Chapter 844: Emma Watson's Seduction!

Every few years, musicals experience a resurgence, captivating audiences once again with their timeless charm.

Inside Disney Studios' "Beauty and the Beast" production office, the air was thick with anticipation. Alan Horn, the studio's seasoned executive, stood alongside director Bill Condon, both intently examining the latest costume designs. "Martin gave us a winning demonstration," Alan remarked with a nod of approval, "Now, it's up to you."

Bill, fresh from reading the industry buzz about the success of "La La Land," felt a surge of pressure. The film's triumph had set a new benchmark for musicals, and the expectations were high. Suddenly, an audacious thought struck him. "CEO," Bill ventured, his voice tinged with both excitement and hesitation, "What if we ask Martin to play the Beast?"

Alan Horn blinked, clearly taken aback. "You really think it's feasible? Getting a top Hollywood star to play a role where his true face is barely seen?"

Bill knew it was a long shot, bordering on the fantastical. But what if it worked? "Why not at least ask?" he persisted.

Alan, ever pragmatic, cut him off with a raised hand. "No need, Bill. Do you think I didn't already try?"

The realization dawned, and Bill couldn't help but sigh, letting go of the fleeting hope.

Martin's work on "La La Land" had indeed proven that when crafted with care, musicals could still command a formidable market presence. The film's success hinted at a resurgence, a reawakening of audience love for the genre.

As they pondered this, Alan's phone rang. He answered with a broad smile, "Martin! Congratulations, 'La La Land' is a box office sensation... Haha, yes, Disney Pictures will definitely support with more promotion. This is easily a film that could exceed $200 million in North American box office. We're aiming for $250 million and beyond."

Bill, listening in, couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. He knew that the director of "La La Land" was a young talent, barely in his 30s, and this was only his second major film. Luck had played a part, yes, but so had seizing the right moment. Bill couldn't shake the thought that the box office for this one film might eclipse the total earnings of all his movies combined.

Who wouldn't want a slice of that success?

As Alan Horn departed, the studio buzzed with the ongoing preparations. Bill returned to his office, only to be greeted by a visitor: Jason Weinberg, a well-known agent from CAA. The two men shook hands warmly. "Did Amber give you a call?" Jason asked, referring to Bill's own agent, also from CAA.

Bill nodded, a friendly smile on his face. "She did. I've cleared my schedule to meet with you."

Jason had come with a clear agenda. "The film is holding its third round of auditions for the role of Belle. Emma Watson is very keen on this part. Could you look out for her during the process?"

Bill considered this for a moment. "I like Emma as well," he admitted. "I think she's a better fit for Belle than Saoirse Ronan, whom Disney has been pushing. But Jason, you know my hands are tied. As the director, I can recommend, but I don't have the final say."

Emma Watson was Jason's top client, but since the conclusion of the "Harry Potter" series, her career had hit a rough patch. The "Shitgate" scandal had also done no favors for her reputation. Hollywood was a place with a short memory, always eager to welcome the next big star, and Emma was at risk of being forgotten. For her to regain her footing, she needed a significant role like Belle.

"Who else has a say in casting besides Martin Davis?" Jason probed, clearly seeking a way in.

Bill pointed out the window, towards the Disney headquarters. "Alan Horn, president and co-chairman of Walt Disney Studios. But in all honesty, when it comes to film decisions, Alan really values Martin Davis's input. You know how it is, Jason, follow the successful ones, and you can't go wrong."

Jason nodded in understanding. "I get it. Align with the winners, and hope their luck rubs off."

Bill leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "You can rest assured on my end. I'll recommend Emma for the role, but to land the lead, you're going to need Martin's backing. And as for Martin… well, I've heard that one of the contenders, Saoirse Ronan, is actually his student. Rumor has it, she and Emma don't exactly see eye to eye."

Jason's eyes narrowed with determination. "Student or not, you have to use every connection you've got to pave the way to the top," he said, dismissing the challenge with a wave of his hand. Jason had absolute confidence in Emma's abilities. "What Saoirse can do, Emma can do better! And let's be honest, Emma is far more striking."

Bill nodded, understanding the agent's determination. "That's all I can do for now. Good luck."

As soon as Jason left Bill's office, he wasted no time in making calls to track down Martin. Within minutes, CAA had the answer: Martin was out of town, busy with "La La Land" promotional tours, and wouldn't be back in Los Angeles for some time.

Undeterred, Jason went to meet with Emma Watson, laying out plans to make their move once Martin returned to LA.

Meanwhile, Martin was caught up in the whirlwind of promoting "La La Land," traveling from city to city. It wasn't until the Thanksgiving holiday that he managed to return to Atlanta, spending a few precious days with Elena.

Thanksgiving weekend was a triumph for "La La Land," with the film pulling in nearly $20 million at the box office in just one day. The musical, despite some initial doubts about its leading lady, had become one of the most talked-about films of the season.

