Chapter 857: A Thrilling Movie!

Upon returning to Los Angeles, Martin wasted no time. He headed straight to the Firefighters Fund Insurance Company, adhering strictly to the terms of their agreement. He made sure to store a copy of all the footage securely in their safe, a precautionary move against any unforeseen disasters.

This was more than just a formality. Martin knew that, in the era of film, fires had been a notorious enemy, reducing countless reels to ashes. Hollywood's third-party insurers had long established safeguards against such calamities. But even in the digital age, where the risk was significantly reduced, Martin wasn't one to leave anything to chance.

While the rest of the crew took a well-deserved break, Martin couldn't afford to relax just yet. He assembled the director's team to begin the arduous task of organizing the mountain of footage they had shot. His vision for "The Shallows" was clear: the final cut would not exceed 90 minutes. However, the reality was that they had captured over 2,000 minutes of raw material. For Martin, who had been part of sprawling epics, this was a relatively modest challenge.

In the dimly lit office of "The Shallows" studio, Louise was busy finalizing the transition of responsibilities to Martin. The atmosphere was filled with the quiet hum of work and the tension of looming deadlines.

"I'm going to take a few days off before I dive into the promotional whirlwind for 'John Wick 3'," Martin said, his tone suggesting a man in need of a brief reprieve. "I'll leave the initial editing in your capable hands."

Louise, impeccably dressed in a black suit, adjusted her glasses with a raised eyebrow. "So, you're just going to be a hands-off director now?"

Martin's response was half-serious, half-teasing. "Isn't that what the industry expects? I'm a new director, after all. It's perfectly normal for me to be sidelined in the post-production phase."

Louise wasn't buying it for a second. "You may be new at directing, but you're still the primary investor and the man with the final say."

Dropping the pretense, Martin nodded. "True. But the editing team has been with us from the start. Joel Negot knows exactly what kind of film I'm aiming for. By the time the fine editing rolls around, the promotion for 'John Wick 3' and 'Interstellar' will be done. I'll jump in then. There's no rush."

He knew, without a doubt, that he would oversee the final cut. The last word on how the film would look belonged to him.

Louise offered a slight nod of approval. "Joel has been with us for years. He understands our approach inside and out. He's the perfect person to take charge of the initial cut."

But Martin wasn't entirely off the hook. "I'll still need you to keep an eye on things during post-production," he added, his tone firm but appreciative.

Louise arched an eyebrow playfully. "That's outside my job description. You'll have to sweeten the deal for me."

With a grin, Martin stood up and spread his arms wide in mock surrender. "Name your price. Whatever you want, it's yours."

Louise checked her watch, the playful moment giving way to business. "We should head to the airport. Kelly's plane will be landing soon."

As they made their way to the airport, Martin was acutely aware of what the evening might entail. Kelly Gray was a force of nature, and every encounter with her came with a steep cost. This night could end up costing him billions if not more, depending on how things played out.

After a short wait on the private tarmac, Kelly's Gulfstream business jet touched down. The sleek, silver plane came to a stop, and soon the door opened. Kelly appeared at the top of the gangway, a striking figure in a red dress. The moment she saw Martin, her face lit up, and she descended the stairs with her arms wide open.

Martin embraced her tightly, their reunion warm but charged with unspoken tension. Just as Kelly leaned in for a kiss, Louise deftly intervened, pulling Martin toward the waiting car. "Not so fast," she chided gently, her voice laced with amusement. "There's plenty of time for that later. Remember, you're a state legislator now. You need to consider the optics."

The three of them slid into Louise's stretched Rolls-Royce Phantom, the luxurious interior cocooning them in privacy. As the car began to move, Kelly shifted her focus back to business, though it was clear she was eager for more personal matters.

"Let's get the business out of the way first," she said, her voice betraying a hint of impatience. "Once we've handled that, we can enjoy ourselves."

Martin, flanked by two formidable women, leaned back, his arms draped casually over the back of the seat. "What's the situation in Ukraine?"

Kelly's expression grew serious. "According to multiple think tanks, Alexandrovich has an over 80% chance of being elected as the leader of Ukraine. If that happens, Eastern Europe is on the brink of massive changes."

Louise, always focused on the bottom line, cut in. "The real question is not the changes themselves, but what we stand to gain from them."

Martin's response was immediate, almost instinctive. "Money, of course."

Kelly nodded, her eyes gleaming with ambition. "For me, it's also about political capital. But tell me, how long can you maintain your influence over Alexandrovich?"

As the car glided smoothly through the streets of Los Angeles, the conversation inside was anything but. It was a mix of power, strategy, and the tantalizing promises of what could be, if they played their cards right.

Martin paused thoughtfully before replying, "Right now, Alexandrovich is eager to reward me with money for my assistance. But once that reward is in hand, the so-called influence... well, you and I both know how power changes people. Once he's in command, he may not be so eager to listen."

Louise leaned forward, her voice cool and analytical. "The long-term impact really depends on Alexandrovich's choices and needs. If he sees a future in aligning with America, we the political brokers, will naturally retain some influence."

