Chapter 126: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Arthur drove to the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where he met Winona Ryder and her agent, Jessica James.

"Director Coppola wants to see me?" Arthur asked, puzzled. Winona Ryder had called him to join her in a meeting with Francis Coppola to discuss a new script.

"It's an adaptation of Bram Stoker's Gothic vampire novel Dracula. Originally, British director Michael Apted was set to direct," Winona explained, holding Arthur's hand.

"Then, Coppola developed an interest in Dracula himself, deciding to produce and direct it, with Michael Apted as one of the producers. Coppola also talked to me about adapting Jack Kerouac's novel On the Road," Winona continued. "He said he wanted to meet you too!"

"Dracula?" Arthur pondered. This must be the film Bram Stoker's Dracula.

After The Godfather Part III, Winona Ryder had little contact with Francis Coppola and his team. The Godfather Part III received mixed reviews, and Sofia Coppola was heavily criticized for her immature performance in the film. This was exacerbated by articles about the casting controversy that surfaced after the film's release, further tarnishing Sofia Coppola's reputation. A particularly scathing article in Vanity Fair claimed, "Sofia Coppola ruined the entire movie!"

"Arthur, Winona turned down Coppola's project to film your Emma," Jessica James clarified.

"You turned down Coppola?" Arthur looked at Winona.

Winona nodded. "I liked Emma more. Can't I reject Coppola?"

Arthur smiled. "Of course, you can. I just meant that a project by Coppola would certainly have a big budget!"

Arthur sensed lingering resentment in Winona's voice, likely stemming from the fallout over The Godfather Part III.

"Let's go," Arthur patted Winona's shoulder, smiling. "Let's chat with him. If Coppola needs investment, Galaxy can support him!"

Francis Coppola was with Columbia Pictures' president Mike Medavoy, indicating that Columbia would invest in and distribute Bram Stoker's Dracula.

"Arthur, Coppola plans to make a film about Dracula," Mike Medavoy said, glancing at Winona Ryder. "You know about this, right?"

"For the male lead, Coppola chose Gary Oldman. We hope Winona Ryder will play the female lead. There's a supporting role that someone suggested for Keanu Reeves, but Coppola isn't satisfied. He thinks we should find someone younger, sexier, and more appealing to girls."

Arthur glanced at the project proposal and asked casually, "And then?"

"Then, I thought you could play the role, as Winona Ryder's fiancé," Francis Coppola interjected. Since Winona Ryder had turned down the role for Emma, a project by Galaxy, it would be ideal if Arthur Smith and Winona Ryder both joined Bram Stoker's Dracula. This could also mend the strained relationship due to Sofia Coppola's casting in The Godfather Part III.

"Me, act?" Arthur chuckled in surprise as he looked through the project proposal. "How would I have time to act in a movie?"

"My contract with ITA has ended, and I haven't signed with any new agent," Arthur added.

"Arthur, really? Won't you consider it? Don't you like the project?" Mike Medavoy persisted, hoping Arthur would join. This would ensure Winona Ryder's participation and serve as excellent publicity.

"No, the project is good," Arthur said, shaking his head. "Especially with Coppola directing a vampire film. A $60 million budget means the costumes and set design will be elaborate and grand. I have no doubts about Coppola's abilities!"

Arthur, being the head of Galaxy Orion, wasn't about to act in a movie.

Mike Medavoy, understanding Arthur well, asked, "Then, would Galaxy be interested in participating?"

"Galaxy has several self-funded films in development this year. I can't spare the energy," Arthur declined. While Bram Stoker's Dracula would perform decently at the box office, with an estimated $80 million in North America and over $200 million globally, the mixed reviews wouldn't justify the investment, in Arthur's view.

"It's a pity," Francis Coppola sighed, looking at Winona Ryder. "I'd love to work with you. Are you sure you want to turn down this script?"

Winona Ryder shook her head. "I have the commercial film Father of the Bride releasing this year, and I need to promote it. Plus, I really love Arthur's Emma and want to dedicate more time to it."

If Arthur had agreed to act, Winona Ryder might not have refused. But with Arthur clearly uninterested, she stuck to her original plan. Bram Stoker's Dracula was a commercial film, but Winona wasn't particularly interested.

After Arthur and his team left, Mike Medavoy shook his head. "Arthur isn't interested. Let's find another actress for the female lead. Given Arthur and Winona's relationship, the investment in Emma, though not large, is based on a classic English novel and is likely intended for awards. Both The Silence of the Lambs and To Die For, which premiered at Cannes, had standout female leads."

Francis Coppola nodded. "Let's audition and see. We're still in the early stages, and we have time to choose actors carefully."

In reality, it was uncertain whether Bram Stoker's Dracula would start production this year. As for Winona Ryder's excuse, Francis Coppola knew she still harbored resentment.

*****

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