However, the joy was short-lived. As the weekend progressed and new films were released, "La La Land" was knocked from its top spot. Warner Bros. and DC Films had launched their next big blockbuster, "Man of Steel," with a massive opening weekend, pulling in $115 million at the North American box office.

Superman was still a force to be reckoned with.

Yet, as with many of Zack Snyder's films, "Man of Steel" proved polarizing. Critics were split, with praise mostly focused on the high-octane action scenes, while the storyline drew significant criticism. Snyder, known for his visually stunning yet often overstuffed films, had once again tried to cram too much into a standard-length movie, leaving many viewers feeling overwhelmed and unsatisfied.

Despite this, the film's box office numbers were undeniable. But the mixed reviews meant that the buzz around "Man of Steel" quickly began to fade, especially as "La La Land" continued to perform steadily in its second weekend, bringing in another $38.95 million.

By the end of the Thanksgiving holiday, "La La Land" had racked up an impressive $145 million at the North American box office. The film's reputation was soaring, with critics and audiences alike singing its praises.

"La La Land is one of the best movies of the year."

"This film has sparked a revival of the musical genre."

"The dance sequences are breathtaking, and the director's control over the film is nothing short of masterful."

With such acclaim, both Davis Studio and Disney Pictures were gearing up to push "La La Land" as a major contender in the upcoming awards season.

Martin, always humble, was realistic about his chances. "My dancing in the film is decent," he admitted to close friends, "but my singing is just passable. I'm not even expecting a Best Actor nomination."

Saoirse Ronan, on the other hand, had her sights set on a Best Actress nod.

But for all involved, the real prize was Best Picture. That was where "La La Land" had the best shot at making history.

The success of "Man of Steel" felt like a long-awaited dawn for Warner Bros. and DC Films, who had been lingering under the dark cloud cast by the catastrophic failure of "Green Lantern." Now, with this victory under their belts, it seemed as though the storm was finally clearing, allowing the bright sunshine of hope to shine down on their cinematic universe.

To celebrate and send a clear message that the Justice League cinematic universe was off to a strong start, Warner Bros. and DC Films wasted no time in throwing a grand celebration party right after Thanksgiving weekend. The event was held in the opulent banquet hall of the Burbank Hotel, with the room brimming with media, industry peers, and A-list guests.

Martin, as both producer and leading actor in the DC film project, was naturally on the guest list. He moved through the throng, noting the jubilant atmosphere. Kevin Tsujihara, CEO of Warner Bros., and Walter Hamada, head of DC Films, were in high spirits, clinking glasses with anyone within reach.

Zack Snyder, the director behind "Man of Steel," was practically surrounded by Warner executives, basking in the glow of their attention. It was clear he had become Warner Bros.' new golden boy, seemingly stepping into the spotlight previously occupied by Christopher Nolan.

Meanwhile, Henry Cavill, the new face of Superman, was also drawing his fair share of admiration and attention. The mood in the room was electric, after the stumbling start with "Green Lantern," it felt like the Justice League universe had finally found its footing, with the potential to catch up to Marvel's Avengers juggernaut.

Standing on the periphery, Nolan observed the scene with a discerning eye. He leaned toward Martin and murmured, "They're getting ahead of themselves."

Martin nodded, understanding the caution in Nolan's voice. "Success is never a sure thing."

Nolan glanced around, ensuring their conversation remained private, then added, "The reviews for 'Man of Steel' are mixed. If we don't tread carefully, the road ahead might be rockier than they expect."

Martin was about to reply when he caught sight of Gal Gadot across the room, flashing a warm smile his way. He returned the nod and turned back to Nolan, saying, "You know how it is with the execs at Warner and DC, they see one bright spot and think it's a beacon."

Just then, Martin noticed Emma Watson strolling past Gal Gadot. Her expression was tense, as though she were lost in thought. He couldn't help but muse to himself, 'She hasn't clashed with J.K. Rowling yet, has she?'

Martin filed the thought away for later, already considering a chat with Nicholson to see if they could stir the pot over at the "Harry Potter" camp. He knew the old actor loved a bit of mischief, and the idea of causing some drama among the wizards would surely amuse him.

Meanwhile, Kevin Tsujihara was gathering everyone involved in the DC films, Martin, Nolan, and the rest of the key players, for a more intimate toast. "Man of Steel" is a huge success, and no one deserves more credit than our director, Zack Snyder!" Kevin raised his glass high, clearly elevating Snyder's stature in the room. "Let's all toast to Director Snyder!"

In these situations, everyone knew the drill. Glasses were raised, and congratulations flowed freely toward Snyder, who accepted the praise with a modest smile, but it was clear he was reveling in the moment.

