Chapter 249: Fame and Fortune

For Matthew, Elena Poliar is currently the most reliable entertainment reporter, and both Matthew and Helen Helman are well aware that the relationship between stars and entertainment reporters isn't as adversarial as it appears. Stars can never do without entertainment reporters, and the feeling is mutual.

They depend on each other, both in opposition and cooperation.

Having an entertainment reporter like Elena Poliar, who works closely with them, can be very convenient at times.

Helen Helman and Matthew exchanged a look, then Helen asked Elena, "You're moving to Warner's gossip site next month?"

Elena nodded, "I'll start at the beginning of next month, and the site begins its trial operation mid-month."

Helen looked at her and said, "We can give you a news story that could become a sensation."

"Is Matthew preparing to star in the sequel to 'Pirates of the Caribbean'?" Elena asked.

"No," Helen shook her head, then said, "I'm currently negotiating with Universal Studios and Shawn Daniel's team for 'Dawn of the Dead.' If all goes well, Matthew will be the lead actor."

Elena was about to speak but was stopped by Helen, "I don't know when we'll sign the contract with the production team, so I can't guarantee this news will wait until the site is operational."

"Then why mention this?" Elena seemed a bit dissatisfied.

Helen wasn't bothered by her mood, saying, "Matthew and I have discussed it, and next month he'll break up with Keira Knightley."

This had been arranged not just with Matthew but also with Keira Knightley's agent and the production team.

"Really?" Elena's interest was piqued. News like this was popular on a site focused on scoops and gossip, "Can you give me an exclusive?"

She was well aware that with 'Pirates of the Caribbean's success, Matthew and Keira Knightley had shot to fame, especially Matthew, who was currently second on IMDB's most-watched stars list, just behind Johnny Depp over the past week.

Their relationship had attracted countless people's attention and was largely viewed skeptically. As an entertainment reporter, she knew the stance of tabloids in North America and the public interested in scandals. Most felt Keira Knightley wasn't a match for Matthew Horner, thinking she lacked in looks, physique, and acting skills. How could such a mediocre British woman be suitable for the outstanding American hunk like Matthew?

Similarly, the British media across the Atlantic also didn't favor Matthew and Keira Knightley, viewing him as an unrefined Texan who couldn't match the elegant, intellectual, and classically beautiful English rose, Keira Knightley.

Even knowing their relationship was for publicity, the news of Matthew and Keira Knightley's breakup would be welcomed and cheered, making it a significant entertainment news story.

Helen considered for a moment, "I'll coordinate with the production team. If you follow up on this, there should be no problem."

Elena was thrilled, ready to leave, but before going, she said, "If this works out, I'll treat you to dinner."

Leaving the nanny van and walking to her car, Elena felt the weather was truly great. Matthew Horner had long ceased to be a minor actor or star and had definitely moved up to the second tier. Unlike other stars who barely maintained their second-tier status, his upward trajectory was very apparent. Even without other notable works, he was set to star in two more 'Pirates of the Caribbean' sequels. With the current popularity of the franchise, he was bound to become an A-list star once those sequels were released.

Looking at Hollywood as a whole, A-list stars were just a small group, capable of making news by merely stepping out on the street.

As long as she maintained her connection with Matthew Horner, even without progress in other areas, she could live comfortably for at least five or six years.

In the nanny van, Matthew told the driver, "Let's head back to Burbank."

Stretching, he leaned back in the chair, ready to nap. The morning had been spent dealing with energetic teenagers, and he was somewhat tired, especially after a strenuous previous night.

Helen Helman, sitting next to him, glanced at Matthew and asked, "Didn't sleep well last night?"

Matthew shrugged slightly, "With the breakup next month, Keira and I cherish the remaining time. Last night we were... ahem..." he coughed softly, "busy until after one in the morning."

Helen, understanding the implication, wasn't embarrassed but directly said, "Make sure to take precautions."

