Chapter 196: Paramount's Future Troubles

In Burbank, Los Angeles, Charles Capet was in his office, chatting with Keira Knightley about her movie Atonement.

The film was an adaptation of a famous novel by contemporary British novelist Ian McEwan. It told a story of love, guilt, and war.

"James McAvoy is the male lead, right? He also starred as the lead in Becoming Jane, if I remember correctly," Charles said, looking at the cast list of Atonement. He was quite surprised at the choice of actors but thought it was a good one.

Young actress Saoirse Ronan was also in the cast, alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, who would later become the curly-haired Sherlock Holmes in the series Sherlock and Doctor Strange in Marvel movies.

"James McAvoy has a strong theatrical background and the right look for an art film. His role as Mr. Tumnus in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe also showed off his acting skills. His schedule is packed this year," Keira Knightley noted. Although she was only 21, her fame and influence were far beyond that of a newcomer like James McAvoy.

Keira could voice her opinions on the choice of the male lead, and the director would definitely take her opinions into account.

Charles nodded. James McAvoy was definitely a handsome young actor with both looks and talent. Plus, British actors often exuded a classical charm that American actors sometimes lacked. This was an advantage for British actors.

"Many behind-the-scenes workers are from the Pride & Prejudice crew, the filming should go more smoothly," Keira Knightley said. She had just been nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress for her role in the romance film Pride & Prejudice.

Although Atonement was not as well-known as Pride & Prejudice, its plot contained elements of crime and war mixed with romance. Compared to Jane Austen's love story Pride & Prejudice, Atonement had a more modern feel and offered a deeper exploration of human nature.

Charles nodded, picturing a typical early 20th-century British love story set against manor houses and beautiful countryside scenery.

Keira Knightley had a good eye for picking movies, he thought.

"In terms of literature, the UK is much stronger than the US. So much of American literature is filled with desire and capitalist hedonism," Charles said, shaking his head. History is the foundation's reflection, and culture is the way it expresses itself.

Keira Knightley smiled, clearly agreeing with Charles. But she knew that the UK and the US were practically one, so it wasn't necessary to draw a strict line.

Disney's adaptation of the British children's fantasy novel The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe had been released at the end of last year, earning more than seven hundred million dollars worldwide.

Following the success of Harry Potter, it was another hit children's fantasy series. Disney allocated a budget of over 200 million dollars for the sequel, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

"By the way, Charles, this year is the World Cup year. Do you have a favorite team?" Keira Knightley asked suddenly.

"Favorite team? France and Italy," Charles responded after a brief pause. His quick response showed that the previous World Cup had had a significant impact on him.

Keira Knightley was persistent, continuing to ask, "No dark horses?"

Charles buried his face in his hand, "Keira, last time I just picked randomly and got lucky. You can always bet on the lower-ranking teams if you want!"

Keira laughed, "I'm just asking. Even if I support a team, it's going to be my home country, England!"

"Don't worry, England has no chance. The newspapers say they have their strongest lineup this year. Trust me, don't go to Germany. Your England team is just like our USA team, just filler!"

Keira Knightley pouted. Comparing the USA team to the England team? Could the USA even make it past the group stage this year?

"Charles, I took you to see a match at Stamford Bridge last year. I'm a West Ham United fan from East London, so I rarely go to see Chelsea's matches in West London," Keira reminded him.

He was really underestimating the England team! The Premier League had already surpassed Serie A to become the world's top league.

"Alright, if you want to have some fun, you could place a little on France and Italy. I've always had a good eye. Besides, how many dark horses are there really?" Charles said, patting the girl on the shoulder.

Keira Knightley shook her head, "I recently saw news about you. It used to be all about your scandals or movies doing well at the box office. Lately, though, they've been bringing up stories about you from the last World Cup again."

Not only had Charles made 200 million euros in cash, but he also became a shareholder in LV. Who wouldn't be envious?

"Journalists sure have sharp noses. Even after a long time, they're still rehashing old stories to grab attention. You've got to hand it to these guys," Charles shook his head, not caring much about the gossip.

"Alright then, I'll be off now!"

Charles nodded, "Let's have dinner sometime when I'm free."

After Keira Knightley left, Phyllis Jones walked into the office.

"The Lives of Others has been released in Germany and is getting great reviews and box office returns!"

Charles glanced at her casually, "It's just a foreign art film. Why get excited?"

"This is the first foreign film our company is distributing. It's meaningful!" Phyllis Jones retorted, clearly peeved.

Charles mused for a moment. It was true that the film was in its original German language. "What's our promotional plan here?"

"It will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York next month, and then we'll expand its release from there, starting small and relying on word of mouth to grow. It's the usual play for distribution companies, and it helps save on advertising costs," Phyllis responded quickly.

Charles nodded. This kind of small task wasn't something he needed to spend energy on.

"What's the opening movie for this summer's blockbuster season?"

"Paramount's Mission: Impossible III, it's the first summer blockbuster of the year!"

When Charles heard it was Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible III, a faint smile crossed his lips.

Last year, Tom Cruise's series of bizarre and illogical antics had made him a laughingstock, and his new relationship with actress Katie Holmes had been all over the tabloids.

It seemed Paramount and Tom Cruise's long-standing partnership was about to end. Without a guaranteed box office draw like Tom Cruise, Paramount would have a tough time.

After all, DreamWorks Animation had high box office returns, but without the Transformers series, Paramount's future looked bleak.

Moreover, his Marvel Studios hadn't signed a film distribution contract with Paramount like in his previous life.

*****

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