Chapter 869: The New Lead!

Walt Disney Studios' "Beauty and the Beast" production had been in preparation for over a year, with immense resources poured into making this live-action adaptation a spectacular success. With shooting finally underway, producer David Huberman and director Martin took a keen interest in the film's progress, overseeing the intricacies of each scene.

The film's production was entirely studio-bound, relying heavily on cutting-edge visual effects. Even the few outdoor sequences were filmed with just a skeleton crew, intended to be transformed later through green screen technology and CGI. Every detail, from lighting to set design, was engineered to transport viewers into a magical world.

On set, the atmosphere buzzed with creative energy. Saoirse Ronan, in a motion capture suit, gracefully twirled across the studio floor, dancing in perfect rhythm with her co-star. Her movements were fluid and enchanting, effortlessly bringing her character to life. The sweeping melody of a waltz filled the air, complementing the scene's fairytale-like essence.

Hollywood's makeup artistry has always been on par with the world's most advanced cosmetic transformations. Saoirse's look was a testament to this mastery; her transformation into a Disney princess was breathtaking. The subtle enhancements and precision of her makeup elevated her appearance, making her every bit the embodiment of classic elegance. Hollywood's ability to sculpt beauty with such finesse is often compared to the magical transformations seen in the four great Asian cosmetic arts, with results that are nothing short of spellbinding.

As the crew took a brief break, David Huberman confidently remarked, "We should wrap filming by December." His tone was one of certainty, suggesting that they were well on schedule.

Martin, glancing over some production notes, asked, "Have they confirmed a release date yet?"

David nodded. "Of course. Disney has it all mapped out, Thanksgiving next year. It's the perfect time for families to enjoy a bit of enchantment together."

Just then, Saoirse, dressed in an elegant yellow gown reminiscent of Belle's iconic look, approached them. The dress, even in its trial stages, shimmered with an ethereal glow. David, sensing an opportunity to give them some privacy, excused himself, leaving Saoirse and Martin to chat.

With a warm smile, Saoirse greeted him, "Teacher." The title was one she had taken to using affectionately, acknowledging the guidance Martin had provided throughout her career.

Martin's gaze softened as he took in her regal appearance. "You truly look like a princess, my dear," he said with genuine admiration.

Saoirse's eyes sparkled at the compliment. "The costume department has more designs," she offered. "If you like, I can have them make another one. I could even send it your way sometime, just for fun."

There was a hint of playful mischief in her voice as she added in a whisper, "You could wear it, just this princess dress."

Martin chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "You always manage to surprise me with something new."

The exchange reminded Saoirse of a small network of friends she'd been quietly cultivating within the industry. Though she kept her intentions under wraps for now, she was planning something special that would surely delight Martin when the time came.

Switching topics, she asked, "Did you end up casting Sofia for that supporting role in your new project?"

Martin thought back to the auditions from a few days prior. "Yes, she fit the part perfectly."

Saoirse's face lit up. "She's so thankful. Her parents have been really strict with her lately, so she couldn't express her gratitude in person. She asked me to pass on her thanks."

Martin nodded. "Tell her to focus on preparing for the role. That's the best way to show her gratitude."

Saoirse smiled, appreciating his encouragement. After a brief pause, she continued, "I've met some wonderful people recently who admire your work. I'm thinking of organizing a small gathering, maybe a party. I'd love for you to meet them."

Martin could hardly refuse such an earnest invitation. With a knowing smile, he responded, "You handle the details. I trust your taste."

Saoirse's enthusiasm was palpable. "You won't be disappointed, I promise!"

As he watched her retreat, Martin mused on how quickly one's thinking could evolve under Hollywood's influence. In such an environment, even the purest intentions could be reshaped, for better or worse, by the glamour and ambition that permeate the industry.

In the past, people held all sorts of starry-eyed fantasies about celebrities, viewing them through a glamorous lens. Even when rumors swirled, like those about bizarre beauty rituals and secret golf outings, many dismissed them as nothing more than idle gossip. But the infamous Weinstein scandal shattered that illusion, pulling back the curtain on the darker side of fame. Harvey Weinstein, with his very public fall from grace, exposed the raw reality beneath the polished facade.