Kevin, who had been under fire from critics within the film industry for years, finally had a reason to stand tall. With a proud smile, he addressed the group, his voice filled with renewed energy. "We've made a fantastic start, and we have to keep this momentum going. Our old rival Marvel might be ahead for now, but I firmly believe DC can and will catch up."

He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing with a confident grin. "Compared to Marvel's superhero movies, our DC films have their own unique strengths, and we're going to double down on those moving forward!"

Jeremy Irons, the Oscar-winning actor who had just been cast as Alfred the butler, raised an eyebrow and asked with genuine curiosity, "And what exactly are those strengths? I've been paying close attention to this as I prepare for my role."

Walter Hamada stepped in to answer, his tone almost dismissive. "Look at the action scenes in 'Man of Steel.' Compared to that, Marvel's fight choreography looks like a playground scuffle between elementary school kids."

His comment sparked a ripple of agreement around the room. Heads nodded as the guests recalled the intense, city-leveling battles in "Man of Steel." The sheer scale of destruction was something that set it apart from anything Marvel had done so far.

Indeed, the action in "Man of Steel" was worthy of the superhero title, epic in scope and devastating in execution. It wasn't just about saving the day; it was about leaving a lasting impact, something that could potentially define the DC cinematic universe for years to come.

Martin and Nolan exchanged amused glances and couldn't help but chuckle. If they were to seriously compare, the action choreography in "The Dark Knight" would barely qualify as a playground scuffle, let alone a kindergarten fight.

Kevin Tsujihara, catching their reaction, turned his attention back to Zack Snyder. With a tone that left no room for negotiation, he declared, "We've made a strong start, but the second step is crucial. You need to accelerate the preparations. 'Batman v Superman' must be ready for release by the 2014 holiday season at the latest."

Zack Snyder felt the weight of those words hit him like a ton of bricks. A movie of this magnitude would typically need a year just for pre-production, followed by another year for shooting and post-production. To meet the 2014 holiday deadline, they were already on a tightrope with little room for error.

But Kevin wasn't about to let Snyder off the hook. "We're already trailing behind Marvel. If we don't catch up, DC risks being left in the dust."

The decisive edge in Kevin's voice was unmistakable as he added, "One more thing, I'm planning to add a subtitle to the film. We'll officially call it 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.' This will set the stage for the Justice League movie."

Zack nodded, the reality of the situation sinking in. "I agree."

With the conversation drawing to a close, Martin and Nolan decided to move on, leaving Zack to grapple with the enormous task ahead. Though Nolan had initially recommended Zack to Warner, the Nolan brothers had since distanced themselves from the Justice League project following "Man of Steel." Now, their only tie to DC's cinematic universe was Martin's involvement in "Joker."

As they prepared to part ways, Zack approached Nolan, clearly wanting a private word. Martin, ever the diplomat, gracefully excused himself to give them space.

As he moved across the room, Gal Gadot, stunning in a sleek dress that accentuated her long legs, was making her way toward him. But she paused when she saw someone else beat her to the punch: Emma Watson.

Emma, dressed in a light yellow evening gown that highlighted her features, confidently pulled out a chair and sat across from Martin. She greeted him with a smile that revealed her signature dimple. "Good evening, Martin."

"Good evening, Miss Watson," Martin replied, though he couldn't help but think that her dimpled smile gave her a slightly off-kilter look.

Emma wasted no time getting to the point. "Are you here alone tonight? I didn't see your girlfriend."

"I came with Director Nolan," Martin replied coolly. "I didn't bring a date."

Emma's agent, Jason, had been crystal clear: if she could get close to Martin, it might secure her the role of Belle in "Beauty and the Beast." Emma was confident in her charms, after all, she had a track record of rapidly changing boyfriends. Flashing her dimpled smile again, she leaned in slightly. "It just so happens that I'm single too. Why don't we spend the evening together?"

Her proposition was anything but subtle. It was a straightforward offer, and Martin understood exactly what she was suggesting. But all he could think about was a particularly unflattering incident involving Emma at the Disney studio, where a prank left her with yellow stains on her dress. The image, though ridiculous, was burned into his mind. Despite knowing it was a prank, the association was too strong, and his interest in her had evaporated.

Plus, there was the matter of Emma's ongoing feud with Saoirse Ronan, someone Martin had come to respect.

Politely but firmly, he declined. "Sorry, my girlfriend is actually coming to pick me up later."

Emma's smile faltered, the rejection clearly stinging. Still, she pressed on, "We could have a wonderful night together."

Martin glanced at his watch, then stood up. "I should be going now."

Without waiting for her response, he walked away, leaving Emma to stew in her frustration. She bit her lip, anger simmering just beneath the surface, but there was nothing she could do to change his mind.

Martin made his way over to the organizers, stopping to exchange a few words with Kevin Tsujihara and Hamada before taking his leave.

As for Emma, she was already a fading thought as he stepped out of the hotel and into the cool night air, ready to put the evening behind him.