's Beverly Hills residence.

Alan, courteous as ever, informed Martin of Cody's trip to Disney for information on "The Lone Ranger."

Martin assured him there was no rush, prompting Alan to divulge Jerry Bruckheimer's interest in adapting the classic series. However, due to disputes over the "Pirates of the Caribbean" profits, the project was shelved.

Alan proposed cooperation with Disney if Martin had adaptation plans. Martin, cautious of the financial risk, suggested a ten-year copyright agreement without direct investment.

This idea caught Alan's attention, as it came from Martin, a reputable figure in the industry.

Recalling past failures like "Terminator 2018," Alan engaged in a candid conversation with Martin while awaiting Cody's return with comprehensive information on "The Lone Ranger."

With Cody's return, Martin acquired invaluable insights and plans previously compiled by Bruckheimer, streamlining his preparations.

Martin convened a meeting with Nicholson and Leonardo, sharing the details of the "Lone Ranger" project.

Nicholson pondered the potential pitfalls, to which Martin emphasized Bruckheimer's endorsement and his own discerning eye for projects.

Leonardo highlighted Depp's involvement with Megan Ellison's "Transcendence," prompting Martin to strategize on poaching Depp for their project.

Nicholson concurred, stressing the need for discretion given Depp's unpredictable nature and the circle surrounding him.

Leonardo echoed Nicholson's sentiments, reminiscing about Depp's turbulent past.

With everyone in agreement, Nicholson declared, "Let the digging commence!"