The floodgates opened after that scandal, with revelations that seemed too outrageous to be true: stories of milk baths and possessive relationships flooded the media, giving the public an unfiltered look into the bizarre ecosystem of celebrity culture. Suddenly, nothing was hidden; the "hidden rules" everyone whispered about were now out in the open.

Martin, who played a pivotal role in exposing Hollywood kingpin Harvey Weinstein, couldn't help but take note of these shifts. The scandal-ridden world of entertainment was something he observed with detached amusement. Of course, Martin's methods were different. He never relied on force, there were always more beautiful women in Hollywood, always another opportunity waiting around the corner.

After wrapping up his visit to the "Beauty and the Beast" set, Martin turned his attention to other projects where he held significant stakes. He first checked in on "Sicario," a tense thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve. The movie had already wrapped shooting and was now in post-production, with a slated release for the following year. Next, he shifted focus to "Whiplash," a passion project by Damien Chazelle that was about to begin production. Disney planned to launch the film into the festival circuit, with Cannes and Venice as key targets, aiming to secure awards before a wider release. For an artistic gem like "Whiplash," the path to success was through critical acclaim.

The next day, Martin, along with Jessica, met with Disney executives to discuss upcoming collaborations between Davis Studio and Disney Pictures. The meeting was more than routine; it was strategic. They discussed not only the existing distribution deals but also charted out future projects. The spotlight was on three live-action adaptations of classic fairy tales: "Cinderella," "The Jungle Book," and "The Lion King." Each of these films would follow the familiar Hollywood model, financed through a mix of investments while securing a 40% stake for Davis Studio. What set these deals apart was Martin's influence: he held creative control over the scripts, filming, and final edits. It was a rare privilege in an industry dominated by corporate decision-making.

Disney had unwavering confidence in Martin. Every project he touched turned to gold. In their eyes, he was even more reliable than Kevin Feige, the mastermind behind "The Avengers." Disney's faith was rooted not just in Martin's track record but in his ability to blend art and commerce, a quality that made him indispensable.

One of the key points in the meeting was Martin's own film, "The Shallows." Although modest in scale and budget, the movie had potential, especially as a genre piece. The film was still in post-production, and Disney's strategy was clear: avoid releasing it in highly competitive windows dominated by blockbuster releases. Instead, they set the premiere for late January, with marketing ramping up after Christmas. While it wouldn't enjoy the flashiest launch, it was a calculated move, aiming for profitability rather than instant buzz.

Even before its release, "The Shallows" had generated substantial attention. Blake Lively, the film's lead, had been actively promoting it across her social media, from Twitter to Instagram, keeping the buzz alive. Martin himself strategically teased content, posters, stills, and sneak peeks, on his own platforms, ensuring the film remained on people's radar.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that both Disney and Martin were aligned in their vision. With so many ambitious projects in the pipeline and a shared history of success, it was only a matter of time before their next big hit graced the silver screen.

Century City, WMA Headquarters.

The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as Dwayne Johnson, flanked by his new agent Raymond and manager Garcia, strode into the sleek, glass-walled conference room. Just a month into his contract with WMA, the agency was pulling out all the stops, determined to leverage Johnson's rising star power. Over the past two years, he'd become a household name, headlining blockbusters and solidifying his position with the "Fast & Furious" franchise. His recent hit, "Hercules," had further cemented him as a bankable A-lister.

As one of WMA's most prized new clients, Johnson was granted unprecedented access to their internal script library, an exclusive vault of potential projects, brimming with everything from indie passion pieces to tentpole blockbusters. For most actors, this would be a dream, but Johnson wasn't about to leave his future entirely in the hands of others. Despite having top-tier managers and advisors, he insisted on personally sifting through each project, evaluating its potential and fit for his brand.

With a focused determination, Johnson scanned through the project briefs. Even the ones marked as high-priority recommendations got no special treatment; he was thorough, methodical, unwilling to settle for anything less than the perfect role.

Beneath his amiable public persona, Johnson was fiercely competitive, a trait that had made waves on the "Fast & Furious" set. Tensions with Vin Diesel were no secret, what began as professional rivalry soon escalated to an all-out power struggle. Johnson, determined to claim the alpha spot, even harbored ambitions of taking over the franchise. Fate intervened when Diesel's life was tragically cut short in a shooting incident, leaving a power vacuum in the "Fast & Furious" family.

