Chapter 361

Aside from Cutthroat Island, Arthur was also quite interested in another water-themed movie, Waterworld.

Kevin Costner had already led the crew to Hawaii for filming.

In the lounge area of the Pierre Hotel, movie producer Roger Birnbaum found Arthur and recommended a romance film script.

Roger Birnbaum had an independent production company called Caravan Pictures, and he had previously collaborated with Orion on RoboCop.

"Arthur, it's a romantic comedy. The director chosen is a young filmmaker, Jon Turteltaub. He directed last year's inspiring film Cool Runnings, which was well-received by audiences!"

Arthur nodded. "Has the script already been sent to Galaxy?"

"It's been sent!"

"Don't worry, I'll read it carefully. If the story fits, Galaxy will definitely invest."

Arthur was now someone whom many Hollywood producers wanted to court, but he also needed to appease and maintain friendship with some experienced producers.

A few years ago, the two RoboCop films Roger Birnbaum collaborated on with Orion were among the few successful blockbusters from Orion!

However, because RoboCop 2 didn't meet Arthur's expectations, the project for RoboCop 3 was shelved by Arthur.

Leaving the Pierre Hotel, Arthur drove to Flushing, Queens, where he picked up Nicole Kidman, who was filming Batman Forever.

"You look great, so beautiful," Arthur couldn't help but praise when Nicole Kidman got into the car, her blonde hair and blue eyes looking stunning.

"Mmm," Nicole Kidman immediately embraced Arthur and kissed him passionately.

Responding to Nicole Kidman's enthusiasm, Arthur's hands felt her fiery, graceful body.

"You've become quite something. Galaxy acquired MGM, and your reputation is huge," Nicole Kidman said, lying in Arthur's arms and enjoying his caresses.

Arthur smiled. "Don't you know how impressive I am?"

As he spoke, Arthur kissed Nicole Kidman on the earlobe. "By the way, I heard Jim Carrey has also joined the cast?"

The success of The Mask had skyrocketed Jim Carrey's fame, which is why Batman Forever had cast him.

"Yes," Nicole Kidman said, feeling Arthur's touch. "Jim Carrey plays the Riddler. After filming in New York for a while, we'll move to the Cincinnati set!"

Nicole Kidman's role as Dr. Chase Meridian was both sexy and beautiful. Adding Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face to the mix, Batman Forever had quite the cast. Whether Val Kilmer as Batman would match up to Michael Keaton would be seen only after the movie's release next year.

"This Batman Forever is quite the competitor for next year," Arthur chuckled, rubbing the woman's thigh.

However, MGM's ongoing project, GoldenEye, was also a major film. Elizabeth Hurley, who had gained fame from The Mask, was cast as the Bond girl.

"Director Jan de Bont spoke to me about your disaster film Twister. He wants me to be the lead actress. Should I agree?" By now, Nicole Kidman was famous and wasn't short of scripts.

Director Jan de Bont had worked with her on Speed, but Twister was a disaster movie that didn't emphasize the actors' performance much.

"Well, Twister is Galaxy's biggest investment project. The lead actress has a significant role. It's not just a romance film, it has a strong independent female character," Arthur said, patting her thigh.

"Do you think Galaxy would invest in a blockbuster lightly?"

Nicole Kidman smiled, "Got it. I've already agreed to the director's offer!"

Well, Nicole Kidman was seeking Arthur Smith's opinion, considering the massive investment in a disaster film. If it flopped, she would likely be discarded by the industry. But with Arthur's confidence, she felt completely at ease!

"You've now pretty much established yourself in Hollywood, which is great!"

Even though Twister was still in the pre-production phase, another sci-fi blockbuster, Independence Day, was also in pre-production. Arthur had great faith in director Roland Emmerich's abilities.

After meeting with Mario Kassar, Arthur was now contemplating how to secure the rights to Carolco Pictures' Stargate.

After all, Stargate was directed by Roland Emmerich and distributed by MGM, with a release date set for October this year.

Carolco was in a mess, and when budget overruns came up during the shooting of Cutthroat Island, wouldn't MGM's chance arise?

"So, Arthur, where are we going now? Are we going home or somewhere to have some fun?" Nicole Kidman was very pleased with her current life; her career was progressing smoothly.

Arthur already had plans. "I purchased a vacation house in Suffolk, Long Island. We're going there for the weekend."

"Also, I heard you made hundreds of millions from investing in Snapple," Nicole Kidman couldn't fathom how much that was.

Arthur Smith had acquired MGM Film Group with the power that trumped Nevada's casino moguls.

California Pacific Investment Company made a fortune through the sale of Snapple; it wasn't a secret in Hollywood.

The importance of cash flow wasn't just talk. Thinking about Kirk Kerkorian's third MGM takeover, which wasn't completed until 1996, made it clear.

"Don't worry, stick with me, and at worst, you'll be a centi-millionaire," Arthur said, reaching into her bosom, "By then, Nicole Kidman, you'll be the top princess in Hollywood!"

"Princess?" Nicole Kidman laughed. This description fit her well. Many Americans loved wheatish and bronze skin, but Arthur Smith preferred fair-skinned.

*****

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