Chapter 264: No Comment

At the Eugene O'Neill Theatre at the intersection of Broadway and 48th Street, Capet Pictures held the premiere of 300.

Director Zack Snyder, original comic master Frank Miller, and stars Gerard Butler and Lena Headey, along with invited Victoria's Secret supermodel guests, attended the red carpet.

Charles Capet and his mother, Evelyn Capet, who hadn't been seen in public for a while, also attended.

However, the reporters seemed more interested in Charles Capet's recent actions.

"No comment!" Charles didn't know how many times he had said this.

A blonde, busty reporter from The Wall Street Journal asked, "Charles, did you mortgage Capet Entertainment?"

"Heh, no comment!"

"Did you spend a few days in Las Vegas?" The reporter wasn't giving up.

"Yes, played a few days," Charles waved his hand, "Who said I lost money? I clearly won a few thousand dollars.

And tonight is the premiere of my movie. You guys should pay more attention to the film. Don't you want to see the mighty, virile, and hormonally charged Spartan warriors? And those fashionable, sexy Victoria's Secret models?

The movie also has political metaphors. Everyone should buy a ticket and appreciate it!"

After casually answering a few more questions, Charles left the interview area and entered the theater lounge.

Evelyn saw her son, "Find an opportunity to explain, it'll make many reporters lose interest. They're just curious about the lives of the rich!"

"I know, I just don't get it. Who's the jackass spreading rumors that I lost billions of dollars? Does he even know how much a billion dollars is?" Charles pouted in dissatisfaction. "James Bond in Casino Royale couldn't win a billion dollars!"

"Well, that's just the way reporters are. They'll do anything for a story. Sony's Casino Royale was released in 3,400 theaters in North America last Friday, netting a $40.8 million box office in its first weekend!"

Evelyn continued, "Can your 300 compete?"

"Why not? 300 is a fresh war film, and it's opening in more than 3,100 theaters," Charles smiled,

"There are so many female fans out there, drooling over the muscle-bound guys in the movie! The North American market shouldn't be a problem, but it definitely won't match Casino Royale in overseas markets."

It was impossible. Casino Royale had great reviews, and Daniel Craig's physique was perfectly showcased in the film.

Evelyn smiled, "By the way, are you sure you're planning Thor? Eva Green is famous enough, but what about those male actors, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston? Isn't it a problem that they're somewhat unknown?"

Both Eva Green, Chris Hemsworth, and Tom Hiddleston were contracted under ETA.

"What's the problem? Marvel Studios never intended to hire big stars. Movies like these can easily launch the careers of actors. Big stars are expensive and demanding, while new actors are cheap and obedient. Why not go for the latter?" Charles was not worried at all, not just for movies, "The TV show Gossip Girl also hired new actors."

"Next year is Iron Man, and the year after you'll release Thor. You indeed seem confident!" Evelyn completely trusted her son's judgment in movies.

"By the way, Charles, with the success of The Da Vinci Code, does Capet Pictures have plans for Dan Brown's other novels?"

Charles frowned, "Logically, with The Da Vinci Code being so successful, we should develop Dan Brown's other novels. But I'm not too happy with Ron Howard. The success of The Da Vinci Code owes a lot to the book's popularity and the appeal of the religious subject matter.

As for his other novels, the only one worth adapting is the prequel, Angels & Demons. But it can't compare to The Da Vinci Code in terms of suspense and religious atmosphere."

Evelyn was surprised, "But The Da Vinci Code is currently Capet Pictures' highest-grossing film. Isn't it appropriate to develop a sequel?"

Charles shook his head, "Of course, we will develop it, but the script needs to be polished properly. Angels & Demons is far inferior to The Da Vinci Code. I don't want to see a sequel that's just an adventure action movie!"

Evelyn understood Charles's point. Was he thinking about replacing Ron Howard?

"Well, it's your decision. You definitely know more about making movies than I do," Evelyn didn't press further on the topic.

"Oh, Capet Records signed two new singers recently. I like them and think you could sign their management contracts," Charles smiled. "The sales of Taylor Swift's debut album have already proven my point."

Evelyn smiled, "No problem!"

With Charles backing her, Evelyn's business in talent management was developing rapidly. She believed that ETA would soon rise.

"One more thing," Charles decided to remind his mother, "Recently, a private poker circle has emerged in New York. A woman named Princess Molly is organizing poker games for the rich."

*****

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