Chapter 6: When Stars Align

# Chapter 6: When Stars Align

*November 26, 1992 - Crown Studios, Beverly Hills*

*7:15 AM*

The headlines screamed across every trade paper in Jake's father's renovated office:

"ALADDIN IGNITES BOX OFFICE: Morris-Williams Duo Creates Disney Magic"

"CROWN STUDIOS RISES: From Bankruptcy to Blockbuster"

"MORRIS & WILLIAMS: The Birth of an Animated Legend"

Jake sprawled in his father's leather chair, watching four different networks simultaneously covering what Variety was dubbing "The Perfect Storm of Star Power." His Nokia hadn't stopped buzzing since the El Capitan premiere, but one message stood out – a characteristically manic voice note from Robin Williams:

"JAAAAKE! Baby! Did you see these numbers? We're not just killing it – we're committing box office homicide! Also, Spielberg keeps asking if we're secretly related because, and I quote, 'Nobody that young should have timing that good.' Called me at 3 AM just to say that. THREE AM! Love you, kid! Gotta go – my agent's having heart palpitations over the tracking data!"

The message brought a genuine smile to Jake's face. In his original timeline, he'd only known Robin Williams as a fan. Now? Now they were Hollywood's hottest duo, their chemistry splashed across every entertainment show in America.

Entertainment Tonight's Mary Hart gushed from one screen: "The unexpected partnership of 17-year-old sensation Jake Morris and comedy legend Robin Williams has transformed Aladdin from a standard Disney release into a cultural phenomenon..."

"Son." His father burst in, practically juggling fresh copies of the trades. "The numbers... sweet mother of Meryl Streep, the numbers!"

Jake glanced at the Bloomberg terminal: $25 million for the five-day opening, with projections showing a $30 million second weekend. In his original timeline, Aladdin had been a hit. This time? This time it was becoming legend.

"Read this," his father thrust Roger Ebert's review forward. "'Robin Williams is electric as Genie, but Jake Morris holds the film together with his understated, heartfelt performance. It's a perfect balance.' Even Siskel's raving, and that man hates happiness!"

Jake allowed himself a quiet moment of satisfaction. His system-enhanced abilities had let him keep pace with Williams' manic genius, but it was their genuine friendship that was capturing audiences' hearts.

The LA Times had said it best: "The relationship between Aladdin and Genie is the heart of the film. Morris and Williams elevate the material into an instant classic."

His Nokia chirped – Linda Larkin calling about their Good Morning America appearance. But Jake was already three steps ahead, unfolding a marketing strategy map across his father's desk.

"Dad, we need to think bigger. Robin and I do the morning shows, but not just standard interviews. We improvise scenes, play off each other. Show them the magic isn't just in the movie." He tapped specific locations on the map. "London, Paris, Tokyo – we make this global. Robin's already in. Says he'll follow my lead, calls it 'surfing the tsunami of teen spirit.'"

The phone bleated – Katzenberg, probably calling about international distribution. But Jake was rolling now, thirty years of future knowledge converting into pure marketing gold.

"We hit Disney parks unannounced. Robin and I pop up in character, create viral moments before viral was even a thing. Trust me – by Christmas, every kid in America will be demanding Aladdin merch."

"Speaking of merchandise..." His father waved Daily Variety's box office projections. "The toy companies are going insane. They've never seen demand like this for animated characters."

Jake grinned, remembering how the original Aladdin merchandise had been basic compared to what he had planned. "We go multimedia. Video games, interactive storytelling, digital content before digital was cool. The CompuServe crowd will eat it up."

The Bloomberg terminal chimed: East Coast numbers breaking records. His Nokia buzzed – Robin again, probably calling about their Tonight Show appearance.

A breaking news alert flashed: Harvey Weinstein announcing aggressive counter-programming against Aladdin's second weekend. Jake allowed himself a small smirk. Let Harvey rage. The future belonged to those who could see it coming.

"Son." His father's voice cracked with pride and bewilderment. "The way you and Robin connect on screen, the marketing strategies, these numbers... it's like you've got some kind of crystal ball."

*If you only knew*, Jake thought. But instead, he just channeled his system's perfect charm: "Let's just say Robin and I know how to make a little magic."

The phone kept ringing. The numbers kept climbing. And somewhere in the heart of Hollywood, an empire was rising – built on the unlikeliest of partnerships, powered by a revolution that wouldn't hit the rest of the industry for decades.

Jake Morris, the teen model turned voice acting phenomenon, was about to turn animation history into the greatest show on earth.

And Robin Williams? He was just happy to come along for the magic carpet ride.