Martin shifted his gaze to Kelly, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "And what's the Donkey Party's take on this?"

Kelly's lips curved into a sly smile as she echoed Martin's own words back to him. "Ukraine is like a dagger America has positioned right at Russia's throat."

Martin nodded, focusing on the practical aspects of the situation. "Once Alexandrovich is elected, he'll prepare a gift for me. But the reality is, this gift is entangled with too many complications. It's too big for me to handle on my own. To accept it smoothly, I'll need the two of you to join forces with me."

Without another word, Kelly leaned in and kissed Martin passionately, her earlier professionalism giving way to something far more personal. Louise, clearly unable to resist, joined in as well, turning the moment into something charged with both affection and ambition.

Their tangled emotions and ambitions mirrored their business entanglements. Kelly and Louise had been Martin's earliest allies, and the scale of Alexandrovich's offer was far beyond anything Martin could manage alone. By bringing them into this deal, he ensured they were all in it together, for better or worse.

Louise, always practical, broke the moment with a suggestion. "If Alexandrovich is elected, it will be an enormous opportunity. I can arrange for professionals to assist you in managing it."

Kelly, ever the political strategist, added, "Leave the political maneuvering to me. I'll handle the necessary dealings on that front."

Martin, despite his rapid rise to prominence, knew that his power alone wasn't enough. With a rare moment of sincerity, he admitted, "With you two on board, I can breathe easier."

As the car glided into Louise's estate in Sherman Oaks, Martin was practically dragged into the villa by Louise and Kelly, both eager to secure their part of the upcoming deal. They knew that while the potential monetary gains were in the future, they could at least secure several billion in compensation today.

During his short vacation, Martin found himself more or less held captive by Louise and Kelly in Sherman Oaks. They insisted he stay, coaxing and compelling him with every tactic at their disposal.

But the break didn't last long. A few days later, Christopher Nolan called, summoning Martin to Warner Studios to film an advertisement for 'Interstellar'. Warner Bros. needed Martin, the leading actor, to narrate the trailers that would be released across TV and online platforms throughout the summer.

'Interstellar' was set for a July release, and the marketing machine was already in full swing, rolling out posters and teasers with military precision. With the combined star power of Nolan and Martin, alongside Warner Bros.' promotional might, the film was poised to be one of the year's most anticipated releases.

After finishing the voiceover work, Martin stepped out of the post-production studio, only to run into Daniel, who had just emerged from the 'Batman v Superman' set. The two friends decided to grab a cold drink together, finding a quiet spot to catch up.

Martin asked casually, "How's everything going over there?"

Daniel let out a weary sigh. "Not just going well, it's moving at breakneck speed. Warner Bros. and DC Comics have each sent a producer to 'assist' Zack Snyder. If everything stays on track, filming will start in July."

Martin raised an eyebrow. "Two producers?"

Daniel nodded, his expression tense. "One representing Hamada, the other Kevin Tsujihara. They're there to supervise Zack and make sure the production stays efficient."

Martin sighed, shaking his head slightly. "I figured Warner wouldn't just sit back and let things happen."

Changing the subject, Daniel asked, "How's the script for 'Joker' coming along?"

Martin gave a short, direct answer. "Still in the works. The earliest we'll see that project finished is next year."

With the second half of the year looming, Martin's plate was already full. He needed to oversee the post-production of 'The Shallows' and begin preparing for the next big project, 'Split'. The pace was relentless, but so was the potential for success, if he could keep everything on track.

Leonardo had arranged for Martin to visit the Psychiatric Therapy Center at New York Presbyterian Hospital whenever his schedule allowed. Though Martin wouldn't find anyone there with a dozen different personalities like in his next project, he would encounter several patients grappling with schizophrenia and dual personalities, offering him a valuable glimpse into the complex world of mental health.

Their conversation was brief, as Martin had another commitment lined up for the evening. Disney Studios had scheduled an online interview with YouTube, where Martin would discuss the highly anticipated 'John Wick 3' and field questions from fans. The studio had also just dropped the latest trailer on YouTube, sparking a new wave of excitement.

Simultaneously, the promotional machine was in full swing across social media, with Twitter and Instagram leading the charge. Headlines blared: "Martin Davis fights his way out of the encirclement and delivers the ultimate killer move. Gunfights, knife-throwing, horseback battles, motorcycle chases, every action scene is pulse-pounding!"

But it wasn't just the action that grabbed attention. Davis Studio knew where the real hook lay, and they doubled down on it: the dogs.

"Martin Davis, the ultimate dog-protecting maniac, returns!"

"Remember, a dog's death started it all."

"The one thing you never mess with in Hollywood: Martin's dog."

This recurring theme, which had long since evolved into a meme, was back in full force. Sure, the joke was well-worn, but it still worked like a charm. The online chatter about Martin and his dog reignited interest in the film, ensuring it remained a hot topic.

As the first weekend of the summer season approached, Disney Studios upped the ante by hosting three exclusive screenings of 'John Wick 3' in Burbank. These were for an elite mix of media, fans, critics, and theater managers.