Now, with "Fast & Furious 7" in development, Johnson's ambitions burned brighter than ever. He was pushing himself to outshine Paul Walker, determined to fill the void left by Diesel and establish himself as the new linchpin of the series. His playbook was clear: apply pressure on the studio, negotiate his character into the spotlight, and position himself as the franchise's undisputed leader.

But one successful series wasn't enough to secure superstardom. Johnson needed more, more hits, more iconic roles, more blockbusters like "Hercules" that could build his brand beyond a single franchise.

He continued browsing the endless list of scripts, works from both veteran screenwriters and fresh talent. But he had a system. First, he filtered out scripts from unproven writers, no time to gamble on unknowns. Then, he narrowed the field further, eliminating anything without a dominant, strong male lead. The criteria were simple: the role needed to be larger-than-life, heroic, and capable of anchoring a high-octane blockbuster.

Script after script was rejected. The process was draining, and after hours of combing through proposals, Johnson rubbed his temples, trying to ward off the growing headache.

Sensing his frustration, Garcia, who was not only his manager but also his ex-wife, leaned in with a suggestion. "Dwayne, check out A-45. The synopsis caught my eye, it's about a firefighter who risks everything to save his family during an earthquake."

Intrigued, Johnson quickly entered the script's serial number. "Is it 'San Andreas'?" he asked, his voice betraying a flicker of interest.

Garcia nodded. "Exactly."

Johnson's eyes darted across the first few pages, and a grin began to form. The premise was exactly his kind of role: a rugged hero facing down a cataclysmic disaster, battling against impossible odds to save his loved ones. The script ticked all the boxes, action-packed, emotional stakes, and set against the backdrop of the infamous San Andreas fault line, which, much like the Yellowstone supervolcano, was a familiar source of fascination and fear across America.

In many ways, the role felt tailor-made for him, a mix of physicality and heart, showcasing both the strength and vulnerability that defined his on-screen presence. For a moment, Johnson felt the thrill of finding a project that could elevate his career to new heights.

But before that excitement could fully blossom, reality tempered his enthusiasm.

The project was clearly marked as "taken," signaling that it was already claimed. Dwayne Johnson's eyes narrowed as he read the names on the label, Davis Film Studios and Martin Davis. The realization hit him immediately.

He glanced over at his agent, Raymond. "So, Martin Davis snatched this one?"

Raymond nodded, his expression tight. "Martin is WMA's top client. He gets first pick on all major projects before anyone else even sees them."

Johnson rubbed his bald head, silently contemplating the situation. He didn't like being second in line, especially not when it came to a role that seemed tailor-made for him.

Sensing the tension, Garcia, his manager, motioned for everyone else in the room to leave. Once it was just the three of them, Garcia leaned in, his voice low but firm. "This script is perfect for Dwayne. He just signed with WMA; he needs a high-profile project to solidify his position as a top-tier star."

Raymond, ever pragmatic, shook his head. "The rights have already been purchased by Martin's studio. We should focus on something else."

Johnson wasn't the type to back down easily. "Can't we negotiate to buy it from Davis Studio?" he asked, his tone edging toward determination.

Garcia quickly pulled up more details on the project, scanning the character breakdown. "Wait, is Martin planning to star in this himself?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

Raymond nodded. "That's the word going around. But I've heard he's not thrilled with the script as it stands. He's brought in Carlton Cuse's team for rewrites, though what exactly they're changing is still under wraps."

Garcia examined the script with more scrutiny. "Honestly, this role doesn't seem to fit Martin at all. The character's backstory married, divorced, with a teenage daughter, doesn't align with his typical image. Dwayne is a much better fit. Age, look, even personality, it all clicks perfectly."

Raymond sighed, "It's not about who fits the role better. The project's already locked under Martin's control."

Johnson, however, wasn't ready to let it go. He pulled up Martin Davis in the agency's database, scrolling through the list of his upcoming projects. Several titles popped up, all tied to Davis Studio and marked as WMA-managed productions.

"Has Davis Studio officially greenlit the project?" Johnson asked, raising an eyebrow.

Raymond shook his head. "No, not yet. Martin's been working closely with WMA for years. As soon as they do, the database will update the status."

Johnson leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, but his mind was racing. This was exactly the kind of role he'd been hunting for, action-packed, emotionally grounded, with blockbuster potential. "We should at least reach out to Martin. Let's see if we can buy it off him. No harm in asking, right?"