Hollywood's young stars, including Matthew and Keira Knightley, often acted recklessly. Helen had heard too many stories about stars claiming to be just friends yet sharing a roof and immediately getting involved.

Matthew stretched again, "Don't worry, am I the type not to be careful? Condoms are a must."

Having only observed from afar before, he knew about the chaotic private lives of Hollywood stars. Now inside the circle, what he heard and saw was overwhelming. Not to mention others, just Keira Knightley, only eighteen, showed ample experience from the start.

For his safety, taking precautions was necessary.

Returning to Angel Agency, Matthew took the script for 'Dawn of the Dead' to the conference room on the first floor to study the lead role. His recent focus on promoting 'Pirates of the Caribbean' meant some interruption in his fitness, combat, acting, and writing practices, an unavoidable situation. With the high salary from the production team and a signed agreement, he naturally had to cooperate with their work.

After today's promotional event, Disney Studios wouldn't have any more significant promotions for 'Pirates of the Caribbean.' With the film's reputation spreading, this wave of promotion would suffice to maintain a steady level of publicity.

Matthew stayed at Angel Agency until closing, ready to leave. Helen had already communicated with the production team about his and Keira's breakup, which could be exclusive to Elena.

Driving his BMW, Matthew didn't head home immediately but picked up Keira Knightley from ABC Television Station. Under the pursuit of paparazzi, they returned to their residence.

As long as they didn't tire of each other's company, this shameless life for two was filled with fun.

However, this wouldn't last much longer, as their breakup was imminent.

From Wednesday evening, the news about Will Turner saving Harvard Westlake School spread widely. Videos related to the event were played on the internet and TV news. By Thursday, as many print media joined in, the report reached its peak, attracting the attention of many who weren't initially interested in 'Pirates of the Caribbean.'

Especially among teenagers, seeing Matthew address an issue because of a letter from a young female fan instantly boosted his popularity. Going to the cinema to watch the movie became the best outlet for this sentiment.

The importance of publicity for a film is undeniable, and the most direct result was the third weekend box office for 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' which again showed a remarkably strong trend.

In its third weekend, the drop was still just over thirty percent, earning $29.8 million from the North American box office in three days. Along with the previous four weekdays' box office, 'Pirates of the Caribbean' broke the $200 million mark in North America in just three weeks, reaching

 $202.1 million.

Additionally, 'Pirates of the Caribbean' was shown in more than eighty countries and regions worldwide, with an overseas total box office surpassing $200 million.

The global total box office for the film smoothly exceeded $400 million.

Both in terms of reputation and box office, 'Pirates of the Caribbean' was a huge success, bringing substantial profits to many people and companies.

The biggest beneficiaries were Disney Studios and Jerry Bruckheimer Films, followed by the director and actors. Director Gore Verbinski became famous overnight from obscurity.

Among the actors, Johnny Depp, as Jack Sparrow, rose from a second-tier oddball to an A-lister. Although he was on the lower end of the A-list and his position was unstable, the planned 'Pirates of the Caribbean' series meant Johnny Depp's future looked bright, finally becoming a mainstream Hollywood star after years of uncertainty.

Then there was Matthew, whose rise from the third tier to the second tier was unquestionable, with a very clear upward momentum. Many media and critics believed that Hollywood had finally found its future action superstar following Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Bruce Willis.

Next was Keira Knightley. Although Elizabeth Swann received mixed reviews, it was enough for her to enter the second tier. As the media put it, following Kate Beckinsale, Hollywood had another dazzling English rose.

Every day followed by paparazzi, occasionally asked for autographs on the street, and actively interviewed by reporters, Matthew was thrilled by the sensation of fame. 'Pirates of the Caribbean' brought him both fame and fortune, laying a solid foundation for his next steps.

Helen Helman's contact with Shawn Daniel always maintained a proactive stance.

However, the halo of stardom brought both benefits and troubles, some of which actively sought him out.

___________________

(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)

If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters

Read Ahead

Patreon.com/INNIT