Chapter 653: Magneto Wins Easily

"What? Warner Pictures isn't happy with Ridley's cut?" Martin's eyebrows arched in mild surprise as Thomas delivered the news. Yet, Martin's reaction betrayed a sense of resignation, a recognition of the industry's familiar pattern—where directorial vision often succumbed to studio demands, a necessary compromise for a film's commercial success.

Seeking clarity, Martin inquired, "What exactly transpired?"

Thomas, ever the diligent assistant, swiftly sought details, relaying Jon Berg's directive to trim the film's runtime to appease scheduling constraints. It was a familiar narrative, one that mirrored past experiences with epic films subjected to studio interventions.

Memories of "Kingdom of Heaven" flashed through Martin's mind, a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between artistic vision and commercial viability. Yet, he understood the inevitability of such occurrences, a prevalent feature of Hollywood's landscape.

To preempt a similar fate for "The Martian," Martin proactively engaged producer Louise, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a concise runtime. Lessons learned from past experiences informed his strategic approach, ensuring clear communication with Ridley.

Amidst preparations for "The Martian," Martin's attention pivoted to "Green Lantern's" looming preview screening. Rumors of extensive CGI usage and exorbitant production costs piqued his interest, prompting closer scrutiny of Ryan Reynolds' superhero venture.

Venturing to the studio, Martin convened with Ridley, discussing meticulous preparations for their upcoming endeavor. While "Pharaohs and Gods" loomed in the background, Martin adopted a deliberate approach, feigning ignorance to avoid stirring unwanted tension.

Yet, challenges loomed on the horizon. Ridley's quest for authenticity necessitated costly revisions to space suit designs, while logistical hurdles impeded location scouting efforts. Despite setbacks, Martin remained undeterred, navigating complexities with seasoned resolve.

With production slated for California, Ridley's meticulous planning minimized costs, ensuring optimal resource allocation for their ambitious project. As the stage was set for "The Martian's" inception, Martin's gaze remained fixed on the horizon, unwavering in his pursuit of cinematic excellence.

As the auditions progressed, Martin's keen eye for talent shone through, securing pivotal roles for Jessica Chastain and Mene, each poised to breathe life into their respective characters. Alongside them, seasoned actors like Jeff Daniels and Sean Bean lent their expertise, enriching the ensemble cast.

Upon arrival, Sean Bean's inquiry about his character's fate elicited a wry smile from Martin. Sensing the weight of Bean's cinematic mortality, Martin reassured him, promising a reprieve from his customary demise. Bean, in turn, expressed genuine relief, relishing the prospect of a character with a more favorable outcome.

Yet, Bean's track record of on-screen fatalities belied his versatility as an actor. Despite his diverse roles, the shadow of impending death often loomed, hindering his Hollywood trajectory. Martin, empathizing with Bean's plight, engaged him in candid conversation, acknowledging the actor's resilience amidst cinematic adversity.

Reflecting on his iconic portrayals, Bean's reverence for Boromir's heroic demise resonated deeply. It was a poignant reminder of the actor's enduring impact, transcending the limitations of scripted mortality.

Meanwhile, Jessica Chastain's gratitude towards Martin was palpable, her agent echoing her sentiment. Martin, ever modest, credited Chastain's talent for her success, downplaying his role in her selection. Their encounter underscored the industry's complex dynamics, wherein talent and opportunity intersect amidst personal and professional challenges.

As Chastain departed, Martin's attention shifted to his awaited guest, poised to discuss matters of mutual interest. With each interaction, the intricate tapestry of Hollywood unfolded, revealing the triumphs and tribulations inherent in the pursuit of cinematic excellence.

As Alan Horn and Robert Egger entered the studio, Martin greeted them warmly, expressing his gratitude to Alan for his support during challenging times. With introductions made, Martin led them on a tour of the bustling studio.

Robert Egger, fresh from a screening of "John Wick 2" at Disney, commended the film's exhilarating experience, highlighting its potential to fill a niche in Disney's cinematic repertoire. Martin, appreciative of Alan's collaboration, acknowledged the opportunity afforded to him by Disney's partnership.

In the design area, meticulous attention to detail was evident as the props team, art directors, and NASA technicians collaborated on intricate designs and models. Each element, from rover prototypes to habitat structures, exuded authenticity, a hallmark of Hollywood's commitment to realism.

Adjacent to the studio, rows of planted potatoes hinted at the film's central theme of survival on Mars, setting the stage for a captivating narrative. Alan Horn, buoyed by the project's prospects, floated the idea of integrating the film's themes into Disney's attractions, envisioning a Mars-themed experience for park visitors.

Robert Egger, intrigued by the proposal, suggested conducting market research post-release to gauge audience interest. Martin, seizing the opportunity, proposed leveraging the film's distinctive aesthetics for merchandise and peripheral products, noting the potential for unique toy designs and collectibles.

As discussions turned to legal considerations, Martin broached the topic of toy taxation, proposing a novel approach to circumvent higher tariffs on human characters. His suggestion, drawing parallels between fictional superheroes and non-human entities, piqued Robert Egger's interest, prompting immediate action to consult Disney's legal team.

Impressed by Martin's ingenuity, Robert Egger wasted no time in convening the legal department, eager to explore the feasibility of his unconventional proposal. As the wheels of bureaucracy turned, Martin couldn't help but ponder the implications of his idea, wondering if it might alter the fate of iconic characters like Professor X and Magneto in the world of Marvel lore.