Raymond hesitated. "You really think that's a good idea? It might be awkward."

Johnson flashed a confident smile. "What's the worst that could happen? We get a no? Let's see if they're open to talks. If it doesn't work out, we just move on. But if it does, this could be huge."

Garcia jumped in, sensing an opportunity. "Don't forget, Dwayne's Seven Bucks Productions could also help finance the film. We'd bring more to the table than just star power."

Raymond, realizing there was no swaying Johnson's resolve, reluctantly pulled out his phone. With a deep breath, he dialed Thomas Lane, Martin Davis' right-hand man. "Hey Thomas, it's Raymond. My client, Dwayne Johnson, is interested in discussing a potential collaboration with Martin. Could we set up a meeting? It's something important."

As he waited for a response, Johnson and Garcia exchanged a knowing look. For them, this wasn't just about a script, it was about seizing the next big opportunity. And in Hollywood, you don't get ahead by waiting for things to fall into your lap, you take the shot, even if it's a long one.

Martin was at WMA, deep in conversation with Thomas, when his phone buzzed. Glancing at the screen, he noted the caller ID and, without hesitation, asked them to come over directly. He could sense that this was going to be interesting.

Five minutes later, in the exclusive, dimly lit senior partners' meeting room, Martin found himself face-to-face with none other than Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and his entourage. The air in the room seemed to shift, there was an undeniable charisma about Johnson, even before he spoke.

Known for his warm, broad smile that perfectly complements his "big brother" persona on and off the screen, Johnson exuded confidence. He was Hollywood's charismatic titan, known for cracking jokes just as much as cracking heads on screen. But Martin, a seasoned player in the industry, knew better than to be fooled by appearances. Rumors swirled in Hollywood like wildfire, and Martin had heard more than his fair share. Every star, especially those of Johnson's stature, had a hidden side. For instance, the much-publicized feud between Johnson and Vin Diesel was still the talk of the industry. Who was in the right? Who was in the wrong? That was a riddle only the inner circle of the "Fast & Furious" crew could decipher. Yet, whispers on set also pointed to Johnson's infamous habit of being fashionably late.

As Johnson approached, that signature grin plastered on his face, he extended a hand toward Martin. "I've been wanting to meet you for ages, but fate never lined things up. First thing I did when I got to WMA was make sure to come see you," Johnson said, his voice warm but with a slight undertone of formality.

Martin, experienced enough to take these compliments with a grain of salt, returned the smile. "The feeling's mutual. You're one of my favorite action stars. I used to watch your wrestling matches all the time."

The pleasantries continued until they took their seats. Then, with the ice sufficiently broken, Johnson steered the conversation toward his real purpose. "I heard about a film project being developed, something adapted from the San Andreas Fault. I asked Raymond if the project was under your studio."

Martin nodded, understanding where this was heading. "You mean *San Andreas*, by Carlton Cuse?"

Johnson's eyes gleamed with recognition. "Exactly! That's the one."

"Yeah, we acquired the rights a few months ago," Martin confirmed, keeping his tone casual. He could already predict where the conversation was headed.

Leaning in slightly, Johnson continued, trying to sound nonchalant though his eagerness was evident. "I noticed your schedule is jam-packed for the next few years, Martin... I don't want to overstep, but I was wondering if there might be room for collaboration on this project?"

Martin's gaze sharpened as he asked, "What exactly are you suggesting?"

After a brief pause, Johnson went for the pitch. "Well, I was hoping your company might consider selling the rights. You can name any price, Martin."

In Hollywood, deals like these weren't uncommon, but Martin had no intention of letting this one go. He shook his head with practiced diplomacy. "I'm afraid I have to say no."

Undeterred but sensing the boundary, Johnson pivoted to a backup plan. "Alright, how about we discuss me playing the lead role?"

But Martin's vision for the project was already set in stone. He had tweaked the script, shaped it to align with his goals, and there was no going back. "Unfortunately, we've already locked in the direction of the film. But I'm sure we'll have the chance to work together in the future," he replied, offering a polite exit.

Johnson's smile faltered, just for a moment, revealing a flash of disappointment. Still, the consummate professional, he masked it quickly, thanked Martin for his time, and made a gracious exit. Despite the polite farewell, it was clear: for all the pleasantries exchanged, Hollywood remained a battleground where not all smiles were as warm as they seemed.