This was a bold move. Most blockbuster films shy away from multiple public previews, wary of the risk that too many early opinions could derail the film's momentum. After all, controlling the narrative is key, especially for art films that rely on curated word-of-mouth to guide audience perception.

But John Wick 3 was different. The confidence in its success was palpable. From producers to theater chains, everyone believed in the film's quality and commercial potential. It was a sequel with a strong fan base and a powerful support network behind it.

Following three consecutive showings in a single week, the internet buzzed with fan reactions, overwhelmingly positive. Comments flooded in:

"In terms of action, this is the pinnacle of the series, a perfect fusion of gunplay and hand-to-hand combat."

"An epic, creative action spectacle, it's like a video game brought to life, pure entertainment."

"If the first film was about the 'Death of the Dogs,' this one is 'Revenge of the Dogs,' where the dogs tear their enemies apart."

Fans universally lauded the intense action sequences, praising the film for meeting and even exceeding, their wildest expectations.

With so many previews, the film quickly met the required number of ratings on IMDb. The studio wasted no time in lifting the embargo on reviews, revealing an impressive 9.2 rating. While preview scores often skew higher, this early score was a clear indicator that the film resonated with audiences.

In the midst of this whirlwind of promotions and fanfare, Martin took a moment to connect directly with his audience. Posting on social media, he simply said, "Thank you for loving my movie!"

It was a humble note from the man at the center of the storm, capping off a marketing blitz that had every sign of leading to a box office triumph.

Martin's tweet was accompanied by a dozen behind-the-scenes photos from the filming of 'John Wick 3'. Each shot captured the intensity, sweat, and sheer adrenaline that had gone into creating the film, giving fans a glimpse of the work behind the magic.

As the tweet went live, so did the official media reviews for 'John Wick 3'. The embargo on critical responses was lifted, and the floodgates opened.

The 'Los Angeles Times' raved, calling it "an incredible R-rated action film," and highlighted how Martin Davis had once again delivered jaw-dropping, iconic action sequences packed with relentless entertainment. The Hollywood Reporter took a different angle, praising the film for expanding the John Wick universe in a way that delighted fans while maintaining meticulously crafted action scenes. Entertainment Weekly kept it succinct but powerful: "Martin's action scenes are as sharp and clean as ever, presenting a high-caliber action movie with stunning choreography and non-stop violence."

As soon as the reviews hit the public, Rotten Tomatoes compiled 39 critical assessments, with 38 of them giving the film a fresh rating. The film's Rotten Tomatoes score soared to a stunning 97% fresh, a nearly unanimous approval. Meanwhile, on Metacritic, the film held an impressive overall score of 84, further solidifying its status as a critical success.

For an R-rated action film, this level of acclaim was nothing short of explosive. But the praise didn't stop with the critics. Disney Studios had gathered internal ratings from theater managers across the country, particularly those in major markets. Their optimism was reflected in the numbers, a staggering average score of 95, suggesting that the people who decide what movies play in which theaters were banking on John Wick 3 as a box office smash.

Disney, ever strategic, secured one of the best possible release slots for the film: the Memorial Day weekend, a prime summer date. Despite its R rating, John Wick 3 was set to debut in over 4,000 theaters across North America, making it one of the widest releases for a film of its kind.

By mid-May, pre-sales for John Wick 3 officially kicked off in North America, and the results were staggering. Within just a week, pre-sale tickets raked in nearly $33 million, a clear indicator of the film's massive appeal. As the numbers continued to climb, Disney and major marketing organizations across North America adjusted their projections. Even the most conservative estimates predicted a first weekend box office haul exceeding $100 million.

Such figures were rare for an R-rated film, especially on its opening weekend. It had been years since Hollywood had seen an R-rated movie break the $100 million mark right out of the gate. The first two films in the John Wick series had already built a formidable fan base, but now, with Martin's star power shining even brighter, the third installment was poised to surpass all expectations.

This success also underscored a broader trend: well-made, non-superhero action films could still dominate the box office. Martin understood this well. To him, the John Wick series felt like the gripping online novels he used to read, thrilling from start to finish. And when it came down to it, most moviegoers worldwide craved the same thing: pure, unadulterated entertainment. Sure, there was a market for darker, more introspective films, but it was far smaller by comparison.

As the days passed and the buzz continued to build, the North American pre-sale box office for John Wick 3 surged past $40 million. Sensing the moment, Davis Studio and Disney Pictures made a major announcement: the *John Wick* cinematic universe would expand further. After the trilogy, they would produce a new film titled The Continental Hotel: New York, centering on Winston as the lead. This news sent ripples of excitement through the fanbase, adding yet another layer of anticipation.

Finally, on the afternoon of May 23rd, the Hollywood Executive Theater buzzed with excitement. The global premiere of John Wick: Chapter 3 was about to begin, and the venue was filled to the brim with attendees dressed in sharp black suits, all eager to witness the next chapter in the saga that had captivated millions. The atmosphere was electric, and the stage was set for what promised to be a cinematic event of the season.