Chapter 95: Cameron Diaz

At the end of 1990, the most popular movie was the low-budget children's comedy Home Alone, released by 20th Century Fox in mid-November.

This comedy, which cost only 18 million dollars to produce, caused a sensation comparable to that of Ghost, which was released in the middle of the year. Home Alone made over 100 million dollars in just one month.

The good word-of-mouth and family-friendly comedic scenes kept the box office numbers soaring. The quirky child character Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin, became a role model for countless kids!

"Now, Macaulay Culkin must be the hottest child star in America," Arthur said as he was leaving the hotel with Winona Ryder. They encountered Macaulay Culkin and his parents, who were also attending the banquet.

Winona Ryder nodded, "He certainly is. The box office for Home Alone is very stable right now. It's highly likely that it will surpass Ghost's 200-million-dollar mark when it goes offline."

"Christmas is still more than ten days away. By then, this movie will explode again!" Arthur laughed, "Let's go. Macaulay Culkin is the golden boy right now, and many movie scripts are looking to cast him."

"Columbia Pictures commissioned Imagine Entertainment to develop a children's romance movie called My Girl and offered him a 3 million dollar salary!"

Imagine Entertainment is an independent studio formed by director Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer after directing the 1984 romantic comedy Splash, starring Tom Hanks.

Ron Howard was not yet the big Hollywood director he would become, and Arthur was paying attention to him, just as he did with Tom Hanks!

"3 million dollars, that's the salary of top Hollywood actresses right now. Only Meg Ryan and Demi Moore can command that much," Winona Ryder estimated that with her standout performance in Edward Scissorhands, she could ask for about 1.2 million dollars.

Arthur nodded, "The salary difference between male and female stars is indeed quite large!"

"Macaulay Culkin is only 10 years old. Is it okay for him to star in such a controversial piece?" Children's romance films are bound to come with controversy, even if expressed subtly.

Arthur started the car, heading towards West Hollywood, "Who knows? Right now, Macaulay Culkin's parents manage his business. The whole family went from rags to riches overnight, and money can easily corrupt people!"

Many Hollywood child stars fell into ruin due to a lack of planning, family upheavals, custody battles after parental divorces, or dropping out of school too early, leading them to alcohol and drugs.

There aren't many child stars like Jodie Foster, who followed a well-planned path and continued schooling!

Thinking about Macaulay Culkin's future, Arthur felt a pang of regret. Family upheaval led him to lose control completely, with drinking, drugs, and partying turning him into the most famous fallen child star.

Back at Winona Ryder's house in West Hollywood, Arthur found a business card left in his pocket by Cameron Diaz.

If he remembered, he might have a chat with her for networking, but Cameron Diaz's prime was short-lived. She was doing well now, but aged quickly and wasn't really Arthur's type!

After his shower, Arthur went to the bedroom and saw Winona Ryder lying in bed. He pounced on her like a hungry tiger.

"Weren't you just tired?" Winona Ryder, embracing Arthur's neck, gave him a sultry look.

"Fully recharged now," Arthur said as he removed Winona Ryder's nightgown and kissed her soft skin.

Winona Ryder closed her eyes, "I have to attend the Edward Scissorhands movie promotion activities soon. Also, there might be events for Mermaids as well, so I'll be a bit busy!"

"Mermaids has promotional activities too?" Arthur lifted his head, leaning his head on his hand with a dubious look.

"How many theaters is it showing in?" Arthur laughed as he caressed Winona's chest.

"It's an art film, so it has special promotions. The timing is to aim for awards. My agent said I did well in it and could be up for the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress," Winona Ryder chuckled.

"Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress?" Arthur sighed, "In Edward Scissorhands, the agent said Johnny Depp should be nominated for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy. Meg Ryan and Julia Roberts will likely be nominated for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy. Can't you get a nomination for your role in Edward Scissorhands?"

"Who knows?" Winona Ryder turned over and pinned Arthur underneath, "Supporting Actress maybe, but not the lead!"

Arthur thought for a moment and said, "When you have time, read some of Jane Austen's novels. When I was in the UK filming To Die For, I discussed this with PolyGram Filmed Entertainment. I'm planning to partner with PolyGram to develop Jane Austen's literary works. Winona, you'd be perfect for playing a classical beauty!"

"That's great. I'll listen to you. Which one will you develop first?" Winona Ryder began kissing Arthur's chest, making him completely relax.

Arthur placed his hand on Winona's smooth back and said, "Emma, and then Pride and Prejudice!"

In his previous life, Winona Ryder had her role in Shakespeare in Love snatched by her friend Gwyneth Paltrow.

Now, by casting Winona Ryder as the lead in the original movie Emma - which was supposed to belong to Gwyneth Paltrow - Arthur was getting even.

"Okay," Winona Ryder responded and slipped under the covers.

"Whew," Arthur looked at the ceiling, placed his hand on Winona's head, and didn't forget to praise, "You keep surprising me more and more!"

While enjoying the service and thinking about Orion Pictures, Arthur made up his mind. He wouldn't miss this great opportunity. He wanted to take over Orion Pictures directly with Galaxy Films.

He believed a bank would be willing to give him a loan to support the acquisition. After all, Orion Pictures couldn't escape bankruptcy. In that case, why not take over now? It might be challenging for others, but not for Arthur!

Pretty soon, Arthur pulled Winona Ryder out of the covers, "Sweetheart, get on your stomach," and then he lay on her back...